La Liga Showdown: Levante vs. Athletic Bilbao – More Than Just a Game

Athletic Bilbao travels to face Levante this Saturday in a match that, on paper, looks straightforward. Bilbao, sitting comfortably mid-table, should handle a struggling Levante fighting to escape the relegation zone. Yet, anyone who’s followed La Liga knows predictions rarely hold up.

Levante finds themselves in 19th place, burdened by a leaky defense – the second-worst in the league. They’re desperate for points, and a home game against Bilbao offers a glimmer of hope, despite their recent run of losses. They last tasted league victory at the beginning of October, a distant memory now. A win here could be a massive morale boost and kickstart their climb out of the relegation quagmire.
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Bilbao, currently eighth, has European aspirations. The problem? Their form has been inconsistent. A heavy defeat to Barcelona last weekend won’t help team morale. They struggle to find the net, which doesn’t bode well against a team that, despite defensive woes, is fighting for its life. Their Champions League campaign is also faltering. They need to start converting opportunities if they want to climb the La Liga table.

Historically, Bilbao dominates this fixture. But, dig deeper, and you see a trend: recent clashes have been tighter, more often than not ending in draws. Perhaps Levante has figured out how to frustrate the Basque side.

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Levante’s injury list is manageable. The absence of Pablo Martinez stings, but Julian Calero has options. Much of their hopes rest on the shoulders of Etta Eyong and Ivan Romero. They’ve been the bright spots in Levante’s attack, and they’ll need to be clinical against Bilbao.

Ernesto Valverde, on the other hand, faces a selection headache. Yeray Alvarez is suspended, and a string of injuries sidelines key players like Inaki Williams, and Oihan Sancet. Nico Williams’ return from injury, though, provides a spark of creativity. How Valverde reshapes his lineup will be crucial.

What to Watch

This game is about more than just goals. It’s about pressure. Can Levante withstand the pressure of their position and capitalize on Bilbao’s vulnerabilities? Can Bilbao, depleted by injuries and suspensions, rediscover their scoring touch?

I’ll be watching the midfield battle closely. Levante needs to disrupt Bilbao’s rhythm and prevent them from dictating play. For Bilbao, winning the midfield unlocks their attack. Consider the tactical approaches. Will Levante sit back and try to hit on the counter? Will Bilbao dominate possession? The first 20 minutes will set the tone.

Prediction

On paper, Bilbao should win. However, Levante’s desperation and Bilbao’s injury woes make this a tricky call. I’m leaning towards a draw. I suspect Levante will scrap and claw their way to a point. Prediction: Levante 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

Key Takeaways for Football Fans

Levante’s fight for survival: Don’t underestimate their determination. They will fight for every point. Athletic Bilbao’s inconsistency: They are a talented team, but they lack consistency. Injury impact: Injuries are shaping both teams lineups, so expect some surprises. Midfield Battle: Watch how the midfield unfolds. Tactical Flexibility: Can Levante adopt a defensive shape and adopt counterattacking football?

Broader La Liga Trends

This match mirrors some wider trends in La Liga. The gap between the top and bottom clubs seems to be shrinking. More often now, struggling teams are capable of taking points off established sides. This is making the league more competitive and harder to predict. Injuries will always play a key role in disrupting team dynamics. Managers must know how to handle their squad effectively.

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Keywords: Levante vs Athletic Bilbao, La Liga prediction, Levante relegation battle, Athletic Bilbao injuries, La Liga trends, Etta Eyong, Ivan Romero, Nico Williams