Athletic Bilbao vs Levante Predictions, Betting Tips & Match Preview
Levante travel to San Mamés to face an Athletic Bilbao side looking to arrest a run of inconsistent form in La Liga. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:15 on Sunday, with both teams in desperate need of points, albeit for different reasons: Athletic are trying to climb back into the top half, while Levante battle to escape the relegation zone. Read on for our expert match preview, key stats, betting tips, and player spotlight ahead of this crucial encounter.
Match Overview
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | La Liga |
| Matchday | 23 |
| Date | Sunday, 8 February 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 15:15 (UK) |
| Venue | San Mamés, Bilbao |
| Broadcast | LaLigaTV, Premier Sports |
Key Predictions & Confidence Score
| Market | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Result | Athletic Bilbao to win | ★★★★☆ |
| Correct Score | 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao | ★★★☆☆ |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | ★★★☆☆ |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | Over 2.5 | ★★★☆☆ |
Top Betting Tips & Value Analysis
1. Value Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Odds: 1/1 with Betfair
Value Rating: ★★★★☆
Analysis: Both sides have found the net with reasonable consistency but also struggled defensively in recent outings. Athletic Bilbao have scored in four of their last five home games, and their 21 goals this season come with a modest 45.33% shot accuracy – meaning they regularly test opposition keepers. Levante, meanwhile, have scored 24 times in 21 matches, with their top scorer Etta Eyong slightly outperforming his xG (five goals from 4.43 xG). Both teams have also conceded more than 30 goals this campaign, with only nine clean sheets between them, indicating defensive frailties. This points strongly to both nets bulging on Saturday night.
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2. Player Prop Bet: Karl Edouard Blaise Etta Eyong (Levante) – To Score Anytime
Odds: 7/2 with SkyBet
Value Rating: ★★★☆☆
Analysis: Etta Eyong has been Levante’s most potent attacking weapon, netting five times in the league and boasting a shot accuracy of 37.5%. He is outperforming his expected goals and has proved clinical when chances do fall his way, even in a struggling side. Athletic Bilbao have kept just five clean sheets all season and have conceded in three of their last four home matches. With Levante likely to play on the counter, Eyong’s pace and movement could be decisive, making him a solid price to find the net at any time.
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In-Depth Match Analysis
Recent Form and Performance
Athletic Bilbao are 11th in La Liga, having played 22 matches, won seven, drawn four, and lost eleven. They have scored 21 goals and conceded 31, a goal difference of -10, and have managed a win rate of 32%. Despite decent underlying numbers (32.56 xG), they have underperformed in front of goal, converting fewer chances than expected and often being punished for defensive lapses.
Levante find themselves in 19th place, with just four wins from 21 matches. They have scored 24 goals (slightly above their 23.92 xG) and conceded 34 – a gap indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Their win percentage stands at just 19%, and they have only four clean sheets to their name, underlining a leaky backline.
Tactical Breakdown
Bilbao typically operate with a possession-based style, averaging 49.5% possession per match and an 80.6% pass accuracy. They build patiently but have been guilty of lacking a cutting edge in the final third, as shown by 32 big chances created but the same number missed. Expect them to push high at home, seeking to dominate territory and force errors from a fragile Levante defence.
Levante are more direct, averaging just 41.3% possession and a 78.1% pass accuracy. They rely on quick transitions and direct balls to their forwards, with Etta Eyong and Morales offering threat on the break. With less pressure to dictate play, they will likely sit deep and try to exploit Bilbao’s gaps, especially if the game becomes stretched in the second half.
Key Player Matchups
Nicholas Williams (Athletic Bilbao) vs Jeremy Toljan (Levante): Williams is Bilbao’s most creative spark, contributing four goals and two assists, and creating 25 big chances this season. Toljan, Levante’s top assist provider (three assists from a defensive role), will need all his experience and positional discipline to contain Williams’ pace and trickery down the flank.
Karl Edouard Blaise Etta Eyong (Levante) vs Bilbao Centre-Backs: Eyong’s ability to run behind and finish clinically (five goals from 4.43 xG) makes him the main counter-attacking threat. Bilbao’s centre-halves must be alert to his movement, especially with the home side likely to push numbers forward.
Head-to-Head Record & Statistical Analysis
| Statistic | Athletic Bilbao | Levante |
|---|---|---|
| League Position | 11th | 19th |
| Goals Scored | 21 | 24 |
| Goals Conceded | 31 | 34 |
Last 5 Results
| Date | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-29 | Levante 0-2 Athletic Bilbao | La Liga |
| 2022-03-07 | Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Levante | La Liga |
| 2021-11-19 | Levante 0-0 Athletic Bilbao | La Liga |
| 2021-02-26 | Levante 1-1 Athletic Bilbao | La Liga |
| 2020-10-18 | Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Levante | La Liga |
Historically, Bilbao have enjoyed the upper hand, winning seven of the last eleven encounters between the sides, including a 2-0 away win earlier this season.
Player Spotlight: Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Williams has been the standout performer for Bilbao this season, not just for his four goals but also for his creativity. He has provided two assists and created a remarkable 25 big chances – comfortably the best among his teammates. Williams’ shot accuracy stands at 36.4% (meaning over one in three of his shots are on target), and his pass accuracy is a solid 75%. While he is yet to be truly clinical (3.68 xG, four goals), his ability to create for others makes him pivotal, especially against a Levante side vulnerable to pace and movement out wide. Expect Williams to be central to Bilbao’s best attacking moments in this matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is the favourite to win the Athletic Bilbao vs. Levante match?
A: Athletic Bilbao are clear favourites to win at home, based on their stronger head-to-head record, superior league position, and Levante’s poor away form.
Q: What are the best betting odds for this match?
A: Our top selections include both teams to score at 1/1 and Etta Eyong to score anytime at 7/2, both offering value for punters seeking bigger returns.
Q: Where can I watch the Athletic Bilbao vs. Levante match?
A: The game will be broadcast live on LaLigaTV and Premier Sports for UK viewers.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Athletic Bilbao’s dominance in recent head-to-heads and their home advantage make them a strong choice for the win. However, both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities suggest goals at both ends, with value to be found in the ‘both teams to score’ market. Nicholas Williams’ creativity could prove decisive, while Etta Eyong remains Levante’s main hope of an upset. Our value selections provide solid options for punters seeking attractive odds rather than backing short-priced favourites.
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