Levante vs Ath Bilbao: Match Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
Published on Monday, 19 October 2026 by Steve
Levante vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips
LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 Prediction & Betting Tips
Match Overview
Levante welcome Athletic Club to the Estadio Ciutat de València on Wednesday night for an important LaLiga EA Sports fixture early in the 2026/27 campaign. The home side are 17th after collecting six points from their opening seven matches, although their record perhaps flatters the overall competitiveness they have shown. Levante have recorded only one victory, but draws against Málaga, Sevilla and Deportivo La Coruña have prevented a difficult beginning from becoming a crisis. Their principal concern is defensive: Levante have surrendered 15 league goals, including 11 across their last five matches. Supporters looking for comparable fixtures can also review our today's football predictions and tomorrow's football predictions before confirming their selections.
Athletic Club arrive with a 2-3-2 league record and nine points following Saturday’s goalless draw at Valencia. Edin Terzić’s side lost their opening two league matches but have been unbeaten since then. Their defensive recovery has been particularly notable: after conceding six times in their first two fixtures, Athletic have allowed only one goal across their subsequent six league matches. That resilience has not yet been matched by great productivity in attack, with injuries to Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams limiting their creative ceiling. Nevertheless, their greater individual quality, superior defensive structure and outstanding recent record in this fixture justify their status as favourites.
The latest team news, as of 18 October, adds further context to the contest. Levante remain without Karl Etta Eyong and Hugo Sotelo, while goalkeeper Álex Primo is also dealing with a shoulder problem. Athletic are missing Unai Eguiluz and Sancet, and Nico Williams is unlikely to start as he continues working back from a thigh injury. Aymeric Laporte is available again, while Gorka Guruzeta has returned to contention following his hamstring issue. Our final prediction is Levante 1-2 Athletic Bilbao, with both teams expected to score and Athletic’s controlled pressure ultimately making the difference in the second half.
Tactical Preview
Formation & Key Matchups
Levante 4-3-3
Luís Castro is expected to retain Levante’s recognisable 4-3-3 structure. Mathew Ryan will begin in goal, protected by Nacho Pérez, Adrián De la Fuente, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Manu Sánchez. The midfield trio should feature Jon Olasagasti as the deepest organiser, with Oriol Rey and Enzo Bardeli providing legs and forward support. Paco Cortés and Thiago Fernández are likely to operate from the flanks around Iván Romero, Levante’s most reliable penalty-box reference. Castro wants his side to circulate the ball quickly, attack the channels and generate early crosses, but Levante can become stretched when both full-backs advance simultaneously. Our tactical discussion is informed by the principles covered in the evolution of football tactics.
Athletic Club 4-2-3-1
Terzić has introduced a more measured version of Athletic’s customary 4-2-3-1. Unai Simón will build from the back, with Jesús Areso, Aitor Paredes, Laporte and Yuri Berchiche forming the defensive line. Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Mikel Jauregizar should provide the double pivot, supplying a stable platform for Robert Navarro, Peio Canales and Álex Berenguer behind Iñaki Williams. Without Sancet, Canales becomes especially important between the lines. Athletic will seek to dominate possession, move Levante’s midfield block horizontally and attack cutback zones rather than simply launching high crosses. That focus on positional control and efficient chance creation is consistent with the ideas discussed in modern football metrics.
Critical Vulnerability
Levante’s most significant weakness is the space left in front of their centre-backs during transitions. Olasagasti cannot cover the entire width of the pitch alone, and when Bardeli or Rey advance, the distance between midfield and defence grows. Iñaki Williams is perfectly equipped to attack that space, particularly if Berenguer or Robert Navarro can slip passes behind the full-backs. Athletic also have a vulnerability: their patient build-up can slow down when Sancet is absent, inviting Levante to remain compact. If Levante win the first contact from a long clearance, Romero can attack Paredes and Laporte before Athletic’s rest defence is set. This combination of transitional risks makes both teams to score predictions especially relevant.
Team News & Squad Status
Levante 🟡🟡🔴🔴🟡
- Karl Etta Eyong remains unavailable because of a leg injury and is not expected to return this week.
- Hugo Sotelo is also sidelined with a calf problem, reducing Castro’s midfield rotation.
- Third-choice goalkeeper Álex Primo continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.
- No Levante player is suspended for the fixture.
- Iván Romero is fit to lead the line and remains the team’s primary goalscoring threat.
- Thiago Fernández and Paco Cortés are expected to continue on either side of Romero.
- Petar Ratkov, Roger Brugué and Yanis Musuayi offer experienced and youthful attacking alternatives from the bench.
- Levante’s 2026/27 squad includes Mathew Ryan, Pablo Campos, Aïssa Mandi, Ndukwe, De la Fuente, Jorge Cabello, Axel Tape, Víctor García, Jeremy Toljan, Manu Sánchez, Nacho Pérez, Marc Santos, Sotelo, Dani Requena, Olasagasti, Bardeli, Rey, Thiago Fernández, Paco Cortés, Brugué, Romero, Ratkov, Musuayi and Etta Eyong.
Athletic Club 🟢🟡🟡🟢🟢
- Oihan Sancet is ruled out with a calf injury and will miss this match.
- Nico Williams has returned to individual training but is unlikely to be risked in the starting XI.
- Unai Eguiluz remains unavailable, while Dani Vivian is still building match fitness.
- Aymeric Laporte is available again following his recent illness and should start.
- Gorka Guruzeta is back in contention after a hamstring problem, although a bench role is more likely.
- Peio Canales is expected to replace Sancet as the central creative midfielder.
- Iñaki Williams should continue as the focal point in attack, with Berenguer and Robert Navarro supplying width.
- Athletic’s 2026/27 attacking options include Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, Guruzeta, Maroan Sannadi, Álvaro Djaló, Berenguer and Nico Serrano.
Predicted Lineups
| Levante 4-3-3 | Athletic Club 4-2-3-1 |
|---|---|
| GK: Mathew Ryan | GK: Unai Simón |
| RB: Nacho Pérez | RB: Jesús Areso |
| CB: Adrián De la Fuente | CB: Aitor Paredes |
| CB: Ifeanyi Ndukwe | CB: Aymeric Laporte |
| LB: Manu Sánchez | LB: Yuri Berchiche |
| DM: Jon Olasagasti | DM: Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta |
| CM: Oriol Rey | CM: Mikel Jauregizar |
| CM: Enzo Bardeli | AM: Peio Canales |
| RW: Paco Cortés | RW: Robert Navarro |
| ST: Iván Romero | ST: Iñaki Williams |
| LW: Thiago Fernández | LW: Álex Berenguer |
| Bench: Pablo Campos, Aïssa Mandi, Jeremy Toljan, Víctor García, Jorge Cabello, Marc Santos, Dani Requena, Axel Tape, Roger Brugué, Petar Ratkov, Yanis Musuayi | Bench: Álex Padilla, Yeray Álvarez, Johaneko Louis-Jean, Hugo Rincón, Beñat Prados, Beñat Gerenabarrena, Álvaro Djaló, Gorka Guruzeta, Maroan Sannadi, Nico Williams, Nico Serrano |
Head-to-Head Record
Athletic Club have enjoyed overwhelming historical control of this fixture. The clubs have completed 36 competitive meetings, with Athletic winning 21, Levante winning seven and eight ending level. Levante have failed to defeat Athletic in the last 11 encounters, losing eight and drawing three during that run. Their most recent victory over the Basque club came in December 2018, highlighting how difficult they have found this matchup. The corresponding fixture last season finished 2-0 to Athletic, while the meeting at San Mamés in February 2026 produced a 4-2 Athletic victory. For a wider statistical approach to fixtures like this, see our head-to-head betting predictions.
The venue has not significantly improved Levante’s fortunes. Athletic have lost only one of their last ten visits to face Levante, winning six and drawing three. Levante’s most memorable recent home result against them was a goalless draw in November 2021, but Athletic have since won twice at the Ciutat de València without conceding. Álex Berenguer has also developed a strong personal record in this fixture, contributing seven career goal involvements against Levante. His delivery from the left and ability to drift inside could once again be decisive.
Key Players Comparison
Romero is Levante’s emotional and tactical focal point. He attacks central crosses, competes for second balls and is capable of creating a shooting opportunity with one touch. His movement will test Paredes and Laporte, particularly when Levante transition before Athletic’s midfield can recover.
Williams gives Athletic a level of speed that Levante’s defence cannot comfortably manage. Even when he is not scoring, his diagonal runs pull centre-backs apart and create space for Canales and Berenguer. His capacity to exploit the channel behind Manu Sánchez is one of the game’s most important tactical advantages.
Thiago offers Levante creativity from the left half-space. He can drift between lines, combine with Romero and deliver the final pass that Levante’s more direct attacks often require. Athletic cannot allow him to receive freely when their full-backs advance.
With Sancet unavailable, Canales becomes Athletic’s principal midfielder for progression and creation. His close control and forward passing could determine whether Athletic dominate possession or become too predictable. More individual battles are available through our key player predictions.
The decisive duel may be Romero against Laporte. Levante need their striker to pin Athletic’s centre-backs and bring Thiago, Bardeli and Cortés into play. If Romero is isolated, Levante will struggle to escape their own half. At the other end, De la Fuente and Ndukwe must prevent Williams from turning and running at them. If Athletic gain early territorial control, Canales and Berenguer should be able to produce enough high-quality opportunities to secure the away win.
The Managers
Luís Castro
Castro was appointed Levante head coach in December 2025 and successfully guided the club away from relegation danger last season. His coaching background in youth development and individual improvement is reflected in the trust he places in younger players, but he also understands the pragmatic demands of a team fighting near the bottom of LaLiga.
His challenge here is to make Levante competitive without opening the game too early. If Levante sit too deep, Athletic will build sustained pressure; if they press too aggressively, Williams will attack the space behind them. Castro must find the correct middle ground. Our guide to analysing LaLiga team form provides additional context for evaluating his side.
Edin Terzić
Terzić arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2026 with a reputation for tactical organisation, intense pressing and detailed match preparation. Athletic’s early results were disappointing, but their defensive response since the opening two defeats demonstrates the effectiveness of his structure.
The German coach must now solve a different problem: turning territorial superiority into goals while Sancet and possibly Nico Williams remain unavailable. His substitutions will be important, with Guruzeta, Djaló and Nico Williams all capable of changing the momentum. Live bettors can follow our recommendations in top live betting strategies.
Betting Predictions & Tips
Odds: 2.15 (European/decimal)
Athletic’s defensive record, stronger squad and exceptional historical dominance of this matchup make the away win the main selection. Levante are competitive at home but have struggled to protect their penalty area against organised attacks. Athletic have kept four clean sheets across their last six league matches and should have enough control to win even without several attacking starters. Bettors who prefer insurance can instead consider the selections on our draw no bet predictions page.
Odds: 4.20 (European/decimal)
The straight away win is logical, but the combined market offers greater value. Levante have scored in three of their last four matches and possess enough pace around Romero to trouble Athletic’s high defensive line. However, their defensive vulnerability makes it difficult to support them for a clean sheet. A 1-2 away scoreline fits both the form data and the tactical battle. Similar opportunities can be found among our best bets for today.
Odds: 1.93 (European/decimal)
Four of Levante’s last seven home matches have produced more than 4.5 goals, while their league games this season have averaged well above three total goals. Athletic are more defensively disciplined than earlier in the campaign, but the visitors still create enough opportunities to contribute to a three-goal game. The Over is supported by Levante’s inability to keep opponents away from high-value shooting positions. See our complete over/under betting predictions for related markets.
Odds: 1.59 (European/decimal)
Both teams to score is a strong supporting option. Levante have found the net in each of their last four matches, while Athletic’s recent defensive improvement should not completely remove the danger presented by Romero and Thiago Fernández. At the opposite end, Iñaki Williams and Berenguer are too dynamic for Levante to keep quiet for the entire game. This market is especially suitable for cautious bettors seeking a relatively short-priced alternative to the away win. More options are available on our BTTS predictions page.
Odds: 9.50 (European/decimal)
The predicted scoreline is Levante 1-2 Athletic Club. Levante’s home crowd and attacking width give them a realistic route to one goal, but Athletic’s defensive organisation and greater depth should prove decisive over the full match. The most likely route to the score is an even first half followed by an Athletic winner after the interval. Correct score selections are high-risk and should be kept small, but 1-2 is supported by the balance of current form, squad news and head-to-head history. Explore related advice on our correct score tips page.
📊 Final Score Prediction
Match Analysis
Levante should begin with intensity, using the support of the Ciutat de València to pressure Athletic’s first-phase build-up. Romero is likely to be heavily involved in the opening exchanges, and his physical presence could create one clear opportunity for Thiago Fernández or Paco Cortés. However, Athletic’s improved positional structure should gradually take control. Once Canales begins receiving between Levante’s midfield and defence, the visitors should be able to pin their opponents back and attack the spaces around the full-backs.
The first goal could be important. If Levante score first, they may attempt to protect the lead and invite too much pressure. If Athletic score first, their defensive organisation becomes even more effective. Our expected sequence is Levante taking a first-half lead or the teams reaching half-time level, followed by Athletic’s superior depth and wide attacks producing two second-half goals. A 1-2 result reflects Levante’s ability to compete at home while recognising Athletic’s stronger defensive floor and overwhelming recent head-to-head record. A conservative alternative from our double chance predictions would be Athletic or draw.
Key Insights & Statistics
- Athletic Club have won 21 of the 36 completed competitive meetings between the clubs.
- Levante have failed to beat Athletic in their last 11 encounters, losing eight and drawing three.
- Athletic have lost only one of their last ten away matches against Levante.
- Levante have conceded 15 goals in their opening seven league fixtures.
- Athletic have conceded only one goal in their last six LaLiga matches.
- Levante have scored in each of their last four matches in all competitions.
- Iñaki Williams’ pace against Levante’s high defensive line is a major tactical advantage.
- Oihan Sancet’s calf injury leaves Peio Canales as Athletic’s principal creative midfielder.
- Álex Berenguer has recorded seven career goal involvements against Levante.
- Nico Williams is unlikely to start but could provide an important second-half option if cleared.
- Levante’s last six home matches have all produced more than 7.5 corners.
- Athletic are winless in their last seven Wednesday away league matches, making this prediction less conservative than the straight away win.
- Levante’s one-match home defeat by Barcelona ended a long unbeaten run at the Ciutat de València, but they remain difficult to beat in Valencia.
- Athletic have not kept successive clean sheets away from home this season, reinforcing the case for both teams to score.
- The 1-2 correct score is speculative and should be treated as a small-stake selection rather than a banker.
Conclusion
Levante versus Athletic Club has the ingredients for an entertaining LaLiga contest. Levante are under pressure near the bottom of the table but possess enough attacking quality to score, particularly through Iván Romero and Thiago Fernández. Their problem is defensive consistency: they concede too many chances and have not kept pace with the top half in terms of squad depth.
Athletic are not at full attacking strength, yet their structure has improved dramatically since losing their opening two matches. Laporte’s return strengthens the defence, while Canales, Berenguer and Iñaki Williams still provide a dangerous combination. Athletic’s recent record against Levante is another compelling reason to support the visitors. The main risk is their Wednesday away record and occasional difficulty converting pressure into goals.
Our final prediction is Levante 1-2 Athletic Bilbao. The recommended selections are the away win at 2.15, both teams to score at 1.59 and Over 2.5 goals at 1.93, with the 1-2 correct score available as a higher-risk option. Before placing a bet, compare the latest prices with our full-time predictions and single betting guide.