Sometimes a football match is more than just 90 minutes; it's a story of two teams on completely different paths. That’s exactly what we saw on November 29, 2025, when a struggling Levante UD hosted an ambitious Athletic Club. This was a classic tale of desperation versus opportunity, and it played out with plenty of drama right on the turf of the Ciutat de València.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Athletic Club secured a crucial 2-0 away victory against Levante UD at the Estadio Ciutat de València.
- ✓ Goals in the first half from Robert Navarro (3') and a stunning chip from Nico Williams (43') sealed the win.
- ✓ The defeat leaves Levante in a precarious position, stuck in 19th place within the relegation zone.
- ✓ Athletic Club's victory boosts their campaign, keeping them in the hunt for European competition spots.
- ✓ Key moments included a goal-line clearance from Levante's debutant Matturro and a crucial save by Athletic's keeper Unai Simón.
A Tale of Two Teams: The Pre-Match Tension
Heading into this jornada 14 clash, the mood couldn't have been more different in the two camps. For the home side, Levante, things were looking bleak. Sitting 19th in the table with just 9 points, they were deep in the relegation mire and needed a win like they needed air. The pressure was immense, not just on the players, but especially on their coach, Julián Calero, who was facing intense criticism.
On the other side, you had Athletic Club. Positioned comfortably in 8th with 17 points, they arrived in Valencia with their eyes on a much bigger prize: a spot in European competition. Despite a season of ups and downs, this match was a golden opportunity to make a statement and climb the table. They were the clear favorites, but as any football fan knows, a desperate team playing at home can be dangerously unpredictable.
The lineups told part of the story. Levante’s coach Calero had to shake things up, handing a debut to Matturro in central defense. Meanwhile, Athletic came out swinging with a potent attack featuring Nico Williams Jr. on the wing and Guru leading the line. The stage was set for an intense battle where every single point mattered.
An Explosive Start for the Visitors
Any hopes Levante had of settling into the game and frustrating their opponents were shattered almost immediately. Just three minutes after the first whistle, the deadlock was broken. Robert Navarro found the back of the net for Athletic, silencing the home crowd and putting Levante on the back foot from the get-go. It was the worst possible start for a team already so low on confidence.
That early goal opened the floodgates for Athletic, and one player in particular seemed determined to run the show: Nico Williams. The winger was an absolute livewire. In the 19th minute, he had a golden opportunity, but was denied by a heroic goal-line clearance from Levante's debutant, Matturro. Ten minutes later, Williams was at it again, this time rattling the post with a powerful strike. The warning signs were flashing bright red for Levante.
Nico's Masterclass and a First Half Sealed
Athletic Club didn't let up. They could smell blood in the water. Just after Nico Williams hit the woodwork, Robert Navarro nearly grabbed his second goal of the day, with his left-footed shot curling just wide of the far post. The pressure was relentless, and it felt like another goal was just a matter of time. Sure enough, the moment of magic arrived in the 43rd minute.
After tormenting the Levante defense all half, Nico Williams finally got the goal his performance deserved. And what a goal it was! With incredible composure, he produced a delicate "picadita" – a cheeky little chip – that sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net. It was a moment of pure class that doubled Athletic's lead and left Levante with a mountain to climb.
But the drama of the first half wasn't quite over. In stoppage time, Levante managed to create a chance of their own, forcing a spectacular save from Athletic's goalkeeper, Unai Simón. It was a huge stop that preserved the two-goal cushion and ensured the visitors went into the halftime break in complete control, leading 0-2.
The Second Half: A Story of Frustration and Missed Chances
Coming out for the second half, Levante knew they had to throw everything forward. They showed flashes of intent, with Iván Romero looking particularly threatening. He had a great chance in the 54th minute and also saw a goal ruled out for offside. The home side was fighting, but they just couldn't find that clinical edge to get back into the game.
On the other end, Athletic had a chance to put the game to bed for good, and it was an absolute shocker of a miss. In the 71st minute, the ball fell perfectly for Guruzeta, but somehow it slipped right under his leg when it looked easier to score. It was a massive let-off for Levante, but ultimately, it didn't change the outcome. The game became a bit scrappy, with yellow cards shown to Vivian for Athletic and Brugué for Levante.
As the clock ticked down, both managers turned to their benches. Athletic brought on fresh legs with players like Vesga, Izeta, and Nico Serrano, looking to see out the game comfortably. Despite four minutes of added time, Levante couldn't muster a comeback, and the final whistle confirmed a dominant 0-2 win for Athletic Club.
Conclusion
In the end, this was a match that went according to the script. Athletic Club's quality and ambition shone through, with a clinical first-half performance powered by the brilliance of Nico Williams and Robert Navarro. They got the job done efficiently, grabbing three vital points to continue their push for a European spot in LaLiga.
For Levante, it was another painful chapter in what is becoming a very difficult season. They showed heart in the second half but lacked the cutting edge to trouble a solid Athletic side. The pressure on coach Julián Calero will undoubtedly intensify as the team remains firmly stuck in the relegation battle, needing to find a spark—and fast—to turn their fortunes around.
