In an eventful La Liga match at the Estadio de San Mamés, Athletic Club edged past Levante with a 4-2 victory that showcased the home side's attacking prowess. Gorka Guruzeta was the standout performer, netting twice in the first half, while a crucial red card for Levante's A. Matturro in the 17th minute set the tone for the match.
First Half: Guruzeta Shines as Athletic Capitalizes on Red Card
The first half saw Athletic Club take control after Matturro's early dismissal for holding. Guruzeta capitalized on the advantage, scoring his first goal in the 29th minute with an assist from I. Ruiz de Galarreta. Just five minutes later, he doubled the lead with a strike set up by I. Williams. Levante's defense struggled to cope, and despite a yellow card for L. Castro, Athletic maintained their dominance.
Second Half: Late Drama Seals Athletic's Victory
Levante attempted a comeback in the second half, with U. Elgezabal scoring in the 81st minute. However, Athletic responded quickly, as N. Serrano found the net in the 86th minute, assisted by S. Sanchez. J. A. Olasagasti scored for Levante at the very end, but Athletic's R. Navarro ensured the victory with a final goal in the dying moments of the match.
Statistical Breakdown: Athletic's Dominance in Numbers
Athletic Club dominated possession with 55% and managed 22 total shots compared to Levante's six. Despite Levante's attempts, their limited shots on target and a single red card proved costly. Gorka Guruzeta's performance was noteworthy, with three shots on target, reflecting his high player rating of 9.
Closing Thoughts: A Boost for Athletic's Confidence
This win provides a significant morale boost for Athletic Club, who have been inconsistent in recent fixtures. The victory pushed them back on track in La Liga, with Guruzeta's clinical display reaffirming his crucial role in the team's attacking lineup. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, Athletic will look to build on this momentum.
