Athletic Bilbao 3 : 2 Levante - Bilbao overcome late fright

Posted Saturday, May 07, 2011 by PA

Athletic Bilbao survived a late fightback from Levante to pick up three more crucial points in their hunt for a European place, courtesy of a 3-2 win.

The Basque club looked to be cruising to victory after goals from Gaizka Toquero, David Lopez (penalty) and Fernando Llorente put them 3-0 up just after the hour, but Levante netted twice in the final 13 minutes through Christian Stuani and Victoriano Nano to put the game back in the balance.

Levante could not find a third breakthrough however, and Athletic, who started the game in seventh place, remain well in the hunt for a Europa League berth.

Athletic, for whom winger Markel Susaeta was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a collapsed lung, started brightly and Iker Muniain tested Gustavo Munua early on before Lopez fired an effort just wide.

Levante, who have been in superb form in the second half of the Primera Division season, then gave Athletic a few scares before the home side went ahead in the 30th minute through Toquero following a pass by highly-rated youngster Muniain.

Toquero almost made it 2-0 in the 38th minute before Levante again threatened with Valmiro Valdo going close and Felipe Caicedo bringing a superb save out of Gorka Iraizoz.

Levante were unable to draw level before the break, though, and the found themselves 2-0 down almost immediately after the restart when Lopez slotted in from the spot after Llorente was fouled by Nano inside the area.

Llorente then missed two good chances to make it 3-0 but it was third time lucky for the Spain international in the 63rd minute when he slotted in Toquero's pass.

Athletic were in total control at that point, but Levante refused to give up and substitute Stuani reduced the arrears in the 77th minute when he turned in a cross by Valdo, and when Nano made it 3-2 in the 85th minute the home side must have started to get worried.

However, there would be no late twist in the tale as Athletic held on in the closing stages to pick up a potentially vital triumph.