Athletic Club vs Levante Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 8 February

Athletic Club will host Levante at the iconic San Mamés this Sunday, 8 February, in what promises to be an intriguing LaLiga clash. As both teams look to climb the league standings, this match offers a crucial opportunity for Athletic Club to make the most of their home advantage. The San Mamés has been a fortress for Athletic Club, and they will be eager to secure all three points against Levante.

Levante, meanwhile, will be aiming to upset the hosts and improve their position in the league table. With both teams having much to play for, this match could have significant implications for their respective seasons. These betting tips will break down the potential outcomes and key factors to consider for this LaLiga encounter.

Athletic Club vs Levante Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Athletic Club (-1) in 1st Half (Handicap Bet)	6.5

For this match, our recommended betting tip is to back Athletic Club with a 0–1 European handicap in the first half. Athletic Club have shown aggressive starts in their home games, frequently creating early opportunities and converting them into goals. Meanwhile, Levante have struggled defensively in the opening stages of their away matches, giving Athletic Club a significant advantage.

• Athletic Club tend to start home matches strongly, often scoring early.
• Levante’s defensive weaknesses in the opening stages have been evident in their away games.
• Head-to-head trends favour Athletic Club taking early control, making this bet a solid choice.

Betting Odds

Athletic Club step onto the pitch at San Mamés as clear favourites, with betting odds of 1.62 reflecting their strong home advantage. Levante, on the other hand, are seen as the underdogs with odds of 5.54, but surprises in LaLiga are not uncommon.

Betting Tip	Odds
Athletic Club to win	1.62
Draw	3.82
Levante to win	5.54

For those looking to place a bet, the draw at 3.82 could be tempting given the unpredictable nature of league matches. Additionally, considering both teams’ recent performances, the over 2.5 goals market might offer some value for the more adventurous punters.

Athletic Club Analysis & Past Performance

Athletic Club’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, reflected in their mixed results over the last five matches: two wins, two losses, and a draw. Notably, their victory against Valencia in the Copa del Rey showed resilience, winning 2-1 away from home, which could indicate an upward trend in their performance.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Valencia	Athletic Club	1 – 2 (Win)	Copa del Rey	4 Feb 2026
Athletic Club	Real Sociedad	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	1 Feb 2026
Athletic Club	Sporting CP	2 – 3 (Loss)	Champions League	28 Jan 2026
Sevilla	Athletic Club	2 – 1 (Loss)	LaLiga	24 Jan 2026
Atalanta	Athletic Club	2 – 3 (Win)	Champions League	21 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• W D L L W

Across their last five games, Athletic Club have averaged 1.80 goals scored per match while conceding the same number, indicating parity in both attacking and defensive efforts. The team have managed to score in all of these matches, but a lack of clean sheets remains a concern, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. At home, they have struggled slightly with just one win in five attempts, which could be a critical area for improvement as they aim to climb up from their current mid-lower league position. Nico Williams stands out as their top scorer, contributing significantly to their attacking play with four goals so far this season.

Athletic Club Suspensions & Injuries

Athletic Club are dealing with several injury concerns ahead of their clash with Levante. The absence of Oihan Sancet, due to a hamstring injury, could prove significant given his creative influence in midfield. Similarly, the defensive line is affected with Daniel Vivian out with a muscle injury, necessitating tactical adjustments from coach Ernesto Valverde. Maroan Sannadi’s ongoing meniscus issue further limits options at the back.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Unai Egiluz	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid-February 2026
Beñat Prados	Cruciate ligament injury	Unknown
Maroan Sannadi	Meniscus injury	Mid-February 2026
Daniel Vivian	Muscle injury	Mid-February 2026
Oihan Sancet	Hamstring injury	Mid-February 2026

Unai Egiluz and Beñat Prados are also sidelined, both suffering from cruciate ligament injuries, which means Valverde will need to rely on his available squad depth. Fortunately, the starting lineup remains largely intact, allowing key players like Nico Williams and Unai Simón to lead the charge against Levante.

With a 4-2-3-1 formation likely, Athletic Club might opt for a more conservative approach in the absence of these players, relying on their robust midfield to control the game. The betting markets may see these injuries as a potential weakness, but the depth of Athletic Club’s squad could still ensure a competitive edge.

Athletic Club Key Players

Athletic Club’s attacking threat will heavily rely on Nico Williams, the team’s top scorer with four goals this season. Williams, who operates from midfield, provides both speed and creativity, making him a constant danger in transition. His ability to exploit spaces and link up with Gorka Guruzeta, the lone forward, will be critical in breaking down Levante’s defence.

In midfield, Unai Gómez and Álex Berenguer are pivotal to Athletic’s tactical framework. Gómez, with his vision and passing range, orchestrates play, while Berenguer offers dynamism and width. Their interplay will be essential in controlling the tempo and providing service to the front line. Defensively, the experience of Yuri Berchiche and the reliability of Unai Simón in goal form the backbone of the team’s defensive setup.

Expected lineup for Athletic Club:

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
• Defence: Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche, Jesús Areso, Adama Boiro
• Midfield: Alejandro Rego, Mikel Jauregizar, Álex Berenguer, Unai Gómez, Nico Williams
• Forward: Gorka Guruzeta

Athletic Club Tactics and Formation

Athletic Club Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Gorka Guruzeta
• Midfield Pivot: Alejandro Rego and Mikel Jauregizar
• Defensive Strength: No clean sheets in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and high pressing.

Athletic Club’s 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balanced approach, focusing on wing play and maintaining a compact midfield. Alejandro Rego and Mikel Jauregizar form the midfield base, crucial for both defensive cover and initiating attacks. Nico Williams, with his pace and dribbling skills, is expected to be influential on the right wing, providing service to the lone striker, Gorka Guruzeta.

Defensively, the back four of Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche, Jesús Areso, and Adama Boiro will need to improve their coordination, as Athletic Club have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five matches. Unai Simón in goal remains pivotal in organising the defence and providing crucial saves.

Offensively, Athletic Club’s strategy involves high pressing and quick transitions, with Nico Williams and Álex Berenguer playing vital roles in breaking down opposition defences. The absence of key players like Unai Egiluz due to injury may affect their defensive depth, requiring tactical adjustments from Ernesto Valverde.

Levante Analysis & Past Performance

Levante’s recent form reflects a team striving for consistency, having secured two wins, two draws, and a single loss in their last five outings. A notable victory was their 3-0 away triumph over Sevilla, showcasing their capability to perform on the road with a solid defensive display.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Levante	Atlético Madrid	0 – 0 (Draw)	LaLiga	31 Jan 2026
Levante	Elche	3 – 2 (Win)	LaLiga	23 Jan 2026
Real Madrid	Levante	2 – 0 (Loss)	LaLiga	17 Jan 2026
Levante	Espanyol	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	11 Jan 2026
Sevilla	Levante	0 – 3 (Win)	LaLiga	4 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• D W L D W

In their last five matches, Levante have averaged 1.40 goals per game while conceding 1.00, indicating a relatively balanced attack and defence. They have managed to keep two clean sheets, which is a testament to their defensive resilience. However, away from home, their performance has been mixed with two wins and three losses, reflecting a win ratio of 0.40. Their current standing at 19th in LaLiga, with 18 points, underscores the pressing need for improved consistency, especially in away fixtures.

Levante Suspensions & Injuries

Levante’s preparation for the match against Athletic Club is somewhat hampered by the suspension of Unai Vencedor, who is serving a one-match ban due to a club decision. His absence in midfield could force coach Luis Castro to rethink his strategy, potentially promoting a more defensive setup or relying on players like Ugo Raghouber to fill the void. This suspension might disrupt the team’s usual flow, impacting their ability to control the midfield against a formidable opponent.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Unai Vencedor	Club decision	1	Unknown

In terms of injuries, Levante are without Unai Elgezabal and Diego Pampín, both sidelined until mid-February with a meniscus and leg injury respectively. Additionally, Matías Moreno, who played in the last match, is also out with a head injury. Roger Brugué’s long-term ligament injury further limits their options. Víctor García’s status is doubtful due to fitness concerns, adding to the uncertainty in their lineup.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Unai Elgezabal	Meniscus injury	Mid February 2026
Roger Brugué	Ligament injury	Early April 2026
Víctor García	Fitness concerns	Doubtful
Diego Pampín	Leg injury	Mid February 2026
Matías Moreno	Head injury	Mid February 2026

These absences could lead to tactical adjustments, with Levante relying more heavily on their available starting lineup players. The injuries particularly affect their defensive options, possibly leading to a more conservative approach to maintain stability at the back. Betting markets might see this as a reason to adjust odds, given the potential impact on Levante’s defensive solidity.

Levante Key Players

Levante’s attacking prowess hinges significantly on Etta Eyong, their top scorer with six goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses make him a constant threat in the final third. Eyong’s partnership with Iván Romero, who is expected to lead the line, will be pivotal in breaking down Athletic Club’s defence.

Pablo Martínez and Carlos Álvarez in midfield are essential to Levante’s tactical approach. Martínez’s vision and Álvarez’s energy provide both defensive cover and attacking impetus, enabling quick transitions from defence to attack. In defence, the presence of Jeremy Toljan and Adrián De La Fuente will be crucial in maintaining structural integrity against Athletic Club’s dynamic forwards.

Expected lineup for Levante:

• Goalkeeper: Mathew Ryan
• Defence: Jeremy Toljan, Adrián De La Fuente, Kervin Arriaga, Alan Matturro
• Midfield: Ugo Raghouber, Pablo Martínez, Carlos Álvarez, Iker Losada, Kareem Tunde
• Forward: Iván Romero

Levante Tactics and Formation

Levante Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Iván Romero
• Midfield Pivot: Ugo Raghouber and Pablo Martínez
• Defensive Setback: Absence of Matías Moreno due to injury
• Notable Strategy: Defensive resilience with two clean sheets in recent matches.

Levante’s 4-2-3-1 formation is central to their tactical approach, offering both defensive stability and attacking versatility. With Ugo Raghouber and Pablo Martínez anchoring the midfield, Levante can effectively disrupt opposition play while facilitating transitions to attack.

In the absence of defender Matías Moreno, Adrián De La Fuente and Alan Matturro will be pivotal in maintaining defensive organisation. This restructured defence has shown resilience, securing two clean sheets in their last five outings, underlining their ability to hold firm under pressure.

Offensively, Iván Romero leads the line, supported by creative talents like Carlos Álvarez and Iker Losada. Levante’s strategy often involves quick transitions and exploiting spaces left by opponents, although their recent goal-scoring form needs improvement, with a goalless draw against Atlético Madrid in their last match.

Athletic Club vs Levante Head-to-Head Record

Athletic Club have a strong head-to-head record against Levante, with 20 wins out of 31 encounters, while Levante have managed just six victories, and there have been six draws. In their most recent meeting, Athletic Club secured a 2-0 win away at Levante in LaLiga, showcasing their dominance in this fixture.

The last time Athletic Club hosted Levante at San Mamés was back in March 2022, where they claimed a 3-1 victory. This result is part of a consistent pattern, as Athletic Club have been formidable at home against Levante, often finding the back of the net with ease.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	Competition	Date
Levante	Athletic Club	0 – 2	LaLiga	2025-11-29
Athletic Club	Levante	3 – 1	LaLiga	2022-03-07
Levante	Athletic Club	0 – 0	LaLiga	2021-11-19
Levante	Athletic Club	1 – 1 (Extra time: 0 – 1)	Copa del Rey	2021-03-04
Levante	Athletic Club	1 – 1	LaLiga	2021-02-26