Levante’s midfielder Jorge de Frutos wanted to strike from the first ball, but he missed the ball and it came off as a perfect roll.
In the 26th minute, Frutos got into the penalty area and found Gonzalo Melero.
The ball stayed under his feet and he didn’t waste the amendment and from 9 meters he gave his team the lead.
The ambitious Basques wanted to equalise and had the upper hand in the first half, with four of their shots and only one strike from their rivals. But what good was that if it was Levante who were more effective?
Athletic Bilbao was beating their heads against the wall. In the 50th minute, Dani Cardenas single-handedly saved a very dangerous headshot by Raul Garcia. A minute later, Yeray Álvarez and Inaki Williams forced him to punch the ball away.
The hosts got what they wanted in the 58th minute. Inigo Martinez jumped highest to the ball after a corner kick and equalized the match with his head.
Levante had to defend against further blows from the Basque team. In the end, both teams shared the goal difference, which makes the rematch in Valencia very interesting. It will take place on 4 March.
Athletic Bilbao – Levante UD 1-1 (0-1)
Goals: Gonzalo Melero (26), Inigo Martinez (58)
