Levante vs Bilbao

Levante has very little chances to play Champions League next season, as they need to win over Bilbao, and Malaga to lose, also Atletico Madrid and Mallorca not to win. But they have big chances to play at Europa League next season, if they win over Bilbao, and Mallorca will lose away to Real Madrid. Athletic Bilbao has no motivation, since they have secured a ticket to the next Europa League.

 

Levante, after the defeat away to Mallorca with the score of 1-0, completed two consecutive away defeats and fell from the top six. Tonight, however, hopes to exit at Europa League, and needs to win over completely indifferent and tired physically and psychologically Athletic Bilbao. This is the most important match of their players careers, as their coach said, who had some disagreements with the administration in recent weeks and was found near the exit, but now every indication shows that he will remain to the team, regardless of what happens tonight. The season, moreover, was excellent for Levante. Main goalkeeper Gustavo Munúa is out punished and Keylor Navas will make his debut. Jose Javier Barkero is back to the squad after injury, while Rubén Suárez is doubtful.

 

Athletic Bilbao paid their inexperience to the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid. They received three great goals and did not managed to threaten, failing to score, and eventually defeated. They lost their second European final in their history, and first after 35 years, so the frustration of the players and fans should be large. The season, however, has not ended yet for Athletic, as they will Barcelona on 25 May, for the Cup final. Defender Jon Aurtenetxe is out due to injury, whily they will rest lot of players, for sure Javi Martínez and Fernando Llorente.

 

A big chance for Levante to play European football next season, I do not think tired and miserable Bilbao at the moment can make damage there.