All eyes are on San Mamés as Athletic Bilbao host Levante in a clash that pits possession and control against opportunistic attacking.
The match kicks off at San Mamés on Sunday 8 February 2026, with both sides seeking crucial points to move away from the lower half of the La Liga table. Athletic have history and home advantage on their side, but Levante’s ability to create chances and their fighting spirit, even near the foot of the table, promise a compelling contest.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on recent form, head-to-head dominance, and underlying stats, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re especially confident in Athletic Bilbao to take all three points, given their strong home trend versus Levante and the Basques’ superior control in possession and passing.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Bilbao to Win | 8/13 @ Bet365 (61.9%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Athletic have won 7 of the last 11 meetings with Levante, including a 2-0 away victory earlier this season. Their home form vs Levante is strong and they dominate possession, while Levante are winless in their last five away league matches. |
| Nico Williams to Score or Assist | 5/6 @ Bet365 (54.5%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Nico Williams is Athletic’s creative spark, ranking among their leaders in chances created and shots. With Levante conceding plenty of big chances, Williams’ involvement in a goal looks a strong wager. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Stakemate Offer: Bet £10, get £20 in free bets
How to claim:
- Go to Stakemate using this link.
- Download the app and create your account
- Place your first bet of £10 or more (minimum odds of 2/1)
- Once settled, receive 4 x £5 free bets - minimum 3 selections and 2/1 odds on each bet.
#AD 18+ New Customers Only. Place any £10 bet to qualify, min 2.0 (1/1) odds. Qualifying bet must settle, excluding cash outs. Bonus credited with 24hrs of settlement. 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets min 3 selections and 3.0 odds. Returns exclude free bet stake. Expiry applies. Full T&Cs apply.
Season Form & Standings
Athletic Bilbao have been hovering in mid-table, currently 11th, while Levante are battling relegation in 19th. Both sides share a -10 goal difference, but Athletic’s win percentage (32%) outpaces Levante’s (19%).
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Bilbao | 11 | 22 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 21 | 31 | -10 | 25 |
| Levante | 19 | 21 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 24 | 34 | -10 | 18 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao): The winger leads his side for chances created and is pivotal to their attacking play, boasting an impressive number of dribbles and involvement in most big chances. Backed to deliver against a shaky Levante defence.
- Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Bilbao): The forward has a knack for finding space in the box, with a healthy shot volume and a proven record of scoring in key moments—he’s a threat, especially with Levante’s high shots conceded inside the box.
- Mathew Ryan (Levante): Third in the division for saves (75), Ryan’s workload reflects Levante’s defensive frailty. If Levante are to claim anything, expect him to be busier than ever.
- José Luis Morales (Levante): The veteran attacker remains a key outlet, often involved in Levante’s big chances and assists, and is a logical focal point for their counter-attacks.
Head-to-Head: Last 6 Meetings
Athletic Bilbao have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning 4 of the last 6 encounters. The Basques also claimed a 2-0 away win in the most recent match-up earlier this season.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 29/11/25 | Levante 0-2 Athletic Bilbao | La Liga |
| 07/03/22 | Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Levante | La Liga |
| 19/11/21 | Levante 0-0 Athletic Bilbao | La Liga |
| 26/02/21 | Levante 1-1 Athletic Bilbao | La Liga |
| 18/10/20 | Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Levante | La Liga |
| 12/07/20 | Levante 1-2 Athletic Bilbao | La Liga |
Conclusion
Will Athletic Bilbao’s dominance on home soil and control in possession be enough to see off a Levante side who, despite their struggles, can create chances and have a goalkeeper in top shot-stopping form? The numbers favour the hosts for a reason—so our final word is to back Athletic Bilbao to win at 8/13 @ Bet365 (61.9%)—but don’t be surprised if both nets bulge in a lively contest.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Read more:
- Latest football news
- Football betting tips
- Best betting sites
- Best free bet offers
- Football accumulator tips
