Roger Brugué's quick double sends Levante UD past Athletic Club

Early saves before Brugué's double

Athletic Club controlled the early exchanges at Ciutat de València. Ryan diverted Berenguer's powerful effort from near the penalty arc behind, while Levante UD answered with an Iván Romero header from Manu Sánchez's cross that Unai Simón gathered comfortably.

Thiago and Toljan combined on the right for the opener, with rebounds following Toljan's cross before Roger Brugué finished. For the second, Iván Romero won possession and supplied Thiago, whose saved shot left Brugué to convert the rebound.

Brugué struck in the 20th and 22nd minutes, finishing first with his left foot and then his right, both from inside the area.

Athletic lost possession before both goals in the quick double, with Levante captain Brugué finishing each of those first-half sequences.

Chances at both ends before halftime

After the half-hour, Thiago crossed for Toljan, who sent his attempt over. Athletic subsequently returned to attack before the break.

Maroan Sannadi narrowly missed a close-range header from Robert Navarro's corner, leaving Levante with a two-goal halftime lead.

Penalty cuts the lead before Laporte's dismissal

Athletic produced a stronger second half, with persistent attacking efforts eventually bringing a penalty.

VAR confirmed Jon Ander Olasagasti's foul on Maroan Sannadi in the 61st minute. Alex Berenguer converted in the 67th, before Aymeric Laporte was sent off in the 73rd for fouling Dani Requena.

Yuri misses before Eyong seals victory

Despite being down to ten, Athletic created an equalizing opportunity through Berenguer and Iñaki Williams, but Yuri sent his effort over.

Nine added minutes were announced. Yeray Álvarez missed from Nico Williams's corner before Etta Eyong sealed victory in the 98th minute, his close-range right-footed finish confirmed after VAR review.