Williams and Navarro Sink Struggling Levante in Valencia

Nico Williams tormented Levante's defence all evening, but it was his perfectly-timed 44th-minute strike that epitomised Athletic Club's clinical edge in a comprehensive 2-0 victory at the Estadi Ciutat De València. The young winger's composed finish from the centre of the box, following Alex Berenguer's incisive pass on the counter-attack, sealed three precious points that lifted eighth-placed Athletic further away from the relegation battle engulfing their hosts.

The visitors had already stunned the home crowd within three minutes when Robert Navarro pounced from close range, converting Berenguer's pinpoint cross with a right-footed finish that nestled into the bottom corner. Williams then doubled the advantage just before half-time, rifling his shot past Mathew Ryan after Athletic had carved open Levante's defence with devastating pace on the break. The Basque side's early dominance set the tone for a controlled performance that never looked in serious jeopardy.

Athletic's defensive solidity, marshalled by Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes, frustrated Levante's attacking efforts throughout. Unai Simón produced a crucial save in the 65th minute to deny Víctor García's long-range effort, while Yuri Berchiche and Íñigo Lekue nullified the hosts' wide threats. Mikel Jauregizar controlled the midfield battle alongside Alejandro Rego, breaking up play and launching Athletic's swift transitions.

Despite commanding 56.2% possession, nineteenth-placed Levante managed just four shots on target compared to Athletic's clinical conversion rate. The hosts' best opportunities fell to Iván Romero, who missed from close range in the 54th minute, and Roger Brugué, whose header forced Simón into action. Athletic registered 14 shots to Levante's 11, but their superior quality in the final third proved decisive as the home side's nine-point tally reflects their ongoing struggles.

The turning point arrived with Athletic's lightning-quick opener, which immediately deflated the home atmosphere and forced Levante into desperate attacking mode. Coach Julián Calero made five substitutions at half-time, introducing fresh legs including José Luis Morales and Víctor García, but the damage had been inflicted during those crucial opening exchanges when Athletic's pace and precision overwhelmed their hosts.

Athletic Club now prepare for their daunting trip to face league leaders Real Madrid on December 3rd, where they'll aim to build on this confidence-boosting performance. Meanwhile, Levante's relegation fears intensify as they desperately need points from their upcoming fixtures to climb away from the bottom three and ease the growing pressure on their survival hopes.