Athletic Bilbao vs Levante Prediction & Betting Tips - Copa del Rey

Prediction published on 08/02/2021, 17:19  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 08/02/2021 at 18:25 in Football Predictions

Now this is a little bit confusing. Athletic Bilbao host Levante in the first leg of the 2020/21 Copa del Rey semi-final. Next month, they take on Real Sociedad in the final of the 2019/20 Copa del Rey delayed due to the pandemic. It's already been a successful season for Bilabo with a win in the Spanish Super Cup beating both Real Madrid and Barcelona. They are currently 11th in La Liga, that's two places below their opponents in this semi-final. To reach the last four, Bilbao have beaten Ibiza, Alcoyana and then a penalties win over Real Betis. They needed a 90th minute equalizer to escape defeat in that game. Bilbao have only lost one of their last eight games, an away loss at Barcelona in La Liga. They have already played Levante at home this season, winning 2-0. A similar result would suit them perfectly in this semi-final first leg.

Levante won this competition in 1937 and this is their best run since that victory. They are ninth in La Liga, two points above Bilbao but eight behind the final Europa League qualifying place. They are unbeaten in their last nine league and cup games, though over 90 minutes five have ended in a draw. That happened in their most recent game when drawing 2-2 at home to Granada, conceding a late equalizer. They have had to play five games to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals. A penalty shoot out was needed to get them past Fuenlabrada and a 120th minute goal saw them beat Villarreal 1-0 at home. They are in a five-match unbeaten away run at present but in La Liga have only won two of 11 away games. Bilbao are proving to be a great cup team this season and can get a lead to take to Levante.