Athletic search for quicker routes to goal

Athletic are finding it difficult to get on the scoresheet and are looking for more direct ways to score. In the Spanish Liga, the club have netted eight times in eight rounds, a return considered too low for a side seeking to challenge for European places.

Berenguer’s converted penalty against Levante drew him level with Robert Navarro at the top of Athletic’s scoring list, with two goals apiece. Paredes, Nico Williams and Sancet have one each. That modest tally comes amid a spell of attacking difficulty for the team.

Levante are 11th with 10 points, while Athletic are 13th with 9 points, a gap of one point.

Berenguer’s penalty at Ciutat de València then ended that run without a goal. Athletic’s most recent goal from open play without outside assistance was scored by Sancet against Atlético.

In the table, Levante are 11th on 10 points after nine matches, while Athletic are 13th with nine points from eight games. Levante have won twice, drawn four and lost three, scoring 15 goals and conceding 17. Athletic’s record is two wins, three draws and three defeats, with eight scored and nine conceded. Across their last five Liga matches, Levante have one win, two draws and two losses; Athletic have one win, three draws and one defeat.

Athletic are due to travel to Valencia to face Levante on Wednesday at 20:00, with a 23-player squad. Nico Williams is included after missing matches since sustaining an injury on 29 September while playing for the Spanish national team against Croatia. Terzic said the player had felt good after completing his first training session with the group, but added that the decision would be discussed with the player and medical staff. The return plan does not envisage him starting the match.