Arriaga helps spark near-comeback before late collapse at San Mamés
Kervin Arriaga played a pivotal role in Levante UD’s spirited fightback on Sunday, but his side ultimately fell 4–2 to Athletic Club in a chaotic match at San Mamés. The former Minnesota United midfielder entered at halftime with his team down a man and trailing 2–0, helping to stabilize the midfield and claw a goal back before being substituted in the 90th minute—just before stoppage time descended into madness.
Match recap
The game’s dynamic shifted early when Levante defender Alan Matturro was sent off in the 17th minute. Athletic Club ruthlessly exploited the advantage, with Gorka Guruzeta scoring twice in quick succession (29′, 34′) to take a commanding 2–0 lead into the break.
Manager Julián Calero turned to his bench at halftime, introducing Arriaga to shore up the depleted side. The changes worked, as Levante found a foothold and pulled one back through Unai Elgezabal in the 81st minute. Athletic responded via Nico Serrano in the 86th minute to make it 3–1.
Arriaga was withdrawn in the 90th minute as Levante threw caution to the wind, missing the wildest sequence of the match: Jon Ander Olasagasti scored deep in stoppage time (90+8′) to bring Levante within one, only for Robert Navarro to seal the 4–2 win for Athletic moments later.
Arriaga’s performance
Arriaga was introduced at the start of the second half, tasked with the difficult job of anchoring a 10-man midfield against a dominant Athletic side.
- The shift: Arriaga played 45 minutes, entering at halftime for the second 45 and departing in the 90th minute.
- The impact: His introduction helped stem the bleeding after a disastrous first half. With Arriaga patrolling the middle, Levante looked more compact and eventually found a route back into the game.
- Tactical sacrifice: He was subbed off in the 90th minute, likely to allow for a more attacking option as Levante desperately chased a result in stoppage time.
Stats (via Google Sports)
- Minutes played: 45′ (Subbed on 46′, Subbed off 90′)
- Goals/Assists: 0
- Discipline: None
- Match result: Athletic Club 4–2 Levante UD
Up next
Levante remains in the relegation zone but will take heart from their second-half fighting spirit. They host Osasuna on Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Ciutat de València, where Arriaga will hope his solid 45-minute shift earns him a return to the starting lineup.
