Bardhi brace in Bilbao moves Levante closer to LaLiga safety

Enis Bardhi scored from two free-kicks in three minutes to drag Levante to the brink of LaLiga safety with a 3-1 win at Athletic Bilbao.

The Macedonia midfielder’s brace secured a vital away victory, creating a nine-point cushion over third-bottom Deportivo La Coruna with four games to play.

Jose Luis Morales sealed the win with a last-minute strike laid on by Chema Rodriguez.

Bardhi was booked for his celebration for his second strike, as Levante turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 half-time lead.

The 22-year-old now boasts four goals from direct free-kicks in just 12 starts in his debut campaign in Spain’s top-flight.

Raul Garcia put Bilbao ahead with fine drive from outside the box, only for Bardhi to turn the tie on its head before the break.

Garcia hit the crossbar with a header from Oscar De Marco’s cross late on, but Bardhi was not to be denied on a night when Levante edged ever closer to safety.