Levante have increased their chances of a top-four finish in La Liga this season with a 3-1 comeback victory over 10-man Athletic Bilbao at home.

The Basque giants broke the deadlock at Ciudad de Valencia as early as the sixth minute when Aritz Aduriz headed home Andoni Iraola's cross for his 15th goal of the season.

However, the home side restored parity 20 minutes later, Christian Lell firing in past Gorka Iraizoz from a narrow angle on the right.

Bilbao were reduced to 10 men just before the half-time interval when Aymeric Laporte was shown a straight red card for bringing down Roger as the Levante player broke clear on goal.

Levante immediately went 2-1 up as Vicente Iborra headed home David Navarro's flick-on from close range.

The Valencian club ascertained the points in the 69th minute, Nabil El-Zhar chesting down Michel's delivery and then shooting home with a low drive.

The results lifts Levante to just a point off the final Champions League place for the time being, while Bilbao remain stranded in mid-table.