Ifeanyi Ndukwe was named in Levante’s starting lineup for the first time this season but saw the match abandoned before kickoff due to a flash flood.
Ndukwe is now expected to qualify for a work permit after making his debut in Levante’s 4-2 defeat to Barcelona, before earning a starting berth against Athletic Club on Wednesday.
However, the match never kicked off following torrential rain in Valencia that waterlogged the pitch and flooded the tunnel to the dressing rooms.
Official communication of the postponement came only minutes before the scheduled 9.30pm kickoff, forcing fans to take shelter on the concourses before it was safe to travel home.
? Así hemos vivido en directo en #AthleticPlay los momentos previos a la suspensión del partido correspondiente a la jornada 6 de @LaLiga
? https://t.co/fntRPJWFT2 #LevanteUDAthletic #AthleticClub ? pic.twitter.com/XxLq8lb4IY
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) September 16, 2026
There has, rightly, been criticism towards the clubs and La Liga for the decision coming so late, as the area had been under an orange weather warning for rain and possible flooding.
While the weather only significantly deteriorated during the warm-ups, supporters and stadium workers were left to take unnecessary journeys to and from the ground when the unsafe conditions were known in advance.
Levante’s statement read: “Levante UD deeply regrets any inconvenience this suspension may have caused to our season ticket holders and fans.”
Oficial | SUSPENDIDO EL LEVANTE-ATHLETIC POR RAZONES METEOROLÓGICAS #EmociónBacalao pic.twitter.com/ba9dVcrsSz
— Radio Popular – Herri Irratia (@RadioPopular) September 16, 2026
The match will be rescheduled in due course, with Ndukwe left to wait and see if he will be given a second chance at a full debut when his side travel to Villarreal on Sunday.
Liverpool’s Champions League opponents have yet to win a league match this season – losing three and drawing two – to sit above only one other team in the table.
The Reds have the option to recall Ndukwe in January, but that will likely only be considered if an alternative loan deal is better-suited to the 18-year-old for the second half of the season.
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpools Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring the third goal during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1.(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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Klopp Wirtz
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