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Europa League third qualifying round, second leg

Slaven Koprivnica 2 - Athletic Bilbao 1

A close shave in the end, but Athletic Bilbao are through to the play-off stage of the competition after beating Slaven Koprivnica 4-3 on aggregate. Defending a two goal lead from the first leg, Bielsa's side were confident of going through. But with just under half an hour on the clock Maras got one back with a well struck free kick, and before the half time whistle the Croatians almost turned the scoreline around with a long shot which rattled the woodwork. Bielsa made three changes at the break however, and substitutes Llorente and Muniain combined within a couple of minutes of the restart for Muniain to level the scores on the night. Midway through the second half though Gregurina scores another for the locals with a long shot which took a deflection off Iraola to wrong-foot Iraizoz, and there were some nervous moments before the referee finally called it a day. But in the end Athletic will be in tomorrow's play-off draw, where they will be joined by first timers Levante. (09.08.12)