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Europa League, day 6

The three La Liga sides completed the formalities on Thursday, with none of them winning their last group games. All of them already knew their fate before the kick-off however, with Atlético Madrid and Levante sure of qualifying for the knock-out stage, and Athletic Bilbao unable to win through whatever the result. Atlético Madrid started the evening needing a draw in their visit to second placed Viktoria Plsen to hold on to top spot of their group. However a first half strike from Prochazka put them 1-0 down, and any hope of saving a point ended when Diego Costa was sent off for head-butting an opponent in injury time. Levante had to win in Valencia against group leaders Hannover '96 to overtake their opponents in the table, but in the end they were thankful to save a 2-2 draw after Stindl and Ya Konen put the German side two up early on. Angel got one back though soon after the restart, and Iborra headed a last minute equalizer to maintain their unbeaten home record. Athletic Bilbao bowed out of the competition though after a 0-0 draw against Sparta Prague. It was the last European match to take place in the old San Mamés stadium prior to their switch to the new arena next summer, and Bielsa used the occasion once again to give a run out to some of his talented youngsters. (06.12.12)