Europa League

Athletic Bilbao 1 - Valencia 0

Athletic: Herrerín; De Marcos, Etxeita, Laporte, Balenziaga; Beñat, Iturraspe (Mikel Rico 82‘); Susaeta (Elustondo 72‘), Raúl García, Muniain (Sabin 53’); Aduríz. 4-2-3-1.
Valencia: Mat Ryan; Barragán, Mustafi, Abdennour, Gayà; Dani Parejo (Paco Alcácer 81’), Javi Fuego, Danilo Barbosa; Rodrigo (Feghouli 85’), Negredo, Piatti, (André Gomes 69’). 4-3-3.

Goals:
1-0. 20. Raúl García. Looped header over Mat Ryan from long Beñat free kick.

Athletic Bilbao have the edge over Valencia in the all-Spanish Europa League tie, a Raúl García header from a Beñat free kick midway through the first half giving them a 1-0 win in the San Mamés stadium. A heavy rainstorm made playing conditions difficult, but the locals adapted quickly, Susaeta bringing an early save out of Mat Ryan, and Aduríz firing a shot just wide of the mark shortly before the break. Herrerín was only really tested by Rodrigo on a quick breakaway on the half hour mark, and after the interval Ryan was almost caught off his line by a free kick from Laporte taken from inside his own half. The visiting keeper had to be at his best to keep out Beñat and Sabin later on, and Aduríz failed to hit the target when free on goal with the game in injury time. All missed chances which Valverde’s team may yet rue when they meet again in the Mestalla stadium next Thursday.