Europa League

Athletic Bilbao 3 – Sassuolo 2

Athletic: Herrerín; Lekue, Yeray, Laporte, Balenziaga; San José, Beñat; Williams (Bóveda 61‘), Raúl García, Muniain (Mikel Rico 84’); Aduriz (Sabín Merino 88’). 4-2-3-1.
Sassuolo: Consigli; Pol Lirola, Cannavaro, Acerbi, Gazzola; Biondini (Matri 71’), Magnanelli, Pellegrini (Missiroli 70’); Ricci, Defrel (Politano 77’), Ragusa. 4-3-3.

Goals:
0-1. 01. Balenziaga (own goal). Turned ball in after Herrerín saved from Ragusa.
1-1. 09. Raúl García. Steered header down inside near post from Beñat corner.
2-1. 58. Aduríz. Far post header past Consigli after Yeray headed on Beñat corner.
3-1. 79. Lekue. Ran on to Aduríz headed pass and turned shot under keeper.
3-2. 83. Ragusa. Drilled shot back past Herrerín after keeper pushed out cross

Yellow cards: Raúl García 36’, Aduríz 52’, Acerbi 72’, Laporte 75’, Ragusa 78’, Missiroli 92’, Magnanelli 94’.

Athletic Bilbao are through to the next round of the Europa League after they beat Sassuolo 3-2 on Thursday evening, Genk’s win against Rapid Vienna opening up a four point gap between the top two and the rest. Although Balenziaga awkwardly put through his own net in the first minute, Raúl García headed the equalizer from Beñat’s corner a few minutes later. Visiting keeper Consigli had to save from Muniain and Williams before the interval, and a quarter of an hour in to the second half Aduríz headed the Basque side in to the lead after Yeray headed on another Beñat corner. Herrerín had to save from Defrel soon afterwards, but Lekue made it three after Aduríz headed on a long Herrerín free kick. Ragusa got one back however after Herrerín could only push out a cross from Politano, setting up a nervous last few minutes for the home fans.