Madrid (Spain), Jan 29 (IANS) Spanish clubs Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad head into their final group-stage matches of the Europa League on Thursday with slightly different objectives. Athletic host Czech side Viktoria Plzen at San Mames, currently third in the 36-team group. The Basque side only needs a draw to ensure a top-eight finish and avoid the February play-off round.
Even a defeat could still see Athletic remain in the top eight, depending on Galatasaray and Bodo/Glint – ninth and tenth at present – not winning their respective matches, reports Xinhua. Athletic enter the match after a 4-1 European loss to Besiktas – arguably their worst display of the season – and a frustrating 0-0 draw at home against Leganes, despite registering 29 shots.
Coach Ernesto Valverde remains without influential midfielder Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, while Oihan Sancet could start after returning from an ankle injury as a second-half substitute in the Leganes match. Plzen could pose a tough challenge, travelling to Bilbao with three wins in the last four Europa League outings and knowing a victory might propel it into the top eight.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, face Greek outfit PAOK Salonika at home in a trickier situation, with both teams on 10 points. Though it is unlikely either side will drop out of the top 24 or fail to earn a playoff berth, a defeat carries a slim risk of elimination.
The San Sebastian team endured a tough week after a 3-1 away loss to Lazio and a 3-0 defeat at home to Getafe over the weekend. The fans voiced their displeasure with a tepid display that saw forward Take Kubo openly criticising the performance.
Coach Imanol Alguacil seeks a reaction, but with a draw likely enough for both teams, a stalemate could be the most probable outcome.
–IANS
bsk/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
