Spanish clubs in Europa League: Bilbao struggle to a home draw while Atletico lose

The two Spanish football representatives in the Europa League competition were in action tonight with the following brief summary of events, scorers & final results.

At.Bilbao-Salzburg

Athletic Club de Bilbao hosted Salzburg for their Group F clash and offered an entertaining match that went down to the end – with Bilbao comeback included – to finish in a 2 – 2 draw. The match had a red card given to visiting player Lindgren (75th min) which gave Bilbao a player advantage which added to their “blitz” attempt in the final moments of the match.

Beforehand, the first half was Salzburg which scored two goals against the game as Bilbao dominated. Wallner scored first in the 29th min followed later by team-mate Leonardo in the 35th min.

The second half saw Bilbao put in some heroic stuff & it all paid off when Fernando Llorente scored a penalty in the 69th min & then equalized ( Lindgren sent off ) with another penalty in the 75th min. Salzburg with 10 men stood firm as Bilbao fired all their guns at them; in the end the visitors managed to get away with their point.

Udinese – At.Madrid

In Group I, Udinese and Atletico de Madrid game finished 2 – 0 with Udinese scoring two quick counter-attacking goals via Benatia in the 89th min & Floro Flores in the 94th min. Basically it was the same “old” story for the Spanish Football team Atletico, they dominated most of the match but could not score, it was as simple as that, plus some fine saves from the Atletico young goalie Courtois. Ahhh, there was a clear penalty on Atletico de Madrid forward Falcao not called that could have changed things… could have I said.

However there are strange signals vibrating out of Atletico & from their “goal drought”. I don´t want to get too heavy too soon but there are some Coaching decisions & tactical moves from Mr. Manzano which is causing me much confusing. I cant understand why Reyes & Adrian are not starting , for example, & the defence looks wobbly.

Be what it may, the Italians did what they do best in Football, allow you to dance with them for around 88 minutes & then they kick you in the balls to win ( or score two goals).