Athletic club back on form in Europe
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Xinhua, September 30, 2011
Athletic Club Bilbao claimed their first home win of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Paris Saint Germain in the Europa League.
The Basque side produced their best performance of the season under the guidance of coach Marcelo Bielsa and were clear winners against their big spending rivals.
Needing a win in front of their home fans, Athletic took the game to the French side with a series of flowing attacking moves and were rewarded after 19 minutes when Igor Gabilondo opened the scoring with a fine volley at the far post following Markel Susaeta's cross.
Athletic kept up the pressure, but were caught a couple of times on the break as Paris looked to use their pace in attack and goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz was booked for a handball outside of the penalty area, before Bodmar fired over when well placed.
Susaeta netted Athletic's second with virtually the last kick of the half. The winger took advantage of a fine cross from Ion Autenetxe to score with his right foot.
The game took another move Athletic's way after five minutes of the second half when Momhamed Sissoko was sent off after seeing his second well deserved yellow card for a lunge from behind on Iker Munian.
A piece of skill from Muniain after 68 minutes almost led to a third goal. The young striker turned the entire Paris defense, but was unable to supply a finish with just the keeper to beat.
Substitute Ibai Gomez went close with a last minute header, but the game was as good as over and Bielsa can breathe a lot easier after a convincing win, which puts his side ahead of their qualifying group.
Earlier in the evening Juanfran Torres scored an 87th minute goal to give Atletico Madrid an 87th minute equalizing goal away to Stade Rennes from a game they deserved little from after Hugo Montano had put the French side ahead.
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