Spain's three sides in the Europa League suffered slightly disappointing nights in their respective matches on Thursday.
Reigning Europa League Champions, Atletico Madrid lost 1-0 away to Viktoria Plzen on a cold night in the Czech Republic.
As usual Atletico coach Diego Simeone played a side packed with fringe players and his side lost to a solitary first half goal from Vaclav Prochazka meant Simeone's side, who had Diego Costa sent off for a headbutt, finish second in their group and face a more complicated tie in the next round.
Athletic Club Bilbao played their last European match in the San Mames Stadium before next season's move to a new ground next door, but the Basques, who were already knocked out of the competition , could only draw 0-0 with Sparta Prague.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa also played a side filled with youngsters and fringe players and the most interesting factor on the night were the boos for striker Fernando Llorente who on Monday had blamed the press and fans for his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
The best news for thge club were assured displays from youngsters, Pena, Moran and Aymeric Laporte, a young central defender.
Levante finish second in their group after drawing 2-2 at home to Hannover, but Jose Ignacio Martinez's side end the group stage with positive sensations after coming back from 2-0 down.
Angel and Vicente Iborra, with the last kick of the game gave the Spaniards a point after going in 2-0 at half time due to goal from Lars Stindl and Ya Konan. Endi
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)