Last season’s beaten finalists Athletic Bilbao were made to work hard by Croatian side Slaven Belupo before edging through 4-3 on aggregate in the Europa League third qualifying round.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised the “desire and commitment” of his side following their 1-0 Europa League third qualifying round first leg win over Gomel last night.

A SECOND-HALF equaliser from top scorer Eamon Zayed rescued Drogheda United after Henrik Larsson’s goal had put Helsingborgs in the driving seat in this UEFA Cup second qualifying round first leg.

Aston Villa boss John Gregory has made just one change to the team which beat French side Rennes 1-0 last Wednesday to set up the Intertoto Cup final against Basle.

Slaven Belupo 2 Aston Villa 1