Llorente determined to finish job after Old Trafford scalp

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente believes his side’s stunning success over Manchester United has given them the belief they can claim the club’s first ever European trophy when they face Atletico Madrid in an all-Spanish Europa League final in Bucharest tonight.

While the Basque side will go in as slight underdogs, Llorente has warned his side will be fuelled by a stellar European campaign that hit its highest point at Old Trafford in early March.

Bilbao stunned the English champions 3-2 in their own backyard in the first leg of their last-16 tie before completing the shock progression with a 2-1 home win.

They subsequently eliminated Schalke and Sporting Lisbon en route to the showpiece, but Llorente believes the club owe it to themselves to make sure the memorable Old Trafford success was not in vain.

“We have really had a great season in Europe, and that makes us even more determined to win the final,” the Spain striker said.

“By winning it, we want to make sure the incredible win at Old Trafford will not only be remembered as a great night during a positive European campaign which we didn’t win.”

Bilbao could yet secure a rare double, with a meeting against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on May 24 also to come, in a run that has been largely credited to boss Marcelo Bielsa.

The Argentinian has galvanised a team including the attacking threat of Llorente and Iker Muniain.

“One year ago, nobody would even have imagined that we could enjoy such a successful campaign. We now have to rise to the occasion, and end the season on a high,” Llorente said.

The 27-year-old knows that his side face a tough task against Atletico who themselves have been rejuvenated since the arrival of Diego Simeone, in place of Gregorio Manzano, in December.

The capital club are unbeaten in their past seven games — compared to Bilbao who have won just four times in 11 — to lift them up to the verge of a Champions League place.

Tonight’s game will be Atletico’s second Europa League final in three seasons after they beat Fulham 2-1 two years ago.

“When it comes to matches like this, those who’ve already played in one know what to expect, but that guarantees you nothing,” said Simeone, who is also wary of Athletic’s attacking threat, despite boasting the competition’s equal-leading scorer Radamel Falcao, who has netted 10 times.

Atletico will have defender Luis Perea back after recovering from a thigh problem but Tiago is suspended while full-back Silvio is out for the season.

Athletic have a full strength squad to pick from.