Bilbao and Inter survive Europa scares to advance

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.

Bilbao, beaten in last season’s final by fellow Spanish side Atletico Madrid, had led 3-1 from the first leg but twice went behind in the city of Koprivnica. The Croatians took the lead after 28 minutes through defender Alen Maras but Iker Muniain gave Bilbao some breathing space when he scored the equaliser two minutes into the second half.

However, a second goal for the home side by Mario Gregurina with 21 minutes to go made for an uncomfortable end to the game for the Spanish side.