A good start for Athletic Bilbao in this season's Europa League, Bielsa's side beating Croatia's Slaven Koprivnica 3-1 in their first leg tie. With star signing Aduríz side-lined due to an injury, it was another of Athletic's prodigal sons, Ismael López, who was to prove the hero. The ex Lugo forward opened the scoring in the twentieth minute after Rodic blocked a shot from Ibai Gómez, and after Delic equalised, Isma played on Toquero's cross for Susaeta to restore the lead. And midway through the second half Isma was there again to turn the ball back in to the net after a shot from Iñigo Pérez came back off the post, giving his new side a two goal cushion to take in to next Thursday's second leg. (02.08.12)