Athletic: Iraizoz, De Marcos, Laporte, Gurpegi, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Mikel Rico; Muniain (Aketxe 74’), Beñat (Susaeta 63’), Ibai Gómez; Aduriz (Guillermo 76’). 4-2-3-1.
Shakhtar: Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Azevedo; Fernando Lucas (Fred 72’), Stepanenko; Douglas Costa, Alex Teixeira, Taison (Marlos 79’); Luiz Adriano (Gladkiy 89’). 4-2-3-1.
Goals: None.
Athletic Bilbao began the group stage with a 0-0 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in the new San Mamés stadium. A capacity crowd turned up to see the Lions return to Europe’s top competition after a long absence, but they were up against an experienced team who were looking to get something from this match. Both sides had chances in the first half, Mikel Rico shooting wide and Ibai Gómez hitting the side netting with a free kick, and Stepanenko testing Iraizoz, and Luiz Adriano and Douglas Costa both going close. After the interval Pyatov had to save a Beñat free kick and a late effort from Susaeta, and Ibai Gómez and Muniain failed to find the target. But Laporte was lucky to be let off a penalty claim when a cross hit him on the arm at close range, Iraizoz had to push a long effort by Costa around the post, and Stepanenko got the ball in the net only for the play to be pulled up as Kuchar was offside in the build-up. Could have been better, but Athletic at least have a point on the board.