One more step towards the final in Bucarest

8 years have passed since the match which gave the red-and white side the passage to a UEFA Europa League semi-final for the second time in their history. Athletic Club booked their ticket to the final by drawing two-all against Shalke 04 at San Mamés, after having clinched a fine 2-4 win in the first leg.

Despite the great advantage earned by the team managed by Bielsa in Gelsenkirchen, the fixture at La Catedral was tough and intense, the German team were on the attack from he beginning of the match. Huntelaar brought some excitement into the game after scoring the first goal of the night on 29 minutes, which was levelled up by Ibai Gómez, who netted a great shot from outside the area before the break.

In the second half, Real Madrid’s ex-footballer Raúl, who had already scored a brace in the first leg, gave Shalke the lead again on 52 minutes. Athetic’s response was imminent, as Markel Susaeta equalised the final 2-2 just three minutes later.

LINES UP:
Athletic Club
1. Iraizoz; 3. Aurtenetxe; 5. Amorebieta; 15. Iraola; 23. Ekiza; 10. De Marcos; 21. Ander Herrera; 24. J.Martínez; 9. Llorente; 14. Susaeta; 19. Muniain
Bench: 28. Ibai, 2. Toquero, 6. San José, 13. Raúl, 17. Iñigo Pérez, 32. Ruiz de Galarreta, 11. Gabilondo

Shalke 04
36. Unnerstall; 3. Escudero; 6. Hoogland; 14. Papadopoulos; 10. Holtby; 13. Jones; 18. Jurado; 32. Matip; 7. Raúl; 19. Obasi; 25. Huntelaar