SK Slavia Praha, AZ Alkmaar, FC Viktoria Plzen and IF Elfsborg to visit San Mamés
SK Slavia Praha, AZ Alkmaar, FC Viktoria Plzen and IF Elfsborg to visit San Mamés
The Lions will play twice in Istanbul, against Fenerbahce SK and Besiktas JK, and will also face AS Roma and Ludogorets away
Following Friday afternoon's draw in Moncao, Athletic Club now know their eight League Phase opponents for the 2024-25 Europa League.
San Mames will welcome two Czech teams in SK Slavia Praha and FC Viktoria Plzen, Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar and Swedish club IF Elfsborg.
There are some huge away days in store too, with a visit to AS Roma, two trips to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce SK and Besiktas JK, and Ludogorets in Bulgaria.
Legendary Lion Aritz Aduriz was the main guest at the draw, which Athletic director Igor San Román attended representing the club.
The former striker said that "playing in Europe with Athletic for several seasons was very important for us" when asked about his previous experiences of the tournament.
As for The Cathedral, he added: "San Mamés is more than a stadium. It's a symbol of passion and a very good opportunity for everyone in Europe to enjoy it in the final."
San Román added that Athletic "have drawn some tough opponents, but we're hopeful of progressing in the knockout stages. Playing in Bilbao is a huge challenge for us, especially with our particular philosophy, being a unique team".