Athletic Club - AZ Alkmaar

San Mames celebrated in style. More than 46,000 spectators cheered non-stop as European football returned to Bilbao. The six and a half year absence had felt like an eternity.

Athletic Club secured their victory in the final 20 minutes. Nico Williams was the genius behind both goals. In the 72nd minute he palyed playing in his brother with a fantastic left-footed cross. In the 85th minute, Nico's shot was saved by Alkmaar's keeper before the rebound fell to Oihan Sancet to tuck away.

AZ Alkmaar were a tough side. Nothing comes easy in continental competitions. In fact, Athletic Club are the only LaLiga side that remain unbeaten after the first two weeks of the Europa League and Champions League.

Ernesto Valverde's team came out very strong, with a tremendous opening 20 minutes. Gorka Guruzeta headed wide and Yuri fired a thunderous effort against the crossbar. The full-back was in fine form and threatened with another long-range effort a few minutes later but Owusu-Oduro managed to paw it away.

AZ Alkmaar's Ruben Van Bommel was a constant threat. But Julen Agirrezabala, wearing his ‘oranje’ kit, kept the Dutch talent at bay. 

After the break, Athletic took control, played with patience and began to brew an important victory.

Japanese full-back Maikuma couldn't cope with Nico, and the winger teed up Guruzeta, whose left-footed effort was turned away for a corner by Owusu-Oduro.

Mikel Jauregizar won back possession and found Nico bursting down the left flank, the winger delivered an excellent cross which his brother fired in with one touch.

The second goal came started with Yuri winning the ball and another moment of Nico magic, which this time ended in Sancet finding the back of the net.

Four points from two games put Los Leones among the leading pack. But before hosting the awkward Slavia Prague on Matchday three, also on four points, we must visit Girona. Another challenging fixture.