Madrid, Jan. 29 -- Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad head into their final group-stage matches of the Europa League on Thursday with slightly different objectives.
Athletic hosts Czech side Viktoria Plzen at San Mames, currently third in the 36-team group. The Basque side only needs a draw to ensure a top-eight finish and avoid the February play-off round.
Even a defeat could still see Athletic remain in the top eight, depending on Galatasaray and Bodo/Glint - ninth and tenth at present - not winning their respective matches.
Athletic enters the match after a 4-1 European loss to Besiktas - arguably its worst display of the season - and a frustrating 0-0 draw at home against Leganes, despite registering 29 shots.
Coach Ernesto Valve...