On the second to last matchday of the Champions League group stages, Athletic Bilbao came away with all three points in their 1-0 victory over Shakthar Donestk in the Ukraine.
There were not many talking points in the first half as both sides had a few good chances, but none that looked like they were really going to go into the back of the net. Alex Teixeria had the first attempt on goal for Shakthar as his shot, from the middle of the box, was saved well by Athletic's goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz. A minute later, in the 8th minute of play, Athletic Bilbao had their first chance of the evening through their striker Borja Viguera, as he swung his left foot through the ball, but his attempt missed the goal. The chances after that were few and far between as the Spanish outfit looked to control play, but just couldn't muster enough to really cause any havoc for the Shakthar defense.
It was starting to look that way as well in the second 45 minutes, but early on it was the home side that looked the most likely to go in front as they had multiple opportunities. Douglas Costa had an attempt blocked from an effort outside of the 18 yard box ten minutes after the restart, but Athletic were unable to clear their lines as Taison was able to get a shot away but it was saved by Iraizoz well. Eight minutes after the hour mark is when Athletic struck and in all truth it was against the run of play. Benat whipped in a cross off of a set piece and was able to find Mikel San Jose from inside of the six yard box to give the Spanish side the lead for good.
Shakthar had a few more chances, but in they end, they never looked like they would be able to find the back of the net. Even though they lost this match, the Ukrainian club will still be pleased as they advance to the knockout rounds. But Athletic will still have to play at their best on the last matchday as they need to win to get to the Europa League knockout stage, but they'll have to come across the Belarusian club, BATE in the middle of December.