For FC Augsburg it is their very first meeting in an international competition. The German club have to fly to Spain, where Athletic Bilbao are waiting for them. It is match between favourite and underdog, Europa League experience against absolute beginner, or just simply Bilbao against Augsburg on matchday one.
Poor start to the season domestically
Athletic Bilbao are in 10th position after three matches. The Catalans started the term with a cracking game against FC Barcelona, and lost only 0-1 in their own stadium. They went to Eibar and lost 2-0 but managed to bounce back against Getafe and got their first three points and goals this season.
Aduriz netted a header in the opening stages and put his team in front early on. In the 24th minute, new signing Raúl Garcia nodded home to increase the lead. Getafe got one back in the 70th minute, thanks to a goal from Emiliano Velazquez. Just before the final whistle Aduriz scored the goal to seal his brace and the three points.
For Augsburg, it has been a similarly poor beginning. After four matches the team is still without a win and were unlucky to lose against Bayern Munich, where the Bavarians got a penalty in the last minute. On first matchday the most surprising team from last season suffered a 1-0 against Hertha BSC, after Salomon Kalou netted from the spot.
Eintracht Frankfurt could count themselves fortunate to take a point from the Swabian-Bavarians, after they scored the equaliser only four minutes before the final whistle. FC Ingolstadt, recently promoted from the 2. Bundesliga, came away with a 1-0 win against Markus Weinzierl's men and, as previously mentioned, Bayern Munich beat them 2-1 with a little help from referee Knut Kircher.
Very first meeting in an international competition for FC Augsburg
Captain Paul Verhaegh said, "In Europe no one knows us." Coach Markus Weinzierl added, "Augsburg will try to compete against renowned opponents like Bilbao and Alkmaar". It will be very difficult to spring a surprise in their group but a fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga last year was evidence that anything is possible.
Bilbao have to atone for last year's poor European campaign
Athletic went out in the round of last 32 against Torino FC last campaign and have to make amends this year. The Spaniards are the favourites in their group and should finish top of the table, but only if they keep focused throughout the six games. With such an exciting and youthful squad, Bilbao could be in for a good tournament.
Key players
Atheltic Bilbao's key player is most definitely Aduriz. The 1.82m-tall striker was one of the best strikers in Primera División last season, as he scored 18 goals. On third matchday against Getafe, the Spanish forward got his tally going with a brace and showed once more how important he is for the Catalans. Ragnar lavan and Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker must be on top form to keep him from scoring.
Alexander Esswein will provide the pace and power to worry Bilbao. He has netted just once but has been a real threat and a nightmare to defend against with those aforementioned qualities. If Bilbao's defenders do not concentrate then they may get punished.
Prediction
FC Augsburg players will definitely be nervous and excited because they are the first players in the club's history to represent them on the continental stage. However, an early goal from Bilbao could kill that enthusiasm and hamper any chance for the Bundesliga side to pick up any points at the San Memes.