Spanish sides progress in Europa League

MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 10: Radamel Falcao of Atletico Madrid holds the Europa League trophy while celebrating with fans at Plaza Neptuno a day after Atletico won the Europa League Final on May 10, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. Atletico beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the final in Bucharest.

Madrid, Sep 21 – Three Spanish clubs enjoyed good starts at the Europa League as reigning champions Atletico Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win in Israel.

Levante grabbed a 1-0 win over Swedish side Helsingborg. Beaten Europa League finalists Athletic Club Bilbao were held to a 1-1 draw at home, reports Xinhua.

Cebolla Rodriguez, Diego Costa and Raul Garcia were all on target as Atletico Madrid won 3-0 away to Hapoel Tel Aviv Thursday.

Meanwhile, Juanfran’s goal four minutes from half-time was enough to give Levante their first win in the group stage of the Europa League.

Athletic Club Bilbao were unable to defeat another Israeli side Hapoel Kiryat Shimona.

The visitors enjoyed only one shot on goal which was saved by Athletic keeper Gorka Iraizoz. But a first-half effort which was going well wide was deflected into the home goal by Rocheet.

Athletic managed 11 corners and had over 10 shots on target in the game but their only reward was a first-half goal from Markel Susaeta in a game where Hapoel goalkeeper Amos was the stand-out performer of the night.