Athletic Bilbao into Europa League; BATE sets CL defensive futility mark

BILBAO, Spain (AP) — Markel Susaeta scored one goal and made another as Athletic Bilbao beat BATE Borisov 2-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday to secure a

BILBAO, Spain (AP) — Markel Susaeta scored one goal and made another as Athletic Bilbao beat BATE Borisov 2-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday to secure a place in the Europa League.

Neither side could advance to the Champions League knockout stage, but Bilbao's victory was enough to seal third place in Group H and a slot in Europe's second-tier competition.

Mikel San Jose buried a corner sent over by Susaeta in the 47th minute. Substitute Borja Viguera found space in BATE's penalty area and his pinpoint pass to Susaeta allowed the winger to fire home in the 88th.

With the defeat, BATE conceded 24 goals in the group stage — the worst defensive record in the Champions League. The previous record of 22 goals was set by Dinamo Zagreb in 2011-12.