Athletic Bilbao Qualifies as Group Runner-Up to Face a Ligue 1 Team in the Round of 16

Bilbao, Spain - Athletic Club has qualified for the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League after finishing second in their group stage. The Basque club defeated fellow Group B side Krasnodar 2-0 at home on Wednesday night to book their place in the knockout rounds.

The match was a tense affair, with both teams showing great defensive discipline and refusing to give an inch. However, Athletic were able to find the back of the net through goals from Raul Albiol and Gorka Ibarra, securing a comfortable victory for them.

The win means that Athletic will face a Ligue 1 team in the next round of the competition. The draw for the Round of 16 will be made later this week, and it is likely that Athletic will face either Nice or Paris Saint-Germain.

Athletic have been one of the most successful clubs in Europe over the past few years, having won the Copa del Rey twice and the Spanish Super Cup once. They also reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2014, losing out to eventual champions Atletico Madrid.

With their recent success in the Europa League, Athletic fans can look forward to another exciting campaign in Europe's premier club tournament. The Round of 16 is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for the club.