Europa League preview: Athletic Bilbao’s home comfort

Athletic Bilbao can count on home advantage tonight as they look to mount a comeback against Sporting Lisbon and ensure an all-Spanish Europa League final against either Atletico Madrid or Valencia.

Athletic failed to win away in the first leg for the first time in the knockout rounds, but still carry an important away goal from last week’s 2-1 first-leg semi-final loss against the Portuguese club.

Bilbao, who eliminated Manchester United and Schalke on route to the semi-finals, are looking to reach their first European final in 35 years after the Basque club lost the 1977 Uefa Cup to Juventus. Coach Marcelo Bielsa has centre-back Javi Martinez back from suspension, while forward Iker Muniain should be fit after missing Sunday’s 1-0 Spanish league win over Racing Santander with an eye inflammation.

Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz said the club had to be prepared for all possibilities, including penalties. “Sporting can score goals away from home, but we can also conjure up different qualities,” said Iraizoz, who played for Espanyol in 2007’s all-Spanish final with Sevilla. “We have to be well focused and very strong for the game, so that things turn out in our favour.”

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, travel to Valencia holding a 4-2 advantage as the 2010 champions look to reach their second final in three seasons.

The winners will meet at Bucharest’s National Arena for the 9 May final.