Bilbao trying to set up all-Spanish final

Athletic Bilbao are looking to continue their remarkable continental campaign and set up an all-Spanish Europa League final as they take on Sporting Lisbon in the semi-final first leg tonight.

Marcelo Bielsa's side have already beaten Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Schalke 04 this season and the brand of football favoured by the Argentine since his arrival at San Mames last year has won many admirers.

Now they are seen as favourites to beat Sporting and qualify for their first continental final since losing to Juventus in the UEFA Cup showpiece in 1977. Spanish clubs Atletico Madrid and Valencia will decide the other semi-final.