Athletic Bilbao are on course for third place in Group H, but may consider themselves unlucky not to lead against BATE Borisov.

The hosts, who only need a draw to secure Europa League football in the New Year, started on the front foot with Mikel Rico's shot needing a block from the BATE backline.

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On six minutes, Athletic came close to taking the lead when forward Ibai Gomez's thunderous shot was tipped away by Artem Soroko.

Mikel San Jose was then picked out with by Markel Susaeta on 18 minutes, but the former Liverpool defender was unable to direct his header on target as the hosts dominated the opening exchanges.

Moments later, Rico was presented with another chance and again failed to test Soroko as he blazed his shot over the bar.

BATE were unable to break out of defence as the Spanish outfit continued to dominate and Guillermo Fernandez was unlucky not to break the deadlock when Soroko got down to turn away his strike.

Later in the half, the 21-year-old rose highest to meet another pinpoint delivery from Susaeta, but on this occasion failed to find the target as Athletic continued to show profligacy in front of goal.