Athletic Bilbao 6-0 HJK Helsinki

Athletic Bilbao romped to a 6-0 win over HJK Helsinki in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier at San Mames tonight.

Goals from Inigo Perez, Andoni Iraola and a brace each from Aritz Aduriz Zubeldia and Susaeta were enough to see off the Finnish outfit as Athletic put one foot firmly into the competition in which they finished runners-up last season.

The Basque side took a three-goal lead into the break. Zubeldia and Susaeta both added to their tally in the second half before Iraola added a sixth late on.

The return leg is Thursday, August 30 at the Sonera Stadium in Helsinki.