Athletic Bilbao 1 - 0 Valencia: Athletic Bilbao edge out Valencia in drenched Europa League tie

Raul Garcia's first-half header gave Athletic Bilbao a 1-0 win in a near farcical first leg of their all-Spanish Europa League last-16 tie against Valencia.

Torrential rain rendered the pitch at the Estadio de San Mames almost unplayable but the game went ahead and Garcia's fine glancing effort after 20 minutes gave the Basque side the advantage.

It was the least the hosts deserved for coping superbly with a saturated and muddy surface, creating the better chances throughout and ensuring Valencia's Mat Ryan was by far the busier goalkeeper.

The ball frequently held up in water and there may even have been some doubt over whether the game could be completed, but ultimately both sides may have been pleased with the final outcome.

Athletic performed admirably and and created early openings for Aritz Aduriz and Garcia which came to nothing.

Captain Markel Susaeta had the first serious chance when he burst clear of the Valencia defence but Ryan produced a fine save.

The hosts broke through when Benat Etxebarria floated in a fine free-kick and Garcia rose to divert a header over Ryan.

Bilbao could have doubled their lead soon after as Aduriz chested down to create space for himself on the edge of the area but he dragged his shot wide.

Rodrigo had a good chance for Valencia when he raced into the area but the goalkeeper rushed off his line to block.

Bilbao wanted a penalty early in the second half when Garcia went down in a challenge from Javi Fuego but nothing was given.

Aymeric Laporte almost caught Ryan out with an ambitious effort from the halfway line but the Australian goalkeeper managed to get back to palm over for a corner.

By now the pitch was completely waterlogged but Bilbao continued to press with Aduriz planting a firm header straight at Ryan and substitute Sabin Merino shooting narrowly wide. Ryan then pushed away a Etxebarria free-kick.

Aduriz had another chance when sent clean through in stoppage time but blasted well over the bar.