Werder's final opponent in the group stage of the Europa League, Athletic Bilbao, gained another bit of self-confidence as the Basque side won at Real Saragossa 2-1 (0-0)on the 14th game day of the Spanish Primera Division. Athletic Bilbao last season fought until late in the season against relegation and were beaten by over-powering Barcelona in the Spanish Cup final. But the Iberians already have collected 23 points which puts them within three points of Deportivo La Coruna in the final Europa League spot.

Deserved point for Austria/Funchal lose ground

Austria Vienna picked up a deserved point in a 2-2 draw at fellow contenders Sturm Graz. But the draw benefitted leaders Rapid Vienna and Salzburg who both won. Austria's gap behind city rivals Rapid is five points and they are three points behind second placed Salzburg. Nacional Funchal meanwhile failed to keep pace with the leading trio of Benfica, Sporting Braga and FC Porto in the Portuguese top flight after a 2-1 defeat at Pacos de Ferreira. Williams's two goals (41', 62') for Ferreira proved too much for Funchal, who had Onyekachi Amuneke (54') equalise. Nacional are now eight points behind third placed FC Porto. And the goal for the season appears to be now hold off city rivals Maritimo Funchal among others for fourth place - which secures a spot in the Europa League next season.