Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Bielsa searching first win as Bilbao boss

Posted Sunday, August 28, 2011 by PA

Athletic Bilbao go in search of their first competitive win under Marcelo Bielsa when they take on Primera Division newcomers Rayo Vallecano on Sunday after UEFA granted them a bye into the group stages of the Europa League.

Athletic were due to play Trabzonspor on Thursday, but the Turkish club were promoted into the Champions League after Fenerbahce were excluded from the competition due to the ongoing investigation into allegations of match-fixing.

Bielsa was less than happy with UEFA's decision.

"How am I to celebrate going through without playing?" he said.

"I can't savour or enjoy this. To win without playing doesn't mean anything."

Bielsa will hand a La Liga debut to his only signing of the summer, Ander Herrera.

Rayo's close-season was dominated by stories of players and staff having to take wage cuts ordered by the club's administrator.

Only on Friday was it confirmed that coach Jose Ramon Sandoval had agreed a deal to stay with the club.

"I want to complete the dream we have been working towards and, despite the circumstances, we always thought we could reach an agreement that was beneficial to both sides," said Sandoval.

On Sunday's game, he said: "It is the debut you want to make in the Primera because it is a stadium that has it all and a team I have a lot of respect for but don't fear.

"To start there is the best way possible and I think it will be a feast of football."

New signings Raul Tamudo and Dani Pacheco will not be involved this weekend.