DOUBLE DREAM FOR BILBAO

Athletic Bilbao have their sights set on a cup double this season.

The Primera Liga outfit have already reached the final of the Copa del Rey, where they will face the might of Barcelona in late May.

Of more immediate concern is Thursday night's first leg of their Europa League round of 32 clash with Lokomotiv Moscow in sub-zero temperatures in the Luzhniki Stadium.

Although Lokomotiv have not played a competitive match since mid-December, given the Russian winter break, Athletic striker Iker Muniain is expecting a bitterly cold and tough encounter.

"They will be fresher, but this also brings with it a lack of rhythm that we already have which could be a big factor," said Muniain, whose side have lost just two of their last 14 matches in all competitions.

"What's clear is that it's going to be a very difficult game, but we're ready and focused on what awaits us, both with regard to the temperature and our opponents.

"We are going there with plenty of desire. Our objective is not only to get a goal, which would mean a lot for the return leg, but to go for the win.

"We want to do well in the Europa League, to get through the rounds, and hopefully we will get as far as in the Copa del Rey."

Despite their lack of a recent competitive edge, Lokomotiv enjoyed a near month-long training camp in Lagos, Portugal, before heading back to Moscow at the weekend.

Lokomotiv struck 10 goals without reply in two friendlies, beating Atletico of Lison 4-0 and Lagos 6-0, the latter game seeing Roman Pavlyuchenko make his debut following his recent move from Spurs.

Slovakia defender Jan Durica said: "I think we are in perfect physical condition.

"We are up against a decent contender but we need to show character. We need not fear anyone before taking to the field."

The winners, with the second leg in Bilbao next week, will face either Manchester United or Ajax in the last 16.