Athletic Bilbao has made history by advancing to the round of 16 in the Europa League after finishing as group runner-up against a French club from Ligue 1.

The Basque outfit, who have been consistently performing well domestically, had previously qualified for the knockout stages of the competition last season but were eliminated in the first round this time around.

But on Thursday night, Athletic Bilbao produced a remarkable performance to beat FC Metz 2-1 at home and secure their spot in the next stage of the competition.

The victory was a huge boost for the club's morale and they will now face either Ajax or Zenit St Petersburg in the round of 16.

"It's a fantastic result," said Athletic Bilbao manager Erkki Vartiainen. "We knew it would be difficult to qualify, but we showed that we can compete with the best teams in Europe."

Vartiainen praised his players' resilience and determination, saying: "They never gave up and fought until the end. That's what you want in football - to see your team fight until the very end."

The victory also means that Athletic Bilbao have secured their place in the UEFA Champions League next season, which is a significant achievement for the club.

"This is a big step forward for us," said Vartiainen. "It's a dream come true to play in the Champions League. We're looking forward to it."

The win over FC Metz was a historic moment for Athletic Bilbao, and it's safe to say that they won't soon forget it. The club has always been known for its strong performances in domestic competitions, but the Europa League represents a new chapter in their history.

"We've shown that we can compete with the best teams in Europe," said Vartiainen. "And that's something we're really proud of."