MADRID, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Three Spanish sides are in Europa League action on Thursday looking to make an important step towards the knockout stages of the competition.
Celta Vigo are looking to pick themselves up following a 5-0 defeat in the Liga Santander away to Villarreal when they entertain Dutch side Ajax in their Balaidos Stadium.
The game comes in the middle of a controversy involving club President Carlos Mourino, who is threatening to sell the club in order to secure its long-term economic future.
Villarreal meanwhile face a long trip to the Turkish capital of Ankara to take on Onmanlispor.
Fran Escriba's side have recovered from their elimination from the Champions League qualifying round, and are unbeaten in their subsequent nine games in all competitions.
Finally Athletic Club Bilbao have to at least avoid defeat on their trip to play Belgian side Genk.
Athletic will be boosted by their 3-2 win in the Basque derby at home to Real Sociedad at the weekend, but have injury problems with Kepa, Eneko Boveda, Oscar de Marcos and Benat Etxeberria all missing the flight because of various physical issues.
Coach Ernesto Valverde will continue with his policy of giving opportunities to all of his goalkeepers with Iago Herrerin starting on goal.
