Socceroo Mathew Leckie returned for the first time in a month for Hertha Berlin and scored his fifth goal of the season overnight in a 3-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.
Leckie opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a now-trademark bullet header from Maximilian Mittelstadt's cross.
The Australian, who had been out of action recently with a thigh injury, also had an early chance go wide from a sliding effort.
The goal continued Leckie's prolific form since his move to Hertha, having netted four Bundesliga goals already this term.
Despite the early pressure, the Spanish side triumphed with Aduriz netting a double and Inaki Williams scoring the winner on 82 minutes.
The result means Hertha cannot progress in Group J with one game to play.
Mathew #Leckie makes way for Alex #Esswein 🔄
— Hertha Berlin (@HerthaBSC_EN) November 23, 2017
As good a time as any to remind you of Mathew's contribution tonight 👏 (73') #ATHBSC #hahohe 2-2 pic.twitter.com/qhgyMDlSOB
Elsewhere, Alex Gersbach was an 87th minute substitute as Rosenborg lost 1-0 at home to Real Sociedad. The result eliminates Rosenborg in Group L.
Jason Davidson was absent as NK Rijeka drew 2-2 away to AEK Athens. The Croatian club are bottom of Group D.
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