With matches as richly entertaining as this one, even UEFA could warm to the Premier League Under 21 International Cup. West Ham’s youngsters tasted defeat in their first experience of European competition as Athletic Bilbao claimed the points but both teams played their full part in an eight-goal thriller. This new 16-team competition, set up in defiance of UEFA interference, will offer all kinds of intriguing contests between the best of English talent and the continent’s production lines. Athletic Bilbao's Aitor Sequin is congratulated after scoring his side's second goal against West Ham West Ham United: Raphael Spiegel; Kyle Knowle, Joshua Pask, Emmanuel Onariase, Lewis Page; Matthias Fanimo (Kieran Bywater 68), Sebastian Lletget, Danny Whitehead, Djair Parfitt-Williams, Elliot Lee, Jordan Brown (Moses Makasi 68)
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West Ham Under 21s beaten in first experience of European competition
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Hammers taking part in the Premier League Under 21 International Cup
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Defeated by Spanish side Athletic Bilabo at Upton Park
Group matches will be played between October 15 and January 31 with all games organised by the @placeholder.