Considering the Basque side’s recent form that had culminated in them beating rivals Sociedad last weekend, Athletic took to the field as a side visibly full of confidence.
Therefore, it was unsurprising when they took the lead just minutes into the contest when youngster Adama Boiro - who was making just his second start this month - fired in a left-footed effort after a well-worked corner.
The young left-back continued with his marauding runs overlapping star man Nico Williams, which allowed the winger to drift inside and cause havoc down the middle.
With 25 minutes gone, the Spaniard provided Benat Prados with the Basque side’s second goal after his delicious chipped cross was headed home by the midfielder.
After that early double blow, the outclassed Swedes valiantly managed to dig in, ensuring the deficit didn’t worsen by half-time.
Little had changed in terms of Athletic’s dominance in the game after the interval, however, and Athletic added a third less than 10 minutes after the restart.
Boiro was once again the man of the moment as he fizzed a slide rule pass into the feet of Gorka Guruzeta, who made little mistake with his first-time finish from inside the penalty area.
The third goal appeared to damage the previously spirited Elfsborg, who had built up confidence through 30 minutes of stern defensive work. This allowed Ernesto Valverde to make sweeping changes as a composed Athletic knocked the ball around in the final minutes.
In truth they always looked likely to win a fourth consecutive Europa League match for just the third time - the last time they did that they went all the way to the final.
Flashcore Man of the Match: Adama Boiro (Athletic Club)