Valverde: ‘It’s not over yet’

Ernesto Valverde is taking nothing for granted despite Athletic Bilbao’s 4-2 first-leg Copa del Rey win over Celta Vigo at Balaidos.

Bilbao took a big step towards the quarter-finals after an Aritz Aduriz brace and goals from Markel Susaeta and Mikel San Jose put them firmly in control against Eduardo Berizzo’s men.

Even so, Valverde says the tie is far from over and there is still everything to play for at San Mames next week.

“It’s a good result, I won’t deny it, but we have too much respect for Celta to announce that this tie is over,” he told a post-match Press conference.

“They have enough resources to turn it around when we meet next week so until next Wednesday we can’t say anything is resolved.

“We were fortunate in finishing off our set-pieces and in the way we pressed Celta, although we must remember they left a number of first choice players out of their side.

“But then again so did we and must put this Cup game to one side and start concentrating on this weekend’s game against Elche.

“We’ve already been close to the relegation places this season and don’t want to fall back into that part of the table,” he affirmed.

 

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