Ernesto Valverde hailed Athletic Bilbao for refusing to throw in the towel after their late comeback in Sunday’s 3-2 victory at Elche.
The Valencians looked to be sailing towards a 2-0 win, courtesy of an early brace from Jonathas, but Los Leones rose from the dead to launch a stunning turnaround within the final 10 minutes, carried out by Ager Aketxe, Mikel San Jose and Inaki Williams.
“We started off very badly, but in the second half we pushed on and the first goal [from Aketxe] gave us hope to launch the comeback,” the Coach said after the game.
“It was a game of strange sensations, and it’s never easy to overturn a 2-0 deficit, but we always sought the opportunity to score.
“The result reinforces us [ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on May 30].
“The teams who have nothing to play for are also dangerous, as seen by Elche. They also played some very good football.”
