Ernesto Valverde has warned Athletic Bilbao aren’t through to the next round of the Europa League yet. ‘Inter Baku have to score here.’
Athletic lead 2-0 from the first leg but travel to Azerbaijan for the return amid concern over the pitch and the heat and humidity.
Marca notes that the conditions led to training being delayed and the temperature has touched 33 degrees, with humidity at 49%, while the artificial turf is slippery under foot.
“We expect a different game than last week. In Bilbao they came to keep a clean sheet and here they’re forced to score,” Valverde said, focusing on events on the pitch.
“They’re at home, with their fans, and certainly they’ll try a few more things than we saw in Bilbao. We have a score line in our favour, but it’s not definitive.
“Not conceding? It’s important that we score and don’t let them. If we score we have a great performance and that’s something we have to consider.
“We’ve played a lot of games and what counts is to not make a mistake and have the best possible number of chances.”
