Valverde: Comeback win ‘important’

Ernesto Valverde feels Athletic Bilbao’s come-from-behind win over Villarreal in the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie is an ‘important’ boost for the team.

The Yellow Submarine took a two-goal lead at San Mames before Inaki Williams, Aritz Aduriz and Aymeric Laporte put Los Leones ahead for the return at El Madrigal.

“It was a nice game to watch. They have a lot of quality. We are pleased to come back, because at 2-0 it seemed very difficult,” Valverde said, AS reports.

“We needed it because we weren’t so good against Las Palmas. In the face of this tough run, this strengthens us in line with recent games.

“When you get tired you lose a lot more. If you win you have a spark. It was important after the 2-2 the other day [against Las Palmas].

“Generally we never give up. The tie was always going to be settled in the second game. We have some breathing space, but not enough to shout from the rooftops.”

Tags Ernesto Valverde
La Liga - Club News