Ernesto Valverde revelled in Mikel Balenziaga’s ‘golazo’ during Athletic Bilbao’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla on Saturday.
Balenziaga scored his first-ever professional goal in some 270 appearances to fire Athletic 2-1 ahead as he sped past his marker with a heavy touch down Sevilla’s left, before angling a finish across Salvatore Sirigu.
“He scored a great goal. He was hoping to score any day now,” the Coach said of the full-back after the game.
“He’s a player who gives us a lot in defence but also in attack because he’s always ready to run and the first to launch counterattacks.
“I was very pleased he scored in a game of this level and more so that the moment came.
“We came from a tough week with a lot of games. Winning for the fourth time in a row is very important because it reaffirms our position and also for the value of doing so against a team like Sevilla.
“The team showed that playing well was the clearest shortcut to victory. We always wanted to have the ball close to their area.
“We did well because their equaliser came at the wrong time as we weren’t roughing it and could’ve because they have players who can always get you in trouble.”
