Villarreal clash ‘crucial’ – Valverde

Athletic Club Bilbao Coach Ernesto Valverde admits Friday night’s clash away to Villarreal is ‘crucial’ in the race for the European spots.

The clash at Estadio Ceramica see’s the fifth-placed Yellow Submarine host sixth-placed Athletic, who have won their last two league matches.

"We are all available, it is true that we completed a very busy week and we will see after the two victories,” Valverde explained to his pre-match press conference.

"It is an absolutely crucial match for both sides, whoever wins on Friday will take a huge step forward towards a European place.

“Villarreal are a big threat, they have an excellent counterattack – Roberto Soldado and Cedric Bakambu are both big threats, they have a settled starting eleven and their game revolves around the brilliant Bruno.”

A win would see Valverde’s men leapfrog Villarreal into fifth.

Tags Ernesto Valverde
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