Valverde: "This victory has a lot of value"

Ernesto Valverde was impressed by the manner of Athletic Club's 0-2 victory over Getafe CF at the Estadio Coliseum on Friday night.

Iñaki Williams scored both the Lions' goals, while Yeray, Aitor Paredes and Valverde were given red cards in a crazy final 30 minutes.

"It was very important to get back to winning ways," Valverde said in his pre-match press conference.

"We knew that Getafe were going to be a tough opponent. Here you have to fight hard. This victory is important and has a lot of value.

"I have nothing to say about the referee, he must have seen it very clearly. I've been sent off for something, I can't say anything. I protested about the penalty, which I don't think it was. It happened and that's it. I don't like that I got sent off and I'm not proud of it." 

Athletic had the match under control until the first red card in the 58th minute and needed to show plenty of character to hold on for the win.

He said: "The first half was even and we had chances to score. We were better, more settled and we had it where we wanted it.

"We're a very reliable team in terms of fitness, effort and commitment. Afterwards, we made too many clear mistakes and they got on top of us with the sending offs.

Unai Simón stepped up as Getafe applied the pressure late on and Valverde was full of praise for Athletic's shotstopper.

"Goalkeepers get involved in the game and also make saves. The ones we have are very good," the gaffer said.