Marcelino: “We were efficient”

Athletic Club head-coach Marcelino García Toral praised the Lions’ 1-2 Copa del Rey win against a tough UD Ibiza side.

Centre-back Unai Nuñez scored a 90th-minute winner as the Rojiblancos were forced to come back from a goal down to win and move onto the next round.

“I’m happy with the effort and that we overturned the result,” Marcelino said at his post-match press conference. “We were efficient. The most important thing is that we did what we needed to do – qualify for the next round.”

Marcelino admitted he was also impressed by the high level of Athletic’s opponents, but reiterated he was already aware Ibiza would be no pushovers.

“We knew this match would be uncomfortable,” he added. “Ibiza’s numbers indicate they’re the best in the Segunda B.

“They scored five goals against Celta here. To that there were other factors: the wind and the artificial turf. Both of which made the game even more difficult.”

The boss said he was particularly pleased with Athletic’s all-round performance in what was a complicated match.

He said: “The opponents didn’t create much, because we conceded few chances.

“In attack, we got into their area often, but it’s true we didn’t finish well enough.

“I would’ve preferred it if we had been better in some aspects.”