Villalibre: “We were made to fight for it”
Villalibre: “We were made to fight for it”
The striker, who scored the equaliser at El Collao, praised the performances of his teammates
Athletic Club striker Asier Villalibre admitted CD Alcoyano put up a tough fight against the Lions, but reiterated that the final result is all “that matters in the end”.
Despite going a goal down in the 39th minute, the Lions pulled off second-half comeback to win 1-2, with Villalibre getting the equaliser and Iñaki Williams scoring the winner.
“Alcoyano took the lead and it wasn’t easy, but we were able to turn the game around,” Villalibre said after the match. “We had to win and that’s what we did. That’s what matters in the end.”
“Everybody had a good game. The opponents were very strong physically, but I think the players that started just as much as the changes did well.
“I’m very happy I scored because my goal helped the team.”
Thursday night’s win means Athletic are in the draw for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, a competition which is proving to be extremely demanding this year.
“The Copa matches are tough, every team is capable of beating another,” Villalibre said. “We came here with a lot of respect. It was a difficult game and we were made to fight for it.
“It’s something we know how to do at Athletic and today we showed that.”
Regarding the next round, the no.20 confessed he doesn’t mind who Athletic draw, but said playing at The Cathedral would be a “plus”.
“It doesn’t matter who we are drawn against, we’ll go to win whoever it is,” he added.
“Playing at home would be preferable.”