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Marcelino: “We were patient and consistent”

Marcelino: “We were patient and consistent”

The Athletic Club boss analysed the Lions’ Copa del Rey semi-final win against Levante

Marcelino García Toral praised the spirit and fight shown by his lions as they reached a second consecutive Copa del Rey final by beating Levante UD 1-2 (3-2 on aggregate).

Athletic intially went behind in Valencia but struck back through goals by Raúl García (pen.) and Alex Berenguer.

“We thought it was going to be  tough,” Marcelino said at his post-match press conference. “And we knew we’d have to work hard to win. But I think we deserved it and we got the luck we needed.”

“It’s true that we hardly concede any goals, but we always start by going behind.

“You have to be prepared for anything and we reacted with a great team move that led to the penalty and we levelled the tie.

“I think the game gradually went our way. We knew that with one goal, they’d be forced to score two and we were patient and very consistent.”

The Lions will now play two Copa finals next month, taking on Real Sociedad on April 3 and FC Barcelona on April 17.

“These players have made Athletic Club history and sometimes that only happens once in a lifetime,” he said.

“They had to make the most of the moment and they did so.

The boss also had a message for the Athletic Club fans: “I would just tell them to enjoy this, to live it with passion and enthusiasm.

“They have every reason to be proud of this Club and these professionals. Hopefully we’ll be able to give them more joy.”