Agirrezabala: “We want to keep doing well”

Athletic Club goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala said the Lions are keen to build upon Sunday afternoon’s performance against Real Betis and put together a good run of form.

Agirrezabla made a third senior start as Athletic beat Real Betis 3-2 in a dramatic victory in Bilbao on Sunday, bringing to an end of run of bad luck.

“It was a tough match, but we got three very important points,” Julen said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Real Madrid at San Mamés (21:30 CET). “The team made a great effort even with the scoreboard against us. 

“I felt very great and confident. To be getting game time in LaLiga is great for me and I’m very happy. You have to be ready for when you are needed.”

On Wednesday Athletic will face LaLiga Santander leaders Real Madrid for a second time this December, the last outing saw the Lions fall to an undeserved loss at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“On Wednesday we have another tough game against a top opponent,” the shotstopper added. “We know we’re taking on the leaders and that they are a very strong team.

“They keep a lot of clean sheets and score a lot of goals, but yesterday we showed that we can compete against anyone.

“We have two days left to prepare well. We have to take it one game at a time and work hard every day so we can keep winning games.

The dressing room is desperate to keep doing well. We’re focused on the next game, which is coming up soon, and let’s see if we can see out the year in the best possible way – by getting three points against Real Madrid.”