Valverde: "This is a big achievement for us"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde praised his Lions after they beat Valencia 1-3 at Mestalla to reach a fourth consecutive Copa semi-final.

Los Rojiblancos' place in the last four came thanks to a commanding victory which included goals from Iker Muniain, Nico Williams and Mikel Vesga (from the penalty spot).

"We know what the Copa means for Athletic and for San Mames," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference. "Today is an endorsement of what we have been doing well over the last few years.

"This is a big achievement for us. Reaching a semi-final is difficult, but reaching four in a row means something else. We have fought for it since the competition began and we have the reward of playing in a semi-final in front of our fans. Let's see what happens next."

It was a convincing win at a tough ground where Athletic knew Gennaro Gattuso's well-drilled side would put them under a lot of pressure.

Valverde said: "It was well deserved. They are a great team and we knew how difficult it would be to go through. We're happy because it means a lot for us, for the Club and for our fans."