Vesga: “We're motivated to get a third win in a row”

Athletic Club central midfielder Mikel Vesga said the Lions are keen to keep their good run going but admitted beating Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano would be a tough task.

Los Leones have notched two consecutive LaLiga victores in recent weeks - Cádiz CF (h) 4-1, Valencia CF (a) 1-2 - and will be going for a third on the trot against Atlético in Madrid on Sunday evening (18:00 CET).

"It's an important match to back up our good form. It will be difficult but we love the idea of winning for a third time in a row," Mikel told the press on Tuesday morning.

The midfielder warned Athletic cannot afford to let their guard down at any moment when facing an Atlético that can be dangerous even when it seems they're suffering.

"In many stretches of the match you might feel as if you're dominating them or you're on top. But one chance is enough for them to score," he said.

"We have to remain focused and serious throughout the 90 minutes. At the same time, we need to attack without fear and treat the match as if we were at San Mames."

As for the turn around in form, Vesga explained the Zurigorri "were on a bad run and wanted to start the second half of the season well".

He continued: "We needed points. We almost always do well enough to win matches, but many times we've come away empty-handed. I think it's important to find a balance to stay at the top end of the table. At the moment we're doing that."

Vesga has been a regular fixture under Ernesto Valverde, being involved in 20 of Athletic's 21 LaLiga clashes so far in 2022/23. The no.6 put this down to "consistent" performances.

He added: "I think this is perhaps one of the most steady moments in my career. I've strung together quite a few decent and consistent displays. It has been hard for me to achieve this so, in that sense, I'm very happy. It was one of my objectives at Athletic."