Valverde: “It's a win worth more than three points"

Head coach Ernesto Valverde was emphatic in his assessment of what Athletic Club's 1-2 away win over RCD Espanyol means to the side and his players.

The victory saw Los Leones break a 25-year winless streak on Espanyol's turf, while also acting as the perfect response to Tuesday's Copa disappointment.

“It's a win worth more than three points," Valverde said in his post-match press conference.

"It's not just what it means in terms of the standings. It was a test for the team, and for the fans, so they could see we had a reaction in us. It was important for us. We're alive, we're there and we're still pursuing our objectives."

Athletic went from strength to strength during the clash. Iñaki Williams putting the Lions ahead before Nico Williams sealed the win with a 70th minute strike. Sergi Darder scored in stoppage time to set Rojiblanco hearts racing, but Ernesto's charges held out to take all three points.

Los Leones now sit in seventh place with 40 points and 10 matches still to be played.

Valverde added: "We're happy with today's game.I always thought the team looked good. I prefer to be optimistic because the players show me that every day. Everything is going to be decided in the next few games. There's no room for mistakes or errors now."