

Ernesto Valverde insisted Friday's match against Deportivo Alavés holds a lot of importance for Athletic Club. The derby at Mendizorrotza offers Los Rojiblancos a chance to keep their unbeaten run intact.
Los Leones have only tasted defeat on one occasion so far in LaLiga EA Sports 2023/24, an opening day loss to Real Madrid at San Mames.
“We're fully focused on tomorrow's match. There's a lot to play for," Valverde said at his pre-match conference on Thursday evening. "It's a classic derby between two side that always compete well. The atmosphere will be lively and we should try to enjoy it.
⚪️🔵 🆚 🔴⚪️
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) September 21, 2023
"It has all the ingredients to be a classic derby match."
"We have to keep grafting away. There's a lot to play for tomorrow."
🎙️ Ernesto Valverde #AlavésAthletic #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/thE3FSzBdz
"Winning a derby is always difficult. There is a rivalry and it's complicated. They compete well, have an intense style and rarely lose their nerve. It will be a tough game."
The competition is now entering the phase in which the sides at the top are hustling for a good position to build a decent platform for the rest of the season. A victory in Vitoria-Gasteiz would serve Athletic well in that respect.
Valverde said: “All the sides are trying to get into strong positions. There are no clear objectives. Taking three points gives you an important boost in the table and if you don't win you drop down the standings.
"Our intention is to be well placed after these first ten matches and to get as many points as possible. We have to keep grafting."


Tickets for Athletic Club vs UD Las Palmas are on general sale
Club
The public tickets sale for the Canary Islanders' visit to Bilbao will start on Monday December 4


Work plan until December 10
First Team
Athletic Club's men's first team will use the following work schedule until December 10


Valverde: "We don't want this to be a random streak"
First Team
The gaffer lauded the Lions' dominant victory over a tricky Rayo Vallecano side at San Mames
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Mikel Vesga medical report
First Team
The midfielder pulled up while warming up before our match against Rayo Vallecano


Athletic run rampant against Rayo at San Mames
First Team
4-0 win against Rayo to open up a gap in the European places and Nico tops it off by scoring a great goal


Online Bar. Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano
Club
Make your orders during the match, pay online and pick it up at your assigned 'Poza' bar in San Mames


Match Pack: Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano (LaLiga MD15)
First Team
On a run of consecutive LaLiga matches without defeat, Los Leones will be looking for another three vital points at San Mames


Valverde: "We're facing one of the best away teams in LaLiga"
First Team
Ernesto Valverde previewed Saturday's LaLiga EA Sports clash with Rayo Vallecano at San Mames on Saturday (16:15 CET)


Squad List: Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano (MD15)
First Team
Ernesto Valverde has named a 23-man squad for Saturday's LaLiga EA Sports clash at San Mames


Practical Information: Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano
Club
Relevant points for anybody attending Saturday's LaLiga EA Sports clash in Bilbao