Valverde: “The penalty save turned the match"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde said Unai Simón's penalty save was a turning point for the Lions as they eased to a 2-0 win over Deportivo Alavés at San Mames on Saturday night.

Alaves were causing the Zurigorri all sorts of issues before they were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute.

In an incredible passage of play, Unai Simón saved Luis Roja's effort and Gorka Guruzeta almost immediately scored at the other end on a counter attack. Five minutes later Guruzeta netted again to make it 2-0

"The penalty save turned the game," Valverde said after the match.

"It was a match in which we, despite starting off trying to control the ball, couldn't get forward because they were well organised.

"They had a very clear chance and then Unai popped up and we followed that up with a goal. It was decisive. From then on, they were stunned and we settled down."

Ernesto Valverde reiterated that the Lions are in good form for a reason, putting it down to their persistence.

He said: "Things aren't happening just because they are. They are happening because we keep trying and we are persistent. We try to be a nightmare for the opposition. We're happy with the way things are going, but also because we're showing an important degree of consistency."

The boss said he won't be looking ahead of the upcoming fixture to Bernabeu, after the international break, when asked about the final on April 6.

"The excitement for the Copa final is following its course and the team has to follow its own. We're not oblivious to it, but what we have to do is focus on the next LaLiga game.

"We can only think about what is going to happen on the pitch against Real Madrid."