Valverde: “We're going to Madrid with the aim to win”

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde wants his side to show ambition and take the game to Real Madrid as they visit the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night (21:00 CEST).

The Lions are fourth in LaLiga, one point ahead of Atlético Madrid, and a positive result could further enhance their European hopes.

"We're going there with the aim to win," Valverde said at his pre-match press conference. "We haven't competed for a long time and tomorrow we have a chance to protect our current position.

"We've got things at stake in LaLiga and there's no better way to go into an important game than to arrive competing and feeling good.

"We have a final next week, but tomorrow we have an important game too. Last week we moved up to fourth place and now we have to defend it."

One of the three longest-running fixtures in LaLiga, Athletic and Real Madrid, along with FC Barcelona, are the only three clubs to have never suffered relegation from the top-flight, making this match a bonafide LaLiga classic.

Valverde said: “Regardless of the fact that they are the only team to have beaten us at San Mamés, this is a clash between two historic teams. There's a rivalry here and it's always a very difficult game.

"They haven't lost at home yet. We know it's tough, as they are leaders of the competition. But we have to go for it."

The boss praised the side's attitude as they prepare for two massive games ahead, insisting they are "focused" and "concentrating".

"The players have that spark and are happy, We know that the final is on the horizon, but, at the same time, since we reached it we have taken seven of the nine points available, and the only draw was against FC Barcelona.

"We know that no matter how much noise there is, our job is to perform on the pitch. From tomorrow's game onwards, we will focus on the final."