Valverde: "It's a fair point for each team"

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde admitted to feeling a sense of relief and justice after Gorka Guruzeta rescued a draw for the Lions with a 94th minute equaliser at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla on Sunday night.

Real Valladolid took the lead via Raul Moro in the 78th minute, but Guruzeta netted an impressive volley at the death to ensure Athletic didn't return to Bilbao empty-handed.

"We were pushing until the end, and just when it seemed we were going to lose, the equaliser came at the very end," Valverde said post-match.

"We dominated possession, but we didn't have many chances to score because we weren't clinical and Valladolid closed down well.

"They were also able to create danger from deadball and counter-attacking situations. Their goal came from an isolated action, they didn't have many chances."

"It was a very dull game from our side. It's a fair point for each team, it could have been 0-0 but it was 1-1’.

The gaffer refused to use Athletic's Europa League exertions as an excuse for the performance, reiterating that the side's overall form is still good.

He said: "It's true we've had a complicated week, with two consecutive trips, but we've changed players and we tried to take control of the game.

"Valladolid defended well and it was difficult for us. We want to be competitive always and we're not content tonight. We would have liked to have taken all three points, but I can't say the result wasn't fair.

"We're juggling LaLiga and Europa League, and we're well placed in both. This is what it's all about because the results in one help the other. Let's see if we can keep this up."