Valverde: "We're delighted to end the year with a win"

Ernesto Valverde was full of praise as Athletic Club put in a textbook fighting performance to come from a goal down and beat CA Osasuna 1-2 at El Sadar on Saturday evening.

Stunning goals from Gorka Guruzeta and Alex Berenguer ensured the Lions maintain their unbeaten run and see out a magnificent 2024 with a victory.

"It was a hard-fought match and we're delighted to end the year with a win," Valverde said at his post-match press conference. "This victory means a lot to us. We know how difficult it is to win a derby and even more so here in Pamplona.

"When you get positive results it always gives you a confidence boosts and drives you on."

Despite Los Leones' fine form, Valverde is refusing to get ahead of himself, reminding fans and players that we're only halfway through the season.

He said: "Our objective remains the same, to juggle three competitions and try to go as far as possible. At the moment, we're doing that, but there's a still a long way to go."