Valverde: “The shots against the woodwork cost us”
Valverde: “The shots against the woodwork cost us”
Bittersweet feelings for the gaffer after Saturday night's loss to Atletico. He praised the team's spirit but would like to have seen more accuracy in the final third
Ernesto Valverde bemoaned Athletic Club's poor luck in front of goal after their 1-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano.
Julian Álvarez put the hosts ahead against the run of play in the 65th minute. The Zurigorri pushed hard for an equaliser and ended up hitting the woodwork three times in the last 15 minutes.
"We had our chances, we could have taken the lead and in the end we came very close to getting an equaliser," Valverde said after the match.
"Atletico punish any mistake you make. Our defence was solid, but when they caught us with a bit of space they scored the goal.
"The shots against the woodwork cost us, but we played a good game. We pushed for the win but luck wasn't on our side. I'm satisfied with the team and we must keep going.
"Every time you don't get three points it's a lost opportunity, but what can we do, we'll try again in the next game."
It will be a quick turnaround for Athletic as they travel to Italy on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash with AS Roma.
Valverde said: "We feel as though we competed well, which is what we want. Now we have to recover and prepare for Thursday's match."