“We're expecting a great European match”

Ernesto Valverde reckons we're in store for a “great European match" when Athletic Club face AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night.

Both sides head into the fixture in good domestic form with Athletic having only lost once in LaLiga since October and AS Roma significantly improved since Claudio Ranieri's arrival.

"I hope that everyone enjoys the game and what the fans are able to bring to the atmosphere in the stands," Valverde said on Wednesday evening.

The gaffer described our hosts as "dangerous, settled and in positive form in terms of performance and results".

He added: "In a knockout tie like this, you can't have bad days or make mistakes because then you're out. There's a second leg, but that match will depend on what we do tomorrow."

Asked which side is favourite to go through to the quarter-final, Valverde pointed to Roma's recent European record while emphasising Athletic are in good shape at the moment too.

"Roma have recently played in four European semi-finals and two finals, in addition to winning the Conference League," he said.

"They're doing well under Ranieri, but we're doing well too. We will try to play our own game and make sure everything goes well."

Athletic Club forward Alex Berenguer has fond memories of Thursday's setting, saying it is the place where he scored his first Serie A goal, against SS Lazio.

He believes Thursday's clash with Lazio's eternal rivals will be "decided by the small details".

"Roma are very difficult to score against. They're a good team, strong at the back and decisive up front. It's going to be difficult for both teams.

"It's a 180-minute tie. We'll try to get a good result here so that we have an advantage going into the return leg."

On a personal level, Alex admitted he's happy with his own recent form, saying that he's in his "best ever moment in terms of football".

He continued: "I've matured as a person and as a footballer and you can see that on the pitch. I'm enjoying myself and having fun when I play."