Valverde: "A point more and a game less"

Ernesto Valverde was pleased to see his side earn a golden point against a rival for Champions League qualification as Athletic Club drew 0-0 with Villarreal CF at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday night.

The result sees Los Leones maintain their six point gap over the Yellows and sixth-placed Real Betis, while it's also ensures we have the edge on Villarreal in any potential head-to-head tiebreaker if we finish the season level on points.

"From the beginning our intention was to go for the three points and that's how it was until the end," the gaffer said in his post-match press conference.

"We were up against a team with a lot of quality and danger, but we had our chances and the game was in a situation where whoever scored first would probably win it. It wasn't to be.

"It's one point more and one game less. We have to keep going. We're in a good position and, considering that we're in another competition and still coping well, we have to be happy.

"We want Athletic to be playing in Europe again next year. There's still a long way to go and our opponents are unforgiving. It's difficult, but thrilling at the same time."

The Zurigorri will now travel to Glasgow, where they'll face Rangers FC at Ibrox on Thursday for the first leg of our Europa League quarter-final tie.

He said: "We'll now focus on Thursday's match in Scotland. It's a crucial game. We know about Rangers and we can't wait for it."