Valverde: “We want to keep performing well in LaLiga”

Ernesto Valverde wants to see Athletic Club maintain their good form in LaLiga and make sure there are no tumbles in this final run to the end of the campaign.

After progressing to the semi-finals of the Europa League, Athletic return to LaLiga action with an away trip to Real Madrid (21:00 CEST).

Despite this being the Lions' third match in six days, Valverde is keen to see his side pick up three vital points in the race battle for fourth place.

He said: “We want to keep performing well in LaLiga. But we know this match will be difficult and we've played a lot of games recently.

"We played on Thursday night and now we go to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid, who have just been knocked out of the Champions League.

"Every time these teams lose fall out of a competition there seems to be a terrible upheaval, but Real Madrid can still can win LaLiga and the Copa. After the elimination they will be hurting and will try to get the three points at home."

Valverde lauded his players attitude and application after Thursday's win over Rangers FC, especially considering the accumulation of matches, but he reserved special praise for Iñigo Lekue.

"Lekue is an important and reliable player for us," Valverde said. "He's an asset for the team and in certain moments of pressure, we know that he will respond."