Valverde: "We've deserve to be in the fight for a Champions League spot"

Ernesto Valverde insisted his Lions fully deserve to be in the driving seat for a Champions League place after Athletic Club drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad in Sunday night's Basque Derby in Donostia.

Los Leones continue to hold off Villarreal (three points behind) and Real Betis (four points behind) in the fight fourth place.

"Staying in fourth place week in, week out is a huge boost," Valverde said post-match. "We have to fight to keep it and we are up against two teams of a very high level.

"We're having a good season and we're happy. We have the chance to get into the Champions League because we have earned it and because we've contributed to their being one more place.

"Let's see now how far we go in this final sprint. We have to celebrate what we have achieved a lot more."

Athletic Club bounced back from last Thursday's setback against Manchester United to earn a hard-earned point against Real Sociedad in a very intense derby.

Valverde said: "It was a proper Basque derby. Either team could've made the most of any mistake, but we weren't clinical. Both teams could have won in an isolated moment. We played against a good team and I value the point."

The gaffer admitted the Zurigorri have a tough task to mount a comeback at Old Trafford, but stressed that "football is unpredictable".

He added: "We don't know what might happen. We know it's very difficult, but nothing is set in stone. What we can't forgive is not trying."