Valverde: "We're very happy with these wins"

Ernesto Valverde praised the Lions' performance as they beat Real Betis 1-2 to take all three points at La Cartuja on Sunday evening.

The win moves Athletic into second place, joint leaders with Real Madrid, and means they have won all three of their LaLiga fixtures so far this season.

"We're very happy with these wins, of course," Valverde said after the match.

"We're are a team that pushes hard and tries to stop the opposition from playing, so that we can play. We've started well and we're happy.

"Nonetheless, all these matches have been very tight in my view. You have to fight hard and know how to play in all sorts of ways. Today we weren't able to close out the match, but we won in what was a very even contest.

"From having the match under control to the opposite, all it takes is a spark, and that's how it was."

As for his stoppage-time dismissal, the gaffer said: "I protested against an incident in a manner perhaps I shouldn't have and he sent me off. I'll be more careful next time."