Valverde: "Winning this match was extremely important for us"

Ernesto Valverde admitted that Athletic Club's win against Levante UD has provided his side with a much-needed morale boost.

Fantastic team goals, finished off by Robert Navarro and Nico Williams, gave the Lions all three points and shot us straight back into the European race.

"This match was very important for us in many ways," Valverde said post-match, "both from a morale standpoint, and above all, to get our confidence after some less than positive results."

The gaffer warned how "now we have a difficult and very exciting week ahead of us with tough opponents coming to San Mames", saying that "we have to take each game as it comes and fight for the win".

Valverde was particularly pleased with the consistency in Athletic's performance, saying his team played well from start to finish.

He added: "You have to translate your dominance into results, otherwise it's a long game. We knew that things could change in the second half.

"They made three substitutions at half-time and came out strong. In the second half, we were able to withstand their momentum and create some clear chances.

"We scored a goal from our first opportunity. After that, we had several more chances to score the second goal.

"Levante created danger with their set pieces. Our second goal calmed us down a bit, even though we knew there was still a long way to go.

"We fought well against ther long balls, just like in Prague, and we were able to push forward in attack."