Valverde: “A win would mean a lot for us”

Ernesto Valverde is hopeful Athletic Club can defeat RCD Espanyol at San Mames and pick up three crucial points in this season's race for European qualification.

The Catalans, currently fifth in the standings, are one of LaLiga's most in-form sides and haven't tasted defeat in the league since early November.

“A win would would mean a lot for us," Valverde admitted at his pre-match press conference.

"If we want to close the gap, we have to try to beat a team that's enjoying one of its best moments of the season.

"They have tremendous momentum and we have to stop them. It will be very hard work because they're doing very well."

With Athletic in eighth place on 23 points, two away from sixth-placed Real Betis and seven away from Espanyol, getting a victory at San Mames could provide a huge boost to the Lions' European ambitions.

Valverde said: "This match has become more important because we run the risk of falling behind. We want to reduce the points gap."

When questioned about his Christmas wishes, Ernesto admitted that he wouldn't mind if Olentzero - Basque Father Christmas - gave the players a bit of help on Monday night.

"We'll ask Olentzero to give us a hand so we can win tomorrow. It's the last match of the year and we want to finish on a high note."