Valverde: "Their second goal sunk us"

Ernesto Valverde believes that Athletic Club struggled to react with confidence after RCD Espanyol took the lead in our 2-1 defeat.

The Zurigorri played well in the first half and went ahead via Alex Berenguer, but the Catalans struck twice either side of half-time to kill the Lions' momentum.

"The second goal sunk us," Valverde said in his post-match press conference. "But it's true we also lacked the game and flair to create more danger."

The loss leaves Athletic eighth in the standings, having played a match more than the teams around us, and with a five-point gap between us and sixth-placed Real Betis.

Valverde said: "It's a tough defeat, because of what it means and because it leaves us far from the European positions we want to be in."

Although 2025 has been a good year, Valverde admitted that Athletic have had a tough start to this season.

"It's the last match of the year. It's been a good year, we're in the Champions League," he added.

"But we're not getting good results so far this season. We're losing too many matches. The numbers, compared to last year, aren't good - they're worse.

"Last year we were at our best, and this year we are nowhere near the same level. We need to respond better to this."