Valverde: “One of our worst matches in a long time”

Ernesto Valverde admitted Athletic Club were far from their best as they fell to a 5-0 loss against FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals.

A poor period in the first half saw the Lions concede four goals before the break as they were knocked out of the competition.

"It was one of our worst matches in a long time," Valverde said in his post-match press conference.

"It was very bad for us. We started well, but then we struggled after their first goal. Against teams like this, if you let your guard down, they will run all over you because they show no mercy. It was painful.

"We're a team that always stands up to the challenge, but today that wasn't the case. This is something that doesn't usually happen to us, and now we have to deal with this situation."

The boss was especially displeased with the manner of the defeat, saying: "You can lose in many ways, but when you're 4-0 down at half-time, it means the opposition was far superior.

"It's always painful to lose. Even more so when you do it like this. We have to pick ourselves up."