Valverde: "It was a competitive match"

Ernesto Valverde admitted that Athletic Club's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano was a "fair result", adding that it was a hard-fought match.

Jorge de Frutos put the home side ahead in the 35th minute, but Iñaki Williams equalised with a spectacular effort after the break to ensure the Lions finish February unbeaten.

"It was a competitive match," Valverde said after the game.

"When you're losing and then draw, it feels better. At the start, you always think about winning, but our first half was poor. They adapted better and we were struggling, especially with the second balls."

The gaffer praised his players attitude upon turning around their form in recent times, saying they've been able to "scrape results from under rocks" when needed.

He said: "When you're in a difficult situation, you can't think you're going to win by delivering a footballing masterclass.

"Our top priority to keep picking up points, in the good games and the bad ones. That's football too, you have to be prepared to fight anywhere."

Valverde was full of praise for player of the match Unai Simón, adding: "He's one of the best goalkeepers in LaLiga, the best for us, which is why he's the first-choice keeper for Spanish the national team. Just having him there gives us a lot of confidence. We're delighted with him."

The gaffer was optimistic when asked about our upcoming Copa semi-final against Real Sociedad, insisting the Lions have to "go there to win".

He continued: "We have a semi-final in four days, and we have to give it our all because the prize is very appealing: another final. We’re at a disadvantage, but the result isn’t insurmountable."