Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia - Nuno speaks of his pride in his Valencia side ahead of Bilbao clash

Posted Saturday, October 03, 2015 by PA

Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo has showered his team with praise ahead of Sunday's match at Athletic Bilbao as they seek a third consecutive victory.

Valencia had lost at home to Zenit St Petersburg in their first Champions League game but Sofiane Feghouli scored in midweek to lift them to a 1-0 win at Lyon.

Los Che had gone into that clash after a 1-0 home triumph over Granada in La Liga, a success that lifted the club to eighth.

"As a coach, to have a team which is committed and united makes me proud," Nuno said to Marca.com. "But results are crucial.

"We've all seen that this team plays, produces and takes chances. We are still lacking the finishing touch.

"(But) To win in the Champions League is crucial for our fans so that they see that we are doing all we can to win and that they feel proud of us.

"Now we need to give continuity to this result and continue to grow."

Athletic had won their first Group L game in the Europa League but they lost 2-1 to AZ Alkmaar in Holland on Thursday.

Club coach Ernesto Valverde defended his decision to make 10 changes to his starting XI, following the goalless draw with Real Sociedad last weekend.

He told Marca.com: "We have an important game on Sunday and we needed to rest some players."

Athletic have won one and lost four of their opening six games in Spain's top flight and go into the Valencia game in 17th place.

"Our priority is La Liga and the Europa League is a dream," Valverde said. "But that doesn't mean that we don't want to progress to to the next round of the European competition.

"It's going to be very challenging as the group is very balanced.

"Partizan Belgrade, our next opponents, weren't considered favourites but they already have six points from their first two games.

"That game will be crucial for us after our defeat against AZ."

Athletic winger Markel Susaeta is doubtful for Sunday's encounter with an ankle injury which saw him sit out Thursday's match.

Valencia will be without injured midfielder Enzo Perez at the San Mames stadium - he sustained a thigh injury in the game against Lyon and will be sidelined for a month.

The good news for the visitors is that midfielder Andre Gomes has recovered from injury and could feature this weekend.