Athletic Bilbao vs Malaga preview - Malaga meeting key for Valverde

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde believes Monday's meeting with Malaga is key to their hopes of a top-four finish in the Primera Division.

Bilbao have lost just once in their last eight league fixtures, including a 2-1 win over Levante last time out, and currently sit three points clear of nearest challengers Sevilla in the battle for the final Champions League spot.

Victory over Malaga would put them firmly in the driving seat to qualify for Europe's elite club competition and, with their next two fixtures a trip to title challengers Barcelona and a home clash with Sevilla, Valverde has stressed the importance of taking three points on Monday.

"A win over Malaga is fundamental. It is the key to strengthening our grip on fourth place," he told reporters.

"Our other two home matches, against Sevilla and Real Sociedad, are also important but the key to it all is Malaga and how we perform against them."

However, Valverde sounded a note of caution about their next opponents, saying: "Malaga are a team who have had it rough at times but are now on a winning streak which has brought them very close to reaching safety. That makes them very dangerous."

Three wins from four matches have lifted Malaga seven points clear of the bottom three and within touching distance of the magical 40-point barrier.

Yet striker Juanmi knows there is still work to be done and reminded his team-mates they are playing for their La Liga future.

"We have six games left and that means six finals for us," he told reporters.

"We want to get maximum possible points from those matches to put ourselves in a position where it doesn't rely on the last game.

"Athletic are going well at the moment and are in high spirits. San Mames is a difficult place to visit and Athletic don't drop many points at home, but we still have to try and get the win."