Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao preview - Alves targeting Champions League

Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves says his team are targeting the UEFA Champions League in the wake of their fine start to the new Primera Division season.

Valencia go into Sunday's clash with Athletic Club at the Mestalla having moved up to second place in the table on the back of two straight wins.

And having won all five of their home league games so far this season they are hot favourites to continue their fine form against struggling opponents.

Alves told Valencia's official website: "Last season we also had a competitive squad but this season things are really working out for us.

"Our aim is to qualify for the Champions League but we must not think beyond our next match."

Ernesto Valverde's visitors have gone some way to making up for their dismal start to the season after winning their last two league games.

Having claimed their first away points at Almeria they pulled off an impressive win over Sevilla last weekend.

But Wednesday night's 2-0 Champions League reversal to Porto put the brake on their recent improvement and is something Alves hopes his team can capitalise on.

Alves added: "Sometimes teams go on a bad streak but things change very fast and eventually they will get back to winning ways.

"We are working hard so they don't surprise us. That is our mentality, which demands hard work and sacrifice."

In a further blow for Bilbao, striker Aritz Aduriz has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.