Athletic Bilbao vs Deportivo La Coruna preview - Athletic chase Europa League spot

Posted Friday, May 08, 2015 by PA

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde says his side are determined to cling on to the final Europa League spot after unseating Malaga in seventh, making victory over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday absolutely vital.

The Basques moved one point above Malaga after drawing 0-0 at Atletico Madrid last week to climb into the European spots for the first time this season, and Valverde does not want the opportunity to slip out of their hands.

"We want to stay in the position which we aspired to get into for so long and to continue depending on our own results, which is what we also wanted, and all that hinges on winning on Saturday," he told a press conference.

Athletic could still finish sixth in the table as they are six points behind Villarreal and play the Yellow Submarine at San Mames on the final day of the season, but Valverde admitted the possibilities of moving up a spot are slim.

"We are looking at sixth spot and although the heart says we can do it, the numbers with three games to go don't give us much hope. But either way, we still have to win on Saturday."

Valverde is boosted by the return of Aritz Aduriz, Mikel Balenziaga and Benat Etxebarria from injury after the trio missed the game with Atletico, but will be without Ibai Gomez, Iker Muniain, Andoni Iraola and Unai Bustinza.

Athletic face a Deportivo side still in the relegation zone and without a win in their last 13 games, but Valverde is wary that his side have lost at San Mames to several struggling sides this season, including Cordoba and Granada.

"They are in a critical situation but this year we've done especially badly against teams that have been tight at the back because we have a problem of balance in certain areas of the pitch.

"But given the situation Deportivo are in, they cannot just come here and sit back and wait for us, that won't do for them."

Depor, who are a point adrift of Eibar and safety, are without Cezary Wilk, while Juan Dominguez is a doubt.