Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde spoke to the media in light of the Basque team’s return to Europe in tonight’s 1-1 affair with Roma.

“Our team and our club have not played in Europe for a long time,” Valverde told reporters in his post-match presser at the Stadio Olimpico.

“Regardless of the result, we deplore what happened at the end of the match, an episode that took place in the stands and that deeply saddens us,” he said, referring to an episode involving some Athletic fans taunting Roma ultras and throwing flares at them.

“We firmly condemn this behavior, which we do not tolerate either when it is directed at us or when it is perpetrated by our fans against the opponent. Football should be a celebration for everyone, including opponents, and we reiterate our condemnation of such acts.”

“The game was very hard-fought,” he added.

“We started well in the first 15-20 minutes, but then we had some difficulty countering Roma’s quality in midfield, which forced us to defend longer.”

“In the second half we entered the field with more determination, managing to overcome the man-to-man marking. We got closer and closer to the opponent’s area, until we got the deserved equalizer.”

“Roma were playing at home, and we know the value of these games. They wanted to launch Dovbyk into space, and they succeeded often.”

“We suffered frequently in one-on-one duels, as the opponent, of quality, forced us to defend ourselves.”

“When we seemed to have regained some control, we conceded. However, we reacted well. Overall, I also rate the first half as positive.”

“The course of the match can vary, and there are players who come on in the final minutes, often decisive for the final outcome.”

“These can make the difference, and the important thing is that those who come on do so in the best way possible, making the most of their physical freshness.”