Ernesto Valverde hails his side’s soul after semi-final berth

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·5 February 2026

According to El Correo, Ernesto Valverde was delighted after a hard-fought, up-and-down contest that ended with Athletic in the semi-finals.

The match swung repeatedly and was heavy on emotion, culminating in a place in the semi-finals.

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Valverde praised the team’s soul and described the outcome as the lift they needed.

He acknowledged the strain and the ebb and flow that defined the night.

He suggested the performance could provide timely momentum for what comes next.

Source: El Correo