Emery praises Valencia energy

Valencia coach Unai Emery praised his team after their 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao at the Mestalla on Sunday.

After Iker Muniain opened the scoring in the second half, it took a Roberto Soldado goal in the 89th minute to prevent the home team from slipping to consecutive defeats after falling to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday in the Champions League.

And although they did not take all three point, Emery was proud of the way his side fought back to earn a share of the spoils.

“In some phases, they dominated us, but we were better at counterattacking, and the second half was ours,” Emery said.

“In the second half, the momentum was on our side. When we were at our best they scored, and in the end, we salvaged a point. That gives us energy to continue working.”

“The positive part of today was the reaction of the team and the supporters. I congratulate the players and the fans, who pushed the team towards victory.”

Each side had their chances to put the game away, but neither managed to do so with both teams hitting the post.

The draw now leaves Valencia in fifth place ahead of Wednesday’s game with Real Zaragoza.