Ernesto Valverde praises Villarreal

Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has praised Villarreal following Monday's 1-1 draw at El Madrigal.

The Yellow Submarine took the lead through Tomas Pina, but Valverde's side secured a late point courtesy of Aritz Aduriz.

"I have no doubt Villarreal will be fighting for the Champions League at the end of the season," he told reporters at a press conference.

"They have a great team and I'm sure they'll finish high.

"We haven't won anything because there are still 10 weeks left in the season. That's a lifetime."

The result left Bilbao in fourth, seven points ahead of sixth-placed Villarreal.