Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has admitted that Monday's 3-0 win over Malaga was one of their most "important" results of the season.

Bilbao are locked in a top-four challenge with Sevilla in La Liga, but three points last night have left them six points clear of Unai Emery's side with just five games remaining.

"The win this evening is worth a tremendous amount," he told reporters at a press conference.

"It means we have kept our distance from Sevilla. At this point in the season any win is important.

"It is worth much more than three points, purely because of the confidence it gives you. My players all look very focused. The effort they are putting in is amazing."

Bilbao have lost just seven times in the league this season.