Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde was proud of his players after their Copa del Rey quarterfinal defeat of Barcelona.

Barca lost 4-2 as Athletic's Inaki and Nico Williams both struck in extra-time. Inaki flew in from AFCON in Ivory Coast on the morning.

Valverde said, "It is an emotional blow for everyone because of what it means and what it drives. If you write a script you think that it could be like that and you have been able to enjoy it.

"We are delighted with everything. We are a team that likes to take on challenges like the Copa and we have been without. I haven't asked him (Inaki) much about how he was doing because I imagined he was fine. I know he was going to be a boost for everyone and an asset to play in the second half.

"At first he came out a little slow, but he gained ground and he has been decisive. I have known him for a long time and I place him at a very high level. He is confident when it comes to training and playing and he has a joy with respect to the group that is contagious . He is someone who transmits a lot."

"We attach importance to it and it makes us all very excited. It is something that has to drive us and we have to push the fans to offer this great atmosphere. This was a game to put everything in and take risks because we wanted to, we believed and we have had a reward. We all want to advance in the Copa and we will see now in the semifinals."

"Both Barça and us always look to the youth team because of our philosophy and because they always believe in the youth team. Barça has high-level players there, with important potential despite their youth."