Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde says today's clash with Rayo Vallecano can be regarded as a European playoff.
Los Leones are keen to bounce back from last week's home defeat to Girona FC with a win which could see us get straight back into the hunt for European places.
"It's a vital match," Valverde said at a pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon. "There isn't a significant gap between us [in the standings].
"We're both in a group of teams where we can look up or down. Tomorrow's game is important because Rayo are above us in the standings.
"We have to put the last couple of defeats behind us as soon as possible with a good performance. Rayo will push us hard and we'll have to respond."
Valverde acknowledged the great season Rayo Vallecano are having under former Lion Andoni Iraola, describing them as a side who "bring a lot of dynamism and pace to the game".
The gaffer continued: "They press a lot and are the second best team after us in terms of stealing possession in the opposition half. They have very clinical forwards and full-backs that get down the flank. They bring a lot of dynamism and pace to the game.
"We'll have to be ready to fight and be intense. They always start at full speed, so we'll have to be very focused from the start."
When questioned about the Zurigorri's recent form, Valverde said Athletic need to become more consistent in getting positive results.
"Teams that want to be towards the top of the table must achieve a high level of consistency and not allow negative streaks to drag on," he said. "So we must put an end to ours as soon as possible and get a win."