Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde says Real Madrid were worthy winners on Saturday night.

Real won 2-0 at San Mames in their LaLiga opener thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.

"It was a fair win for Real Madrid," Valverde said during his post-match press conference.

"The first 20 minutes were even, but from then on they were more dangerous and it was hard for us to get forward. They scored with their first chance, but they were more comfortable than us and they made it count.

"We improved in the second half. But in general, they were better than us. It was not one of our best games. Last year we lost with the same result, but we were left feeling better.

"We weren't good. I want to think they were very good, but we can't forget that we should have played better."

Unai Gomez and Imanol García de Albeniz eexperienced their Laiga debuts, while Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta made a confident return to San Mames.

Valverde said: "It was a difficult game to debut and make a return. It's good news. In the end, football is a long road. Unai Gómez had a good pre-season and will bring a lot.

"Imanol has more experience, but he's coming back from a serious injury and has to get used to this level. And as for Galarreta, he's back home, he's come a long way and we have high hopes for him."