Athletic Bilbao left-back Yuri Berchiche said the current campaign could be one to remember as long as they're able to keep up their current form.

With two LaLiga fixtures left until the World Cup break, Los Leones sit in sixth place, a European spot, with 21 points from 12 matches.

"We'll have to pick up a lot of points if we want to achieve our goal of qualifying for Europe," the defender said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Athletic's upcoming match against Girona FC on Friday night (21:00 CET).

"These six remaining points before the break are going to be very important for us and our confidence. We're very optimistic. It'll be a very exciting season if things continue like this."

Although Girona are 17th in LaLiga, they recently drew 1-1 against Real Madrid and have been competitive in all of their matches, something which has caught Yuri's attention.

He said: "We know it's going to be a difficult game because Girona have a very good team. It's essential we play like we did in the second half against Villarreal.

"From what I've seen, they're a very interesting side with talented individual footballers. I think they have fewer points than they deserve, so it will be very tough.

"We have to be brave but they also know that we'll be a difficult opponent to beat. I think it's going to be a great game."

The full-back is steadily getting back to full match fitness after spending a couple of months on the sidelines with an injury to his heel.

"The discomfort is going away and now it's pain I can live with," Yuri added. "I'm lacking competitive minutes because training is not the same as playing.

"These moments are hard, but luckily it's a bit easier with support from your family. I hope there won't be any more setbacks and I can keep getting my confidence back.

"The team is in great form and I want to get back to my best and enjoy it with them. I know it's not easy after a month and a half out of action, but I'm working on it. I know the coach and my teammates trust in me."