Day-Off

Valverde stood, glancing at each player. "We've faced them twice, and we've held our own. But this is a final, and Valencia will come for us with everything they've got. 

We'll focus on the details in training tomorrow. Tonight, just think about what you've seen. Analyze it. And remember—we've beaten bigger odds before."

With that, he left the players to their thoughts, his mind already moving to the next step. 

The familiarity between the two teams would make this final a chess match of the highest order. 

Valverde knew that neutralizing Izan would be critical, but it wouldn't be the only challenge. This wasn't just about stopping Valencia—it was about ensuring Athletic Bilbao imposed their own game.

.....

The Valencia team bus rumbled into the Paterna training facility, its presence a silent testament to the warriors it carried.