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Caballero: “First we need to focus on defeating Athletic, and then we can think about Champions”

One of the outstanding players from Málaga’s victory against Levante, goalkeeper Willy Caballero, understands: “The fans are focused on the next Champions League game, but first we need their support to defeat Athletic at La Rosaleda.”

The Málaga Club de Fútbol goalkeeper analyses the forthcoming BBVA League and UEFA Champions League matches, focusing on taking each game at a time.  “It’s important that we remain completely focused against a tough rival like Athletic and not get distracted, as we really need to keep the three points at home.  It’s normal that the fans are looking ahead to the Champions match, but first we need their support to defeat Athletic.  Then we can concentrate on victory in Porto.  It’s crucial that we focus on each match at a time, the first step being to continue winning ways this weekend.”
 
Willy Caballero believes that defeating the next rival at La Rosaleda, Athletic Club, isn’t going to be easy, and remembers Bilbao’s great season last year.  “Athletic were a very difficult rival last season, taking part in two finals and still with some very good players.  They lost in an away match last week, but beforehand scored three goals against Atlético de Madrid.  We need to take them as a very serious and difficult rival.”
 
The Argentinean-born keeper thinks the team is in good form ahead of the Champions League match, with the good results in away games proof of their impressive performance.  “We feel that we’ve really put our stamp on the competition so far.  It was tough trying to maintain such a high performance level at times, but I think we’ve played some of our best football in recent matches, the results of which have kept us near the top of the BBVA League table.  We’ve had some significant losses to the team through injury, but everyone has put on a great show on the pitch.  Every member of the team is focused on going out there and achieving something very significant.”