Lopetegui labels Porto a 'great team'

• Porto coach Julen Lopetegui says his side gave "an extraordinary response"
• Porto's Yacine Brahimi praises "good atmosphere among the group"
• Athletic now eyeing third spot and the UEFA Europa League
• Next games: Shakhtar Donetsk v Athletic, BATE v Porto (25 November)

Julen Lopetegui, Porto coach
We wanted to win very badly, against an opponent that we knew would do everything to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the last 16. We gave an extraordinary response and we played as we should in weather conditions like these, against tough opponents like these. We were deserved winners.

I did not expect to be through after only four matches, it is unusual and can only be achieved by great teams, so we are happy we've done it. We played well and I have to congratulate my team, but we will not start thinking of the last 16 yet – we still have two games to play in the group.

Yacine Brahimi, Porto midfielder
It was a very good game for us. We've gained three really important points and we played well. Our aim was to win and qualify for the next stage. We're delighted and I hope this victory can give us lots of confidence.

I'm very happy because I work for my team. I always say that the most important thing is the team, and in this case it's the three points as well. We win games, we work very well together during the week, and I think there's a very good atmosphere among the group. All the players are heading in the same direction, which is the most important thing.

Danilo, Porto defender
The feeling is one of job done. We worked hard, we knew it was going to be a tough game in a tough atmosphere, so the team deserve to be congratulated for the way they played and the result. I was happy with my own performance, because I did my bit for the team, which is without doubt the most important thing. We've got big ambitions in this competition.

Ernesto Valverde, Athletic coach
Porto were physically and technically superior to us. The first half was even but we were struggling to threaten their goal. We tried in the second half, only for Porto to score. We were struggling to get hold of the ball and were forced into playing long. We were uncertain in possession because of Porto's pressure.

The result is fair but we cannot let the defeat affect us. Even if the opposition have fast players or strong players, we have to compete better when we are playing in the Champions League. You play against strong teams who come to squeeze you because points are so invaluable. I don't think it will be difficult to motivate the players for third place because Athletic have reached the Europa League final twice and have a chance of winning.

Óscar de Marcos, Athletic midfielder
Of course it's a tough blow for us. We were really excited to be involved in this competition, but it wasn't meant to be. We still haven't won a match and this is a big blow to all of us and the supporters in a sold-out stadium. I think they were better than us and they got the win. [Porto have] shown that they have very good players. Their attacking players are very talented, very fast. They're a great side.

Carlos Gurpegi, Athletic defender
We're disappointed, but Porto were better than us. I think they deserved to win. Overall I'd say it's been a negative campaign so far, we've drawn one and lost three. This is a very tough competition and we've not played well in our games. The fact we've only got one point is proof that we've not done well. But it's not that long since we reached the Europa League final, so our goal now is to finish third and make it into that competition.