Football: Athletic Club 0 - 0 Osasuna
Athletic Club had to settle for a point against a very defensive CA Osasuna.
The goalless draw means Athletic are no closer to third-placed Atletico, but keeps them firmly in fourth place, six points clear of Villarreal CF, who they visit next Sunday.
The Rojillos' three-centre-back system made life difficult for the Lions, who were also hampered by goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez who made several fine saves.
Osasuna barely threatened, only having a couple of chances between their attacking players. They would have almost certainly taken a point before the match.
The rest of the attacking play was done by Ernesto Valverde's men. Nico Williams went close when he collected a long ball from Unai Núñez before Aitor Fernández turned his low drive behind for a corner. This was proving to be a frustrating afternoon.
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That save and a Yuri Berchiche effort were Athletic's only major opportunities in the first half in which there was discontent due to the lack of punishment handed out for the fouls on Maroan Sannadi, something which is becoming more common.
Mikel Jauregizar found another gear in midfield to drive Athletic forward in the second half. In the 55th minute, Oscar de Marcos forced a close-range save from Fernández and three minutes later, the goalkeeper was quick off his line to deny Nico Williams in a one-on-one situation.
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Although Osasuna had spent most of the match pinned back in their own half, they found more space in the final quarter. Unai Simón denied Ruben García late on.
Athletic got forward well but they lacked a cutting edge. This was perhaps a missed opportunity in their bid to qualify for next season's Champions League but this battle remains very much in their hands.
Best reaction
One fan who was in attendance in Bilbao said: "I thought we just about deserved the win. We pressed hard but lacked the cutting edge needed to break the deadlock. Securing Champions League football requires winning games, but on nights like these, a point can still prove valuable."
Another visitor who attended the match as a neutral was impressed by the atmosphere and Athletic’s prospects of securing Champions League football: "This was my first time watching a match here, and the energy in the stadium was incredible. Athletic looked like a side determined to finish in the top four. They might not have won this, but with the way they play, I’d back them to qualify for the Champions League."
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