Athletic Club narrowly defeats Osasuna to boost European ambitions

Although the home team remained in the hunt for a European place before this evenings match, their recent sequence of four losses in five LaLiga outings had not helped their cause. Still, rivals Osasuna had only triumphed once in their last six fixtures, and the away side were clearly outplayed during the opening 45 minutes.

The Lions were not performing at their peak, but after seeing a penalty in the fourth minute for Lucas Torros handball overturned, they took the lead just past the 15 minute mark.

Nico Williams played a key role by drawing a stop from Sergio Herrera, allowing Gorka Guruzeta to slot home the follow up.

Opportunities were scarce before the break, though Alex Berenguer nearly tucked a shot into the far corner with a strike from the box as the half drew to a close.

The break allowed Osasunas manager Alessio Lisci to rally his squad, and his words seemed to spark some improvement.

Ante Budimir created his teams most promising moment yet inside the first five minutes after the restart, but he sent an acrobatic effort just wide.

Moments later, Osasuna earned a spot kick when Yerry Alvarez impeded Flavien Boyomos headed attempt. Unlike the earlier one, this avoided VAR scrutiny, but Budimir wasted the chance from 12 yards as Unai Simon parried his weak shot and secured the rebound on the second go.

In the end, Osasuna offered scant danger in the attacking third, even if Simon had to react sharply to tip Budimirs header against the upright to protect the lead.

Failing to mount a comeback, despite Athletic's Mikel Jauregizar being sent off at the outset of eight added minutes, Los Rojillos extend their slump, slipping beneath Athletic to 10th place and suffering a setback in their pursuit of continental football.

For Athletic, this win fuels confidence in clinching a European berth, though they face a tough test soon against Atletico Madrid away.