Athletic Club edged Osasuna 1-0 at San Mamés to end a worrying run at home and move within a point of LaLiga’s European places.
It was a welcome return to defensive stability for the hosts, who had gone seven games without a clean sheet in Bilbao.
Despite recent poor form, four defeats in their last five league outings, Athletic made the brighter start against an Osasuna side also struggling for consistency, with just one win in their previous six.
The game’s early talking point came when a fourth-minute penalty awarded to Athletic for Lucas Torró’s handball was overturned.
However, the hosts did not have to wait long to take the lead. Nico Williams sparked the move with a dangerous effort that was parried by Sergio Herrera, and Gorka Guruzeta reacted quickest to slot home the rebound around the 15-minute mark.
Chances remained limited before half-time, though Alex Berenguer came close to doubling the advantage with a low strike that narrowly missed the target.
After the break, Osasuna showed more intent. Ante Budimir wasted a promising opportunity with an overhead kick that went wide before the visitors were handed a penalty when Yerry Álvarez was penalised for handball. Budimir stepped up, but his tame effort was saved by Unai Simón, who also reacted quickly to secure the loose ball.
Osasuna continued to push, with Simón again called into action to tip Budimir’s header onto the post.
However, the visitors lacked cutting edge in the final third and could not break Athletic down, even after Mikel Jauregizar was sent off deep into stoppage time.
In the end, Athletic held on for a crucial win that lifts them above Osasuna into 10th place, while also strengthening their push for European qualification.
Osasuna’s poor run continues, leaving them with work to do to revive their own continental ambitions ahead of a tough trip to Atlético Madrid next.
