Though the hosts were still in European contention ahead of tonight’s action, a run of four defeats from their past five LaLiga games had done their chances no favours. However, fellow contenders Osasuna had won just one of their past six themselves, and the visitors were distinctly second-best throughout the first half.
Los Leones were hardly at their best, either, but after having a fourth-minute penalty following Lucas Torro’s handball rescinded, they broke the deadlock around the quarter-hour mark.
Nico Williams was involved, forcing a save out of Sergio Herrera before Gorka Guruzeta buried the rebound.
Chances were subsequently few and far between prior to the interval, although Alex Berenguer almost found the bottom corner with a low drive from inside the area as half-time beckoned.
The interval gave Osasuna head coach Alessio Lisci the chance to talk to his players, and whatever he said to them appeared to have an effect.
Ante Budimir had his side’s best chance of the game so far within five minutes of the restart, directing an overhead kick wide of the post.
Shortly after, Osasuna were awarded a penalty of their own when Yerry Alvarez handled Flavien Boyomo’s flick towards goal. This one did not go to a VAR review, yet Budimir could not convert from 12 yards, as Unai Simon kept out his admittedly poor effort before gathering the ball at the second attempt.
Ultimately, Osasuna provided far too little in the way of final-third threat, although Simon did need to produce a strong save to push Budimir’s header onto the post and conserve his side’s advantage.
Unable to find a late response – despite a dismissal for Athletic’s Mikel Jauregizar at the start of eight minutes’ added time – Los Rojillos’ poor run of form continues, and the result also sees them drop below Athletic into 10th, dealing a blow to their own continental hopes.
The hosts, meanwhile, will believe they can secure a European spot, although they face a difficult challenge up next in the form of a trip to Atlético Madrid.