Osasuna welcomed Athletic Bilbao to the Estadio El Sadar on Saturday with both sides languishing near the bottom of the La Liga table.
The home side looked the most likely in the first period, but neither team could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
There was just the single goal in the second period, which proved to be the winner as Markel Susaeta found the back of the net after 63 minutes.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Having watched Bilbao take apart Manchester United in the Europa League last season, you would have been forgiven for thinking they would impress in the league this season. That has simply not been the case with the Basque outfit in deep relegation trouble. Osasuna, however, have just found a bit of form at the right time.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Bilbao have won four of the last five matches. Their only defeat in that period came in the corresponding fixture last season. However, they had European matters on their mind before and after that particular match. Have they got enough to pick up the points this evening?
As mentioned, Osasuna have won three of their last five matches in the league. They were impressive last time out against Levante, while also picked up a vital three points in a 1-0 win over Real Zaragoza on February 16. That run of form has moved them into 14th position in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone.
They have not been too impressive on their own patch this season, with five wins, four draws and four defeats from 13 matches, which would place them in 15th if home form was all that counted. Their away form, meanwhile, has also been fairly disappointing with just two wins from 12 matches.
Taking a closer look at their numbers, it is easy to see where they have struggled this season. In terms of goals conceded, they have the fourth-best record in the division, conceding just 27 goals, which is less than Barcelona. However, no team in La Liga has scored fewer goals than Osasuna (22).
TEAMS:
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Bertran, Arribas, Flano, Damia; Lolo, Silva, Oier, De las Cuevas; Armenteros, Sola
BILBAO: Iraizoz; Iraola, San Jose, Laporte, Aurtenetxe; Iturraspe, Herrera, De Marcos; Susaeta, Aduriz, Ibai Gomez
So there we have it. Osasuna surprisingly leave Nino on the bench once more, with Armenteros paired with Sola in attack. There are also starting berths for Silva and Oier, with the latter operating from a deeper position. Bilbao, meanwhile, select De Marcos and Ibai either side of top scorer Aduriz.
Bilbao have taken just five points from their last six matches to leave them in 16th position in the table. Should results go against them this weekend, then they would find themselves in the bottom three. With the way that the league is developing, about seven teams are deeply involved in the scrap.
Bilbao’s away form is not too encouraging ahead of this match having won just twice on the road all season, but their home form has also been far from spectacular with five wins from 13 matches. In terms of their numbers, they have conceded the second-most goals in the division (50) and scored 30.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Osasuna were impressive last time out against Levante, therefore I am backing them to pick up a narrow win this evening.
Just a quick reminder of the main team news. Osasuna once more leave Nino on the bench, with Armenteros handed the striking role alongside Sola. Bilbao, meanwhile, leave Llorente on the bench once more, while Iker Muniain is not in the squad. The away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
A reminder that should results go against Bilbao this weekend, then they could find themselves in the bottom three. A quite incredible situation for the Basque outfit. Decent possession from the away side in the early stages of this match, with Ander Herrera and Susaeta enjoying touches of the ball.
You just get the feeling that the first goal this evening - if there indeed is one - would have a huge say on the final result. Osasuna were very impressive against Levante last time out, while Bilbao have taken just five points from their last six matches. Confidence is such a vital thing for the Basque outfit. Not too much to get excited about in the opening four minutes.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, with the home supporters full of noise. Their side looked one of the favourites for relegation a couple of months ago, but they have found some form. It's good work from Susaeta as the Bilbao winger drives down the left, but he cannot find a cross under pressure from Silva.
Half-chance for the home side as Armenteros collects possession before finding Sola outside the box, the Spaniard turns before striking towards the bottom corner, but Iraizoz makes the save. The resulting corner also causes problems in the Bilbao box, but Lolo can only head at the goalkeeper.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in midfield. It cannot be said that either team has really taken control inside the opening 10 minutes. Bilbao do threaten once more as Herrera slides a low pass behind the Osasuna defence, but the ever-impressive Fernandez is out to collect.
Sola is again involved for the home side as he probes outside the penalty area, but his cross is headed clear by San Jose. The pressure continues as Arribas looks for the run of Oier, but San Jose takes control of the situation. Just a few signs that Osasuna have started to take control of the ball. That said, still no real chances for either side.
Herrera is the guilty party once more as he fells Lolo outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick from Armenteros causes problems in the Bilbao box, but Aduriz is back defend his own penalty area. Another corner is whipped into the box, but Sola can only fire wide of the post. Lively stuff with 14 minutes on the clock.
A poor clearance from Laporte almost puts his side in trouble as he presents the ball straight to Sola, but San Jose is back to clear at the vital moment. It is hard enough for Bilbao at the moment without presenting chances to the opposition. Not too much to get excited about for the away side at the moment.
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Sola is receiving some rough treatment from the away side at the moment, with San Jose the latest to chop the striker to the ground. However, the referee fails to award the free kick, much to the frustration of the home supporters. Bilbao break down the other end with Ibai, but his cross is headed clear by Lolo.
Half-chance for the home side once more as De las Cuevas strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Bilbao attempt to create something down the other end with another Gomez cross, but the danger is cleared. End-to-end football with 20 minutes on the clock.
Good possession from the away side in the last couple of moments, but it is not really worrying Osasuna. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the opening 22 minutes, but Sola does look the most likely for Osasuna. Just about at the midway point of the opening period, with the score still goalless.
Half-chance for the home side as Armenteros strikes an effort from just inside the box, but Iraizoz is on hand to make the save. Osasuna have certainly had the better of the chances, but the Bilbao stopper has not been asked to make a fabulous save thus far. Meanwhile, Bilbao continue to lose possession in the final third.
Sola remains the most likely for the home side as he collects possession outside the box before striking towards the top corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Sola turns provider moments later as he fires a low cross towards Armenteros, but San Jose comes across to make the clearance.
Osasuna do have the ball in the back of the net as Sola collects possession before firing into the bottom corner, but the linesman had his flag raised. Bilbao really are under pressure at the moment, they cannot seem to keep hold of the ball. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! Double chance for the home side as a high cross into the box causes all sorts of problems. The first strike comes from Sola, but Iraizoz makes the save before he palms away a cross from Armenteros. Osasuna really need to score during this period of dominance.
Osasuna really are pressing high at the moment, with Bilbao struggling to find their men in the final third. We have not seen anything from De Marcos and Aduriz in the first 32 minutes, with the latter spending more time defending in his own box. Despite their struggles, they remain firmly in this match as the first period begins to draw to a close.
In fairness to Bilbao they have been quite solid defensively thus far, but have just failed to offer anything substantial in the final third. Meanwhile, Osasuna, who have the worst goal record in the league this season, look capable of scoring each time they attack. Oh how times have changed. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining as De las Cuevas fires over the bar.
It's nice football from the home side once more as Silva combines with Sola on the edge of the box before striking towards goal, but San Jose makes the block. Bilbao have a half-chance down the other end as Aduriz meets a cross from Iraola, but he somehow heads wide of the post much to the frustration of his teammates.
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Not too much to report in the last couple of moments, with both sides guilty of handing away possession in midfield. Slightly better from the away side as Iraola finds Susaeta in the box, but Damia is across to clear before Sola's cross is turned behind by San Jose down the other end. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
The away side want a penalty as De Marcos hits the ground under contact from Damia, but the referee is not interested in making the decision. Osasuna advance down the other end with Sola, but his cross into the box is cleared. Will we have a goal in the latter stages of the first period?
The pressure continues from the home side as Sola takes control of the ball before turning into the penalty area, but Iraola comes across to make the challenge. The full-back finds Herrera down the right, but the Spaniard just tries too much before losing control of the ball.
Decent end to the half from Bilbao with Ibai Gomez and Susaeta both stretching the match in wide positions, but the quality into the penalty area has left a lot to be desired. Laporte is involved moments later, but his final pass is poor. Meanwhile, the referee indicates that we will not play any stoppage time at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Osasuna 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
Well, not the best half of football by any stretch of the imagination, but there has been decent moments for both sides. Osasuna certainly have looked the more likely to open the scoring, but you get the feeling that they may live to regret not scoring while on top.
STATISTICS: Osasuna have had 54% of the possession, while they have managed four attempts to Bilbao's one. The foul count is also pretty similar with Osasuna registering five, one less than Bilbao. It would probably be fair to state that neither team really got going in the first period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench with Joseba Llorente and Nino the most likely to enter the field. Bilbao also have a Llorente on the bench, Fernando, who is joining Juventus at the end of the season.
Just a quick update on what has happened today in La Liga. Real Madrid were 2-1 winners over Barcelona in the early start, before the points were shared in a 0-0 draw between Deportivo and Vallecano. Following the completion of this match, we have action from Valencia against Levante.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is perhaps not too surprising at this stage of the match. It is the type of match that could be won by a single goal. The home side get the half underway.
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Scrappy start to the second period with both sides guilty of giving away a host of free kicks in the opposing half. Osasuna create the first attacking opportunity of the half as Sola collects a pass from Oier before attempting a strike on goal, but Laporte is across to clear, before Aduriz fells Miguel Flano down the other end.
The home supporters are creating a wonderful atmosphere inside this stadium in the early stages of the second period. They have backed their team through their struggles this season that is for certain. The final ball continues to evade both teams, however, with clear chances very much at a premium.
Half-chance for the away side as De Marcos fires a low cross into the box, but Damia is on hand to make the clearance. Aduriz is again involved in a penalty shout as he hits the deck once more, but there was not a great deal in it, before Sola is denied by Iraizoz down the other end. End-to-end football at the moment.
Osasuna again threaten as Armenteros drives into the penalty area before striking a low effort on goal, but the referee had just blown for a foul on Herrera moments earlier. It is almost as if someone has just flicked a switch in this match, with both sides prepared to commit numbers to each attack. Really good tempo in the early stages of the second period.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as the ball just falls to the feet of Sola in the Bilbao box, but Laporte is across to make a stunning save at the vital moment. Stunning piece of play from the defender. Osasuna are certainly the team in the ascendancy as the hour mark approaches.
CHANCE! Another glorious chance for the home side as Sola dances into the penalty area before finding Armenteros, but the striker can only fire his header straight at the goalkeeper. You just have to take those chances. Little over 30 minutes to play and the score remains 0-0.
Bilbao create a couple of half-chances with a series of high balls into the Osasuna penalty area, but once more the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, Iturraspe is the first player to be booked for a late challenge on Armenteros. In fairness, it has not been that type of match this evening. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this match.
Bilbao make their first change of the match as Aduriz is replaced by Llorente. Not a wonderful reception for Llorente from the away supporters, but those boos will turn to cheers if he can find a goal in this match. A corner causes concern in the Osasuna box, but San Jose can only head over the crossbar.
Llorente's first touch... is a handball. De Marcos is involved moments later for the away side as he whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Fernandez is out to collect under pressure from Gomez. The tempo has just dropped in the last five or so minutes, with both sides wary of conceding at this stage of the match.
GOAL! Osasuna 0-1 Bilbao (Susaeta)
Wow! The away side take the lead against the run of play as Ibai Gomez finds Susaeta in the penalty area, the Spanish winger wastes no time in thumping his effort into the back of the net. They do not deserve it, but ask their supporters if they mind.
How will Osasuna respond? It would be a major blow if they were to lose this match following a positive run of results. They attempt to level the scores as Sola fires a low cross into the box, but the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, the home side make a change as Masoud replaces De las Cuevas.
Masoud scored an absolute stunner against Levante last week. Let's see if he can repeat that fate here. Armenteros is next to go close for the home side as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but Iraizoz makes the save before Sola's low cross moves along the edge of the box. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Osasuna win a free kick outside the penalty area as Masoud is felled by Herrera. The resulting set piece almost drifts into the far corner, but Iraizoz makes the save. Meanwhile, the home side make another change as Joseba Llorente replaces Oier. The battle of the Llorentes in the final 20 minutes of this match.
As it stands, Bilbao would move above Osasuna in the league table, which is clear indication of just how tight it is at the bottom of the table. Again it's good work from Sola as the striker dances into the box before finding Llorente, but Iraizoz comes out to clear at the vital moment before De Marcos is replaced by Ekiza.
A reminder that prior to this match Osasuna had taken 10 points from their last four matches, while they have not lost in this stadium in 2013. Bilbao have lost their last three, but are on course for a really important three points. Not too much to report with just over 15 minutes of the action remaining.
Osasuna continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area, but they just cannot find that elusive ball in the final third. A half-chance comes down the other end as Llorente dances past two challenges before finding Gomez, but his effort is straight at Hernandez. Osasuna really need some inspiration in this match.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Llorente as the Bilbao striker meets a cross from Aduriz, but somehow he turns over the crossbar from close range. The Spaniard did appear to have a problem with his ankle following the effort, but he has since returned to his feet.
The home side continue to pass and probe outside the Bilbao box, but they just cannot seem to create a clear opportunity. A half-chance does arrive as Armenteros meets a cross from Bertran, but he just turns it wide of the post. You just get the feeling that there could be some late drama as we enter the final 10 minutes of the match.
Osasuna force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but Lolo can only head the first one over before Iraizoz claims the second. It cannot be overestimated the importance of this result for both teams. Osasuna have moved away from trouble in recent weeks, but Bilbao will move above them as it stands. I repeat, as it stands.
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Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change of the match as Punal replaces Damia. It is all or nothing in the final five minutes of this match. In truth, they have not had a lot in attack in the second period. They are playing three at the back, with Llorente, Armenteros and Sola as the forward three.
It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for Bilbao as they continue to clear their lines. As expected, it is all one-way traffic, but Osasuna have struggled to score goals all season. It is not a surprise that they are struggling this evening. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining as they continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area.
Half-chance for Armenteros as the striker fires an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. The pressure continues with a host of high balls in the box, but somehow Bilbao hold on. A real test of their defensive credentials at the moment.
Bilbao make their third and final change of the match as Toquero replaces Susaeta. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are indeed into the first of those. Can Osasuna create one last chance in the final moments?
The pressure continues from the home side, but a long cross from Masoud is collected by Iraizoz as the seconds continue to drift away. Osasuna still have possession in the Bilbao half, but the same struggles continue. Little over 30 seconds of football remaining.
FULL-TIME: Osasuna 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
Incredible reaction from the away side as they celebrate this result with such passion. They have moved above Osasuna in the table with the three points this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and remain with us for Valencia against Levante. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
