Osasuna’s recent form has been impressive as they continue to head away from the relegation places, and their first-half display was another positive one.
They could have taken the lead after 19 minutes when a quick move saw Jon Moncayola freed inside the area, but the midfielder’s effort was saved at the near post by Unai Simon.
The Rojillos remained on top, and after Lucas Torro had headed straight at Simon from a corner, the hosts took the lead in stunning fashion, when Ruben Garcia’s powerful free-kick from distance left Simon with no chance to send the home fans wild.
Athletic had to find a response after a lacklustre start, and they did manage to battle their way back into the contest somewhat. A ball across the area found Gorka Guruzeta unmarked, but the striker’s first-time effort was well saved at the near post by Sergio Herrera.
Guruzeta tried again just before half-time as Athletic Club started to get more joy going forward, but his prodded effort from inside the area was gathered by Herrera.
The home fans would have demanded a response from their side in the second half, but it was the visitors who looked likelier to find the second goal as they controlled proceedings impressively.
As such, time started to run out for Athletic to beat an Osasuna side that had seen all of its league wins come on home turf, but the visitors belatedly found their attacking groove following a glut of four substitutions after the hour mark, including a triple switch.
With fresh legs providing newfound momentum, Athletic managed to get themselves back into the contest in the final 20 minutes, as Robert Navarro’s pass found Guruzeta unmarked inside the area, allowing the forward to slot past Herrera to draw the Lions level.
Osasuna failed to register a shot on target in response, and though Athletic ended this clash looking likelier to win it, they couldn’t breach the Rojillos’ rearguard again.
The result sees Osasuna climb one place to 12th and four points clear of the relegation zone for the time being, while Athletic Bilbao remain eighth, having missed the chance to close the gap to the European places.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jorge Herrando (Osasuna)
