Defeat complicates Athletic's European chances

Athletic Club's chances of qualifying for Europe no longer depends upon themselves after an unexpected defeat 2-0 at El Sadar.

The Lions enjoyed the first two chances of the game with Iñaki Williams' going one-on-one with Aitor Fernández and then drawing possible penalty for a Rubén Peña handball. However, at the start of the second half, Ante Budimir headed home to make it 1-0, leaving Ernesto Valverde's side in trouble.

Luca Torró got their second after an Abde Ezzalzouli free-kick which should not have been given. It was a huge blow for the Lions, who drop to eighth in the table.

Seventh place and the Conference seems distant after this defeat, but perhaps after hosting Elche on Sunday, there might be more hope. The fact is that Los Leones wanted a cushion going into the last game at the Santiago Bernabeu, but they no longer have it.

The derby against this season's bogey team was a very tight affair. A long pass from Aitor Paredes saw Iñaki Williams go through on goal but his shot hit Peña's hand, before the defender cleared for a corner. It was not considered a penalty. Osasuna barely threatened and Iñaki was set through on goal again only to be denied by Fernández.

Just like in the first leg of the Copa, Osasuna kicked on at the start of the second half. Jon Moncayola crossed and Budimir headed in unmarked to surprise Julen Agirrezabala. 

Dani Vivian found Oier Zarraga open in the box, but the home goalkeeper got a foot to the midfielder's effort.

Valverde did not wait, bringing on Gorka Guruzeta and Oihan Sancet, who's suffered from stomach problems during the week. Iker Muniain had a go with a left-footed chance before Osasuna killed off the match. Their second came from free-kick which shouldn't have been given. Abde forced a save from Julen Agirrezabala, but Aimar Oroz jumped on the rebound to set up Torró for the goal in the 77th minute.