Athletic Club - CA Osasuna

Athletic drew 0-0 with CA Osasuna at San Mames on Monday night. Los Leones controlled possession and had a flurry of chances to win the match, but Jagoba Arrasate's side escaped with a point.

Ernesto Valverde's side are now in seventh place, one point off Europe, ahead of their match against Real Sociedad in Donostia on Saturday night.

The night began with an emotional tribute to Txetxu Rojo as, in line with his wishes, a minute's applause replaced the standard period of silence. Rojo's four children, accompanied by Athletic legend Jose Angel Iribar, were pitchside for that special moment. Seven former presidents paid their respects by joining current president, Jon Uriarte, in the box.

Valverde's charges took control from the start. Oihan Sancet broke into space down the right flank before cutting the ball back for Gorka Guruzeta, who shot wide. Osasuna keeper Aitor Fernandez, a Lezama graduate, denied Oscar de Marcos and then kept out a Guruzeta volley with the save of the match.

The second half arrived and Sancet went close after a moment of indecision in Osasuna's defence. Athletic were imperial at the back, barely giving Los Rojillos a sniff at goal. Guruzeta had a strike ruled out for offside and Iker Muniain, who came off the bench to move level with Joseba Etxeberria as Athletic's third-highest appearance maker, sent in a great ball for Nico Williams, who didn't connect properly at the other end.

Moments later, Iñaki Williams tried and failed to chip Fernández. There was some concern Osasuna would take all three points with a crash and grab. Fortunately, Unai Simón ensured that wouldn't happen, throwing himself at Manu Sánchez's feet to deny the visitors any moment of glory.

In the end, a goalless draw built on a great defensive display but some difficulty translating that dominance to the scoreboard.