CA Osasuna - Athletic Club

An unforgettable, historic 2024 comes to an end for Athletic Club. The Copa champions have finished the year on a high with a 1-2 comeback win over CA Osasuna. The Lions are now in fourth place after a fantastic victory at El Sadar. 

Gorka Guruzeta and Alex Berenguer led the fightback to ensure the travelling Zurigorri fans had plenty to celebrate in Pamplona.

This great Athletic team put together by Ernesto Valverde has an incredible never-say-die attitude. The gaffer has constructed an extremely competitive side, which goes for the win in every match.

The derby was no easy task, Los Rojillos only previous home defeat this season was against Real Betis. But Athletic went for victory from the start. 

Nico Williams, Guruzeta and Iñaki Williams, who put in a tremendous shift, all threatened Sergio Herrera early on. The Lions also thought they had a shout for a penalty when an Iñaki effort struck a loose hand in the box, but after checking with VAR the spot-kick wasn't given due to an Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta foul in the build-up.

Osasuna took a surprise lead in the 24th minute. The hosts were awarded a free-kick for a soft Nico Wiliams foul and Lucas Torró caught a poor clearance on the volley to beat Unai Simón.

Athletic, spurred on by their vociferous fans, did not give up and equalised soon after. Mikel Jauregizar found Iñaki Williams on the wing and the no.9's cross was met by a Aduriz-esque header from Guruzeta.

Simón kept out Aimar Oroz with an incredible point-blank save just before the half-time whistle. Los Rojiblancos suffered another setback after the restart when Oihan Sancet injured his ankle, Alex Berenguer coming on to replace the attacking midfielder in the 48th minute.

Iñaki Williams weaved his way in to the box and almost set up Guruzeta for a second, but Sergio Herrera stuck out a leg to deny the striker. Athletic searched relentlessly for a winner and got it when a long ball from Simón found Berenguer, who scored with a powerful left-footed shot.

It's been an unforgettable year for the no.7. He scored the winning penalty in the Copa and he's closed out 2024 with another vital strike. His 74th-minute goal effectively ended all Osasuna resistance.

The famous Athletic Club continues to go from strength to strength, and all our dreams are very much alive looking towards next year. But, as always, we go one step at a time. 

What's more, the win was a great prize for Katxorro, Athletic's coach driver for the past two decades. He couldn't have had a better present for before stepping into retirement.