Athletic Club - CA Osasuna

Athletic Club had to settle for a point in the San Mamés derby against a very defensive CA Osasuna.

The goalless draw means Athletic are no closer to third-placed Atletico, but keeps them firmly in fourth place, six points clear of Villarreal CF, who we visit next Sunday.

The Rojillos' three-centre-back system made life difficult for the Lions, who were also hampered by goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez - the former Lezama man making a number of fine saves.

Osasuna barely threatend, only having a couple of chances between Lucas Torró and Rubén Peña.

The rest of the attacking work was done by Ernesto Valverde's men. Nico Williams went close when he  collected a long ball from Unai Núñez before Aitor Fernández turned his low drive behind for a corner.

That save and a Yuri Berchiche effort were Athletic's only major opportunities of first half in which there was discontent due to the lack of punishment handed out for the fouls on Maroan Sannadi, something which is becoming more common.

Mikel Jauregizar found another gear in midfield to drive Athletic forward in the second half. In the 55th minute, Oscar de Marcos forced a close-range save from Fernández and three minutes later, the goalkeeper was quick off his line to deny Nico Williams in a one-v-one siutation.

Although Osasuna had spent most of the match pinned back in their own half, they found more space in the final quarter. Unai Simón denied Ruben García late on.

Athletic got forward well, but lacked a cutting edge. To qualify for the Champions League, you have to win a lot of games, but draws help a lot too.