Mon Mar 31 14:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Osasuna Holds Athletic Bilbao to a Draw in San Mamés
**Bilbao, Spain** – Osasuna earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés Stadium, frustrating their rivals in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey this season. While Athletic dominated possession, particularly in the second half, Osasuna’s disciplined defensive strategy effectively neutralized the home side’s attack.
Athletic’s attacking duo, the Williams brothers, struggled to find openings against Osasuna’s resolute defense, repeatedly thwarted by the visitors’ tight marking. Despite enjoying periods of sustained possession, Athletic created few clear-cut chances. Nico Williams had a shot saved by Osasuna goalkeeper Aitor Fernández, while Iñaki Williams’ late cross nearly found the back of the net. Aitor Fernández was instrumental in preserving the clean sheet, making crucial saves to deny De Marcos and Nico Williams.
Osasuna, while largely defensive, threatened sporadically on the counter-attack, with Areso causing problems down the right flank. However, their attacking efforts diminished in the second half as fatigue set in. The final moments saw Unai Simón, Athletic’s goalkeeper, make a vital save to secure the draw.
The result leaves Athletic Bilbao in fourth place, but with Villarreal, their next opponents, breathing down their necks. For Osasuna, the point earned in San Mamés is a valuable one, demonstrating their ability to frustrate one of La Liga’s top teams on their home turf. Conversely, Athletic’s struggles against Osasuna highlight their relative difficulty playing away from home.
First Piper 