Osasuna 0-0 Athletic Bilbao - 7M sport

Osasuna 0-0 Athletic Bilbao

Posted Tuesday, April 27, 2010 by Goal.com

Los Leones fail to close the gap on Champions League chasers.

Athletic Bilbao failed to capitalise on European rivals dropping points as they were held to a scoreless draw in an evenly matched contest away to Osasuna.

With Mallorca and Sevilla both having slipped up at the weekend, los Leones had the chance to put themselves within touching distance of the final UEFA Champions League place but came up against a gritty and resolute Navarran outfit that have all but guaranteed their place in the Primera Division next season.

From the outset the tie at the Reyno de Navarra proved something of a war of attrition with neither side looking to commit to many men forward, fearful of the threat of a counterattack. As a result of such a tentative start, it was half an hour into the contest before either goalkeeper was called into action.

Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente leapt to meet Francisco Yeste's cross and powered a fine header on target but Ricardo got down brilliantly to palm it away with an excellent outstretched save.

Yeste again provided the delivery moments later but Mikel San Jose failed to take advantage heading over from close range.

Osasuna rallied and had a couple of chances of their own with Carlos Aranda and Juanfran striking decent attempts from distance but they failed to trouble Gorka Iraizoz.

Llorente brought another save from Ricardo and Javi Martinez had him stretched once more before the break but the 38-year-old veteran was equal to it and scoreless it remained at the interval.

After the break Jose Antonio Camacho's men improved but again their finishing let them down. Ruper went close on a couple of occasions but failed to hit the target and although Walter Pandiani brought a decent save out of Iraizoz, the hosts never really looked likely to score.

Both coaches used their full compliment of substitutes as they looked for an opening in this uninspiring encounter and it almost proved fruitful for the visitors as Markel Susaeta went close.

Susaeta had arguably the best chance of the game when he smashed a shot goalwards from 15 yards but again Ricardo was on hand to make a smart save low to his left.

The final half hour was a lifeless endeavor punctuated by stoppages and although there was time for Gaizka Toquero to test Ricardo once more from a clearance from Iraizoz, scoreless it remained at the full-time whistle.

The draw puts Osasuna on 39 points, seven clear of the drop zone with four games remaining while Bilbao have spurned a decent opportunity to put themselves amongst the European places and still have plenty of work to do if they are to ensure continental football at San Mames next season.



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