Guruzeta Rescues Point as Basque Rivals Share Spoils

PAMPLONA, Spain — Athletic Club entered this Basque derby sitting seventh and eyeing European qualification, while 16th-placed Osasuna desperately needed points to pull away from the relegation zone. In the end, they settled for a 1-1 draw that left neither side fully satisfied, though Gorka Guruzeta's second-half equalizer rescued a point for the visitors after Rubén García's magnificent free kick threatened to deliver Osasuna a vital victory.

Athletic dominated possession early, controlling 51.5% of the ball as they probed for openings against a disciplined Osasuna defensive block. The visitors' territorial advantage yielded nine corners throughout the match, yet they struggled to convert pressure into clear-cut chances during the first half. Osasuna, content to absorb pressure and strike on the counter, looked dangerous whenever Aimar Oroz found space to drive forward through midfield.

The deadlock broke in spectacular fashion in the 34th minute when García stepped up to a free kick 25 yards from goal. His left-footed strike curled majestically over the wall and into the top center of the net, leaving Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala with no chance. The El Sadar faithful erupted as their veteran winger wheeled away in celebration, having punished a foul on Lucas Torró with clinical precision. Athletic responded with urgency, and Sergio Herrera was forced into action just before halftime, denying Nico Williams with a sharp save after the winger cut inside from the left.

The second half became a siege as Athletic threw bodies forward in search of an equalizer. Herrera stood firm, making five saves in total as Athletic peppered his goal with 16 shots compared to Osasuna's 11. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 71st minute when Robert Navarro threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into Guruzeta's path. The striker controlled with his first touch before drilling a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom right corner. His clinical finish rewarded Athletic's persistence and set up a frantic final 20 minutes.

The match grew increasingly heated as both sides chased a winner, with referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz brandishing six yellow cards. Jorge Herrando, Alejandro Catena and Jon Moncayola all saw yellow for Osasuna, while Alex Berenguer and Adama Boiro joined the book for Athletic. The fiery encounter reflected the intensity typical of Basque derbies, with 31 fouls committed between the two sides. Osasuna nearly snatched victory in the 69th minute when Torró's long-range effort cannoned off the right post, while Athletic's late pressure saw Nico Williams and Robert Navarro both go close in stoppage time.

The draw extended Osasuna's unbeaten home run but did little to ease their relegation concerns, while Athletic's failure to capitalize on their statistical dominance left them frustrated. Valentin Rosier and Javi Galán worked tirelessly in Osasuna's full-back positions to contain the dangerous Williams brothers, while Mikel Jauregizar impressed in Athletic's midfield despite the visitors' inability to find a winner.

Athletic Club next travel to face Atalanta on January 21 in UEFA Europa League Matchday 7, while Osasuna will look to build on this hard-earned point in their battle for LaLiga survival.