Osasuna vs. Athletic Bilbao Preview, Odds, Predictions (May 25)
Initial Thoughts
With just three games remaining and only three points separating them in the league, Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao head into this must-win matchup knowing a chance of European football next season could be on the line.
The Narrative
Neither Athletic Bilbao nor Osasuna qualified for Europe last season, with Athletic managing an 8th place finish on 55 points and Osasuna closing out the campaign in 10th with seven fewer points.
But both teams are on course to surpass those totals this term, and with just three games remaining in the regular season continental football is still very much on the table for either side.
Despite a run of only one win in their last six matches, Athletic currently occupy the last European place in 7th.
A five game unbeaten run from mid-March to late April helped Ernesto Valverde’s side cement their position in the upper part of the table, and climbing even higher is still mathematically possible with 6th placed Real Betis having played one more game.
Currently in 10th place on 47 points, Osasuna could draw level with Athletic with a victory tonight. Jagoba Arrasate’s side have already made it a season to remember after reaching the final of the Copa del Rey for the first time since 2005.
Despite losing 2-1 to Real Madrid, the cup run represents a stunning achievement for the club. And it was none other than Athletic Bilbao that Osasuna overcame to book their place in the final.
Nuts & Bolts
That Copa del Rey semi saw Osasuna beat Athletic 1-0 at home and draw 1-1 in the second leg. And when the two sides met in the league back in January the points were also shared in a tight 0-0 stalemate.
That means Osasuna are unbeaten in their last three meetings against Ernesto Valverde’s side and will head into this match-up believing they can secure a win in front of their home fans.
Arrasate’s team have won three of their last four at the El Sadar Stadium - racking up victories against Almeria, Real Betis and Elche.
Athletic Bilbao have dropped points in their last two away games, but prior to that bagged three straight wins on the road against.
Osasuna arrive in this matchup on the back of a chastening 3-0 defeat away to Atletico Madrid, while Bilbao will be buoyed by a 2-1 at home to Celta Vigo.
Homestand Picks
All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets
With two of their last three meetings ending a stalemate, another tie looks like good value in tonight’s fixture.
Athletic Bilbao have conceded in each of their last five matches and Osasuna have racked up eight goals in their last four home games.
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