Athletic Bilbao went into the break with a smile: in the space of a few days, Ernesto Valverde’s team managed to overturn Roma in the Europa League, securing a place in the quarter-finals and returning to winning ways in the league (0-1 in Seville), away from home, where their last victory had come in January. In doing so, the Basques increased their lead over fifth-placed Villarreal and consolidated their fourth place, which would allow them to return to the thrill of playing in the Champions League.
The Leones have 52 points, eight more than the Yellow Submarine, who have played one game less. In short, the die seems to be cast, especially since it is very likely that this season La Liga will send five teams, not just four, to play in Europe’s most important competition thanks to the UEFA rankings. If Valverde and his men succeed, it will also be thanks to their impeccable home form: San Mamés is a fortress (eight wins, five draws, and one defeat).
However, Athletic have not won in front of their home crowd for over a month, since their resounding 7-1 victory over Real Valladolid on February 23. The Leones have the opportunity to give their passionate fans something to cheer about again in their match against Osasuna, who are coming off two consecutive defeats against Getafe and Barcelona. The Pamplona club will take to the field just three days after their match against the Blaugrana, a rescheduled fixture from the 27th matchday: a one-sided affair at Montjuic, with Vicente Moreno’s side overwhelmed 3-0 by the Catalans. More generally, Osasuna have not won a game in two months: their only league victory since last November came against Real Sociedad.
Odds comparison
Athletic Bilbao’s victory is priced at 1.45 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “Over 2.5” bet is priced at 1.90 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.87 on Snai.
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Prediction
Athletic’s victory should not be in doubt against a struggling opponent like Osasuna, who are also without one of their best players, midfielder Torrò (suspended). The Basques will thus avenge their elimination last January in the Copa del Rey at the hands of the Pamplona club, which won 3-2 in Bilbao on that occasion.
Probable line-ups for Athletic Bilbao-Osasuna
ATHLETIC BILBAO (4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; Gorosabel, Vivian, Yeray Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Iñaki Williams, Berenguer, Nico Williams; Sannadi.
OSASUNA (4-3-3): Herrera; Areso, Catena, Boyomo, Cruz; Moncayola, Ibanez, Moi Gomez; Rubén García, Budimir, Zaragoza.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1