Osasuna and Athletic Club Play to 1-1 Draw

Los Rojillos took the lead on a spectacular goal by midfielder Rubén García, but the Lions equalized in the second half through forward Gorka Guruzeta

Osasuna (5-4-9, 19 points) opened the year with a hard-fought point in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club (7-3-9, 24 points) at El Sadar on Saturday afternoon. Los Rojillos took the lead in the first half when midfielder Rubén García scored on a free kick from more than 30 yards out. The Lions tied it in the second half, as forward Gorka Guruzeta converted a pass from midfielder Robert Navarro into the bottom right corner.

Osasuna pressed high from the start and created the game’s first chances. Forward Ante Budimir had the first opportunity in the 13th minute, running onto a through ball but sending a left-footed volley just wide. Minutes later, the hosts threatened again when midfielder Jon Moncayola finished a pass from forward Víctor Muñoz inside the area, but goalkeeper Unai Simón made a strong save.

García opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a direct free kick, striking powerfully from about 35 meters to catch the opposing goalkeeper off guard. Before halftime, Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera made a strong save to deny forward Oihan Sancet from close range.

Osasuna maintained control early in the second half and limited Athletic Club’s chances. In the 60th minute, forward Nico Williams broke through one-on-one with Herrera, but defender Alejandro Catena intervened to block the attempt. Ten minutes later, midfielder Lucas Torró hit the post with a volley from the edge of the box. A minute after that, Guruzeta received a pass from Navarro inside the area and finished past Herrera to tie the game.

Osasuna pushed forward late, and forward Raúl García had the final chance in stoppage time, heading over the bar from a cross.

Osasuna will play at Girona on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 6:30 p.m. local time in a LaLiga EA Sports Week 19 match.