Match Overview

Osasuna meet Athletic Bilbao in a tightly poised La Liga contest with recent history suggesting a cautious, low-scoring battle. Osasuna’s tempo and pressing have delivered a stronger attacking rhythm in recent weeks, while Athletic lean on a reliable defensive core despite an output dip in front of goal. Their last meeting ended goalless, reinforcing how small margins often decide this matchup. Expect a disciplined, tactical encounter where one moment of quality could settle it.

• Fixture: Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao
• Competition: La Liga
• Venue: Not provided
• Date: 03-01-2026
• Kickoff: 15:15 / 15:15 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Osasuna

• Sergio Herrera
• Catena
• Abel Bretones
• F. Boyomo
• V. Rosier
• Moncayola
• Lucas Torró
• Aimar Oroz
• Iker Muñoz
• Victor Muñoz
• A. Budimir

Athletic Bilbao

• Unai Simón
• Aitor Paredes
• Dani Vivian
• Jesús Areso
• Gorosabel
• Mikel Jauregizar
• Ruíz de Galarreta
• Oihan Sancet
• Robert Navarro
• Álex Berenguer
• Nico Williams

Injury & Suspension Report

Osasuna

• F. Boyomo – International duty
• Iker Benito – Knee Injury
• Abel Bretones – Yellow Cards

Athletic Bilbao

• Yeray – Doping
• Yuri – Hamstring Injury
• Beñat Prados – Knee Injury
• Unai Eguíluz – Knee Injury
• Maroan Sannadi – Knee Injury
• Aymeric Laporte – Muscle Injury

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings have been tight, averaging around two goals across the last ten clashes. Over 49 historical encounters, Athletic Bilbao hold a slight edge with more wins, while Osasuna have kept the fixture competitive and draws are common. The most recent league meeting ended 0-0, reflecting the cautious trend between these sides.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Budimir’s impact and Osasuna’s attacking uptick

Osasuna’s recent form shows a clear rise in attacking productivity, with 12 goals across their last five matches. Ante Budimir’s brace in a 3-0 home win over Alavés underlined his penalty-area threat and composure, and their midfield structure has supported quicker transitions. Against teams around them in the table, results have been solid (two wins, one draw, one loss), suggesting a side capable of managing game states with discipline and timely forward surges. Sitting 12th with 18 points from 17 games, their current trajectory points to a balanced plan built on pressing triggers and efficient finishing.

Athletic Bilbao’s defensive base and limited output

Athletic Bilbao enter with an organized back line anchored by Unai Simón, whose recent run includes five clean sheets and nine shutouts in 25 matches this season. However, their attack has stumbled, producing only two goals in the last five outings and coming off a 1-2 defeat to Espanyol in which Álex Berenguer scored. The overall pattern has been mixed—three losses and a draw recently—though their results against similarly ranked teams have been relatively even, with both goals scored and conceded hovering around 1.25 per game. The key question here is whether they can convert territorial control into higher-quality chances.

Osasuna’s high press vs Athletic Bilbao’s disciplined shape

This matchup sets Osasuna’s aggressive press and fast transitions against Athletic’s compact, well-drilled defensive block. Osasuna will look to force turnovers in midfield and supply Budimir early, while Athletic aim to reduce space between the lines and counter through ball carriers like Nico Williams and link play via Oihan Sancet. If Athletic’s first phase holds under pressure, their structured approach could slow the game and limit Osasuna’s volume of entries into the box. Conversely, an early Osasuna press win could tilt momentum in the hosts’ favor.

With the last meeting ending goalless and recent head-to-head trends low scoring, margins should be thin. Osasuna’s sharper finishing form meets an Athletic defense capable of stifling most attacks; the contest could hinge on set pieces or a single high-quality transition. Prediction: a narrow draw feels most likely, with under 2.5 goals on the balance of form—1-1.