A great goal from Abde brings the final closer to Osasuna

A great goal from Abde brings the final closer to Osasuna

Jagoba Arrasate's men beat Athletic Club in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals

MADRID, 1 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Osasuna dealt the first blow this Wednesday in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals with a hard-fought victory (1-0) against Athletic Club at El Sadar, an even match that the rojillo team solved at the beginning of the second half thanks to to the solitary so much of Ez Abde.

With a very clear identity, with commitment, work and maximum effectiveness, without neglecting the ball, Osasuna deservedly solved the first part of a tie that leaves them with a clear advantage for the second leg in San Mamés. The Moroccan's goal in the first play after the break confirmed the good form of a team from Navarra with morale through the roof after the league victory last Sunday against Sevilla (2-3).

Iagoba Arrasate won the game against a 'Txingurri' Valverde whose game plan did not finish coming out. Although 'Los Leones' were superior in some sections of the first half, Osasuna's defensive framework and the effectiveness of their wingers was enough to tip the scales in favor of the locals.

Thus, Athletic Club could not cope with the stage fright of a packed Sadar to the brim. After a few minutes of initial scoring, Ernesto Valverde's team managed to stretch out to sign the first chance of the game. Muniain shot from the edge, but after brushing against a defender he ran into the foot of the Osasuna goalkeeper. Then, they canceled the goal of Iñaki Williams, who pushed the rebound, but was ahead.

However, the local team, who did not want to give up the leading role so quickly, tried to counteract the impetus from Bilbao with greater control of the ball and throwing to their wingers on each counterattack occasion. Thus, Ez Abde was the main threat of a first part that ended without much pain or glory.

After the resumption the script changed completely. The rojillo team took the lead on the first occasion of the second half through the Moroccan. The former FC Barcelona player, who continued his state of grace after scoring the winning goal against Sevilla just entering the field, unleashed madness in the stands with a great goal after a spectacular play down the left wing that culminated by crossing the ball to the long stick, unattainable for Agirrezabala.

From then on, Jagoba Arrasate's team took a step forward with a solid and effective game plan. The locals, who armed themselves even more in defense, did not stop trying again and again with an increasingly participatory Chimy Ávila. The entry of Nico Williams gave wings to the Basque team, but the effort of the locals ended up closing a clash that had no more goals despite the final efforts of Athletic.

--RESULT: OSASUNA, 1 - ATHLETIC CLUB, 0. (0-0, at halftime)

OSASUNA: Sergio Herrera; Moncayola, Aridane, David García, Juan Cruz; Aimar Oroz (Brasanac, min.86) Lucas Torró, Moi Gómez (Pablo Ibáñez, min.86); Abde (Kike Barja, min.77), Budimir (Kike García, min.71) and Chimy Ávila (Rubén García, min.71).

ATHLETIC CLUB: Agirrezabala; De Marcos (Lekue, min.58), Vivian, Iñigo Martínez, Yuri; Dani García, Vesga; Berenguer (Raúl García, min.58), Sancet, Muniain (Nico Williams, min.65), Iñaki Williams (Guruceta, min.82).

1-0, min. 47, Abde.

--REFEREE: Gil Manzano (C. Extremño). He admonished Álex Berenguer (min.40), Mikel Vesga (min.43) and Iñigo Martínez (min.63) by Athletic Club, and Budimir (min.52), Moi Gómez (min.54) and Brasanac (min. .91) by Osasuna.

--STADIUM: El Sadar. 23,026 viewers.