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2025-26 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 18
Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao
Estadio El Sadar
Pamplona, Spain
Saturday, 3 January 2026
Kick-off is at 17h15
Athletic Bilbao will be looking for a fresh start in the new year when they travel to Pamplona for a clash with Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday, January 2.
The Lions endured a disappointing first half of the season, winning just seven of their opening 18 La Liga matches to end the year a massive 12 points outside the top four in eighth place.
Ernesto Valverde's side only managed to pick up three points out of a possible 12 in December and closed out 2025 with back-to-back defeats against Celta Vigo (2-0) and Espanyol (2-1).
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Los Rojillos played one league game less last month, although they featured twice in the Copa del Rey and scored an impressive nine goals to march on in the competition.
The Navarre outfit beat Alaves 3-0 in their final outing of 2025 to pull three points clear of the relegation zone in 12th position to put them in a four-way tie with Real Mallorca (13th), the Babazorros (14th) and Rayo Vallecano (15th) on 18 points.
Alessio Lisci's side held Athletic to a goalless draw in their most recent meeting at San Mames after losing 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.
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Valverde stressed the need to improve after pointing out that their performances have been nowhere near the required level this term, as highlighted in the game against the Parakeets.
"The second goal sunk us," he acknowledged. "But it's true we also lacked the game and flair to create more danger.
"It's a tough defeat, because of what it means and because it leaves us far from the European positions we want to be in.
"It's the last match of the year. It's been a good year, we're in the Champions League. But we're not getting good results so far this season.
"We're losing too many matches. The numbers, compared to last year, aren't good - they're worse. Last year we were at our best, and this year we are nowhere near the same level. We need to respond better to this."
Head-to-Head (Last Five La Liga Meetings)
Matches - 5
Osasuna wins - 1
Athletic wins - 2
Draws - 2
La Liga Matchday 18 fixtures:
Friday, January 2
22h00: Rayo Vallecano v Getafe
Saturday, January 3
15h00: Celta Vigo v Valencia
17h15: Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao
19h30: Elche v Villarreal
22h00: Espanyol v Barcelona
Sunday, January 4
15h00: Sevilla v Levante
17h15: Real Madrid v Real Betis
19h30: Alaves v Real Oviedo
19h30: Real Mallorca v Girona
22h00: Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid
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