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Athletic Bilbao vs Osasuna - 19.12.2009

Bilbao claim Osasuna scalp

Early goals from Fran Yeste and Fernando Llorente gave Athletic Bilbao a fine 2-0 victory over northern rivals Osasuna in the Primera Division.

Yeste struck in the very first minute of play and Llorente added the second 11 minutes later as the Basques continued their recent good league form to move provisionally into the top six.

Athletic went down 3-0 at home to Werder Bremen in the Europa League on Wednesday night in what was a hugely disappointing result for the Basque outfit.

Coach Joaquin Caparros would have wanted a reaction from his players following that defeat.

And he did not have to wait for long as Athletic took the lead in the very first minute.

Llorente raced into the area and past Josetxo Romero, unleashing a low drive that Yeste got a foot on to divert into the net and give the Basques the perfect start.

Athletic were missing their two first-choice central defenders, with Aitor Ocio still out injured and Fernando Amorebieta suspended for this clash.

But the Basques were hardly bothered by an off-colour Osasuna outfit early on.

And, in any case, attack proved the best form of defence for Caparros' side, as they duly went two up after 12 minutes.

This time Llorente received the ball with his back to goal and there appeared little danger at this stage but the Spain striker turned and lashed a fierce angled drive past a helpless Ricardo from the edge of the box to double the locals' lead.

It was a dream scenario for Athletic - now two goals up with only 12 minutes on the clock.

And it should have been three after 20 minutes but Carlos Gurpegi hesitated and his shot was blocked.

Javi Martinez then blasted wide from the edge of the box as Athletic continued to threaten.

The locals were rampant at this stage and Osasuna had no answer.

The Pamplona-based outfit started the season well but have been struggling of late and had only picked up four points from their last four league games.

Jose Antonio Camacho's side began the day only four points clear of the drop zone and appeared low on confidence following last weekend's 1-0 defeat at home to Mallorca.

But, after Llorente had shot wide in another Athletic attack, the visitors had their first chance of the game halfway through the first period.

It fell to Javad Nekounam but the Iran midfielder headed into the side netting from a free-kick and there was to be no way quick way back into the game for the visitors.

Andoni Iraola should have added to Athletic's tally shortly after that but the full-back shot over the bar from close range after he was set up by Gaizka Toquero.

The second half was a more even affair and chances were few and far between for both sides.

Athletic lost much of the attacking verve they had showed in the first half.

Some of that was down to Osasuna, as the visitors showed a notable improvement.

But they never really looked likely to get back into it, apart from a couple of half-chances for Dady late on.

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