Athletic’s negative to be eliminated against Osasuna in the Cup

Athletic were left without a Cup final after losing in the semis against Osasuna. Valverde’s team did a lot to get through the round. Pretty bad too.

1. The alarming lack of goals for Valverde’s team

Athletic did not stay at zero this time in San Mamés, but they did not score more than one goal against Osasuna. It’s a bit difficult, because this time he needs to sign at least one more to stand in the grand final. The problem with Valverde’s team, which is very similar to that of former rojiblancos coaches, lies in their poor ability to achieve. Every time this topic comes up, there are those who point out that Athletic are the fourth team in the League with the most goals scored: 36 in 27 games. already. The problem is that 25 of these goals have been scored in seven games and the remaining 11 in the other 20.

2. The changes did not serve to improve the team

Another big difference in the match played last Tuesday in San Mamés between Athletic and Osasuna was the effectiveness of the changes made. While the rojillo team recovered from the substitutions made by Jagoba Arrasate, the rojiblanco lost consistency and continuity, especially in their attacking football. Raúl García, the first to take action, had a good chance to make it 2-0, but he was well controlled by the rojilla defense. Vivian was given war by Chimy Ávila. Zarraga didn’t land a right, Berenguer’s blast didn’t finish and Adu Ares barely got into the action. All this was noticed.

3. Lions take advantage of set pieces

It’s true that Athletic’s goal came from a corner kick. Muniain crossed, Vesga curled the ball at the near post and Iñaki Williams finished into the back of the net. It is unusual, in any case, for Valverde’s students to score in a strategic move. The data on the corners taken by both teams in the second leg of this semifinal played in San Mamés speaks volumes. The lions threw a total of 18. The rojillos, absent the entire game, including overtime. The old adage that a corner in San Mamés is half a goal is long gone in history.

4. The European option through the Cup passed a better life in Bilbao

Jon Uriarte, the new Athletic president, showed Mr. Valverde and captain Muniain in a press conference at the beginning of the season to focus on the goals of the season. “We want to play a good role in the Cup, it is very special for the Club and all the fans, but we have also made it clear to the coaching staff and the squad that, although we continue to be very competitive in the qualifiers. , we must take a step forward in LaLiga”, he pointed out then. It is understood that the goal in the KO tournament can be realized by reaching the semifinals, but the continental passport through the Liga has become very expensive.