Osasuna 2 : 1 Athletic Bilbao - Bilbao brought back to earth

Athletic Bilbao failed to build on Thursday night's hugely impressive Europa League victory at Manchester United after slumping to a 2-1 defeat at Osasuna.

The visitors, 3-2 winners at Old Trafford, were beaten by an own goal from Ander Iturraspe and a Raul Garcia header - both created by home captain Francisco Punal - with Fernando Llorente replying for the visitors.

Athletic boss Marcelo Bielsa outlined his priorities ahead of the midweek return against United by leaving Llorente, Ander Herrera and Javi Martinez on the bench and his decision backfired as his side missed the chance to move level on points with fourth-placed Malaga.

The opener came from a wicked Punal free-kick which was fizzed towards goal and Athletic defender Iturraspe could only glance it into his own net from 15 yards.

Bielsa's men almost hit back within six minutes, Oscar De Marcos streaking down the right before hitting a shot which beat home goalkeeper Andres Fernandez but struck the post and rebounded to safety.

Punal's delivery was causing Athletic countless problems and another wonderful set-piece, this time from the right, was perfect for Raul Garcia to attack with a firm header which flew into the top left-hand corner.

The visitors were rocked and wasted a fine chance to halve the deficit after 37 minutes, Inigo Perez bursting into the box only to lash his left-footed effort high and wide.

Osasuna remained a threat going forward and Javad Nekounam almost added a third for the hosts with a crisp drive from 20 yards which flashed inches wide of Gorka Iraizoz's left-hand post.

Bielsa reacted at the break by bringing on top scorer Llorente and Herrera but the impact was not immediate, Raul Garcia coming close to making it 3-0 after finding too much space in the Athletic box.

The pair did combine to great effect after 55 minutes, though, as the visitors hit back.

Herrera advanced down the right and slipped a lovely ball behind the defence which Llorente ran on to before powering a shot high into the net.

Athletic had plenty of possession but did not seriously threaten an equaliser until stoppage-time when Andoni Iraola picked out Iker Muniain six yards out but the 19-year-old scuffed his shot, allowing Fernandez to scramble across his line and palm the ball clear.

Osasuna almost added a third when Manuel Omwu burst clear only to shoot straight at Iraizoz's legs and there was still time for a heart-stopping moment in the hosts' back-line when a risky Miguel Flano header, intended for Fernandez, eluded the goalkeeper but was smuggled clear by covering defender Abella Damia with Iraola set to pounce.