Madrid, May 5 (UNI) A much-changed Athletic Club edged closer to securing Champions League football for next season with a goalless draw against Real Sociedad in the Basque derby.

Manager Ernesto Valverde made seven changes from the side on Sunday that lost 3-0 to Manchester United in Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg.

With one eye on Thursday's return at Old Trafford, influential forward Nico Williams wasn't named in the matchday squad and his absence was felt as the Bilbao side failed to create anything of note.

In a game of few chances all round, it was Sociedad who went closest midway through the second half, with Brais Mendez's header forcing a smart save from Unai Simon, the BBC reported.

The draw left Athletic Club fourth on 61 points in La Liga, four clear of Real Betis in sixth place with four games left.

Sociedad moved one position and a point above Valencia in 11th spot.

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