Athletic Club - RCD Mallorca

Athletic Club drew 0-0 with RCD Mallorca in Monday's LaLiga 22/23 opener at San Mamés. The Lions created plenty of chances to win, but could not find a way through Mallorca's stubborn defence.

Athletics' best opportunities to take all three points came via Mikel Vesga and Yuri Berchiche, both smashing left-footed shots against the post.

The day was all set to be a party. A brand new singing section at The Cathedral, Ernesto Valverde's return to a San Mamés, the new board in attendance along with 40,000 fans and 500 games for Iker Muniain, a figure only matched by Jose Angel Iribar, Rojo I, Joseba Etxeberria, Andoni Iraola and Markel Susaeta. 

Urged on by the vociferous crowd, Athletic poured forward during the first-half, putting Mallorca under intense pressure. By the 2nd minute, Asier Villalibre had already tested Rajkovic. And in the ninth, Vesga's long-range effort licked the post with the Balearic goalkeeper looking on. 

Athletic created another clear-cut chance in the 19th minute when Alex Berenguer found space inside the box before his effort was saved by the visitors' keeper.

As the match went on Mallorca's defence grew in confidence. However, in the 42nd minute, Villalibre headed narrowly wide.

In the second half, Yuri's stunning shot was deflected onto the post by Mallorca's goalkeeper, while Unai Simon denied Kang-in Lee's in the 65th minute. 

Valverde looked for solutions, Substitutes Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta had opportunities, and Adu Ares was brought on for his debut. 

0-0 and a well-deserved tribute from the North Stand to Iker Muniain for his 500th game. It was not the happy start that was hoped for, but this is only just beginning. Valencia CF visit us on Sunday.