Athletic Club - RCD Mallorca

A 1-1 draw RCD Mallorca on Sunday evening prevented Athletic Club from consolidating their grip on fourth place.

The Lions did extend gap between themselves and Villarreal CF to five points, but the Yellows are still to play their postponed game against RCD Espanyol. 

Athletic earned a hard-earned point in front of a San Mames crowd that was clearly tense in the first half.

Nico Williams netted a 58th-minute header, the first of headed goal of his career, to equalise just seconds after Antonio Rallio had made it 0-1.

It was an even match, with both sides struggling to create chances. In the first half, Gorka Guruzeta and Vedat Muriqi exchanged efforts, while Nico Williams shot wide after a brilliant run. But generally, Athletic found it difficult to break down Jagoba Arrasate's well-drilled Mallorca side.

Peio Canales, making his first start for Athletic, almost found the back of the net with a shot across goal before Samú Costa headed wide at the other end.

The second half was a different story. With the introduction of Iñaki Williams and Maroan, Athletic took things up a gear and the crowd finally got behind the team.

However, the Balearic team took the lead when Rallio headed in from a Sergi Darder corner.

Fortunately, seconds later, Iñaki linked up with the lively Andoni Gorosabel, who delivered a pinpoint cross for Nico to head home at the back post.

Athletic, now in full swing, could count their lucky stars when Samu Costa somehow missed a sitter, with his shot going over the bar.

Iñaki Williams came close to clinching the victory with a shot across goal and Maroan was a menacing presence in the box after coming off the bench.

“We wanted a final at San Mamés and we have it on Thursday against Roma," Valverde said post-match.

Now it's up to all of us to pull together and create a fantastic atmosphere to help our Lions achieve the comeback. Let's go, Athleticzales.