RCD Mallorca salvaged a vital point at Son Moix on Saturday, drawing 1‑1 with Athletic Bilbao in La Liga’s 20th round. The result lifts Mallorca to 16th place, three points clear of the relegation zone, while Athletic remains in the mid‑table chase for European spots. Both sides traded goals, with Samu Saúl scoring the equaliser for the hosts.
Match Overview: Key Moments and Goal Timeline
First Half: Athletic Bilbao Takes the Lead
The game opened with Mallorca pressing high, creating several chances. In the 23rd minute, Luis Suárez headed a cross narrowly off the post. Athletic responded before the half‑hour mark when Iñaki Llorente received the ball at the edge of the box, turned and fired a low drive past Álvaro Matranga to make it 1‑0.
Second Half: Mallorca Levels the Score
After the break, Mallorca increased the tempo. A pressing move in the 57th minute saw Samu Saúl dribble past two defenders and curl a shot into the top‑right corner, restoring parity at 1‑1. The goal sparked renewed energy among the home fans and shifted momentum.
Late Drama and Final Whistle
Both managers made late substitutions to chase a winner. Athletic’s Iñaki Williams saw a header cleared off the line, and Mallorca’s Luis Suárez struck the post from a free‑kick in the 84th minute. The match ended 1‑1, confirming the hard‑fought draw.
Statistical Snapshot
- Possession: Mallorca 54% – Athletic Bilbao 46%
- Shots on target: Mallorca 8 – Athletic Bilbao 6
- Total fouls: 21
- Points earned: Mallorca 1, Athletic Bilbao 1
Implications for the Relegation Battle
The point moves Mallorca to 16th place with 22 points, maintaining a three‑point cushion above the relegation zone. Improved defensive solidity after conceding early suggests a potential blueprint for the remaining fixtures. For Athletic Bilbao, dropping points stalls their push for a European qualification spot, emphasizing the need to regain attacking efficiency.
What’s Next for Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao
Mallorca travels to Real Betis in the next round, where they will likely stick with the 4‑2‑3‑1 setup that yielded a resilient performance. Athletic Bilbao faces Valencia CF, a direct competitor for Europa League places, and may adjust their front line to diversify their attacking options.
