RCD Mallorca 0-0 Athletic Club
Athletic Club felt irritated by the lack of chances they created against RCD Mallorca on Monday night, as the islanders delighted the Son Moix crowd with their work ethic and rigorous defending.
Los Bermellones started well, with Vedat Muriqi unable to capitalize on his best chance of the match, forcing a great save from Julen Agirrezabala from point blank range. The game took a major turn in just 23 minutes, with Samu Costa picking up two bookings. That set the tone for the match, with Athletic then controlling most of the ball.
The Basque side thought they had taken the lead just before half-time, with Inaki Williams crossing and Nico Williams heading home from Dominik Greif's deflection. This was ruled out though as the ball had crossed the goal line before the elder Williams reached it. He would then have his own goal also ruled out for offside.
The point of frustration for Valverde was that his side could not stretch Mallorca nor create much with an extra man until the last 15 minutes of the game. His best move saw Nico Williams hit the bar with a fine curling effort, and Alex Berenguer's follow-up flashed over. Ander Herrera's late shot also went wide as the final whistle approached.
Mallorca celebrated the point at the end, with Ernesto Valverde cutting a very irritated figure. Jagoba Arrasate's side remain level on points with Athletic, who are seventh on goal difference, while Los Leones are in fifth place, separated by Real Betis. They could go level with Atletico Madrid in fourth if they find the back of the net, but they are still three behind Villarreal in third.
