Real Mallorca welcomed Athletic Bilbao to the Iberostar on Saturday with both sides languishing in the bottom half of the La Liga table.
It was Mallorca who dominated large periods of the first half, but they entered the break behind courtesy of a header from Aritz Aduriz after 10 minutes.
The home side continued to push for the leveller in the second period, but Bilbao held on to secure a vital three points ahead of the winter break.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our La Liga coverage for the weekend is well and truly underway. We begin with a crucial clash between Mallorca and Bilbao. Neither side has covered themselves in glory this season, but with three points on offer ahead of the winter break, both will be looking to secure the victory.
As mentioned, the corresponding clash ended in a 1-1 draw last season. But the last fixture between the two ended in a 1-0 win for Bilbao at San Mames in April. Bilbao have also enjoyed the better of the recent meetings, having won three and drawn one of the last five matches.
We are still awaiting the confirmed team news for the match. Mallorca and Bilbao also met in the Copa del Rey last season when Bilbao triumphed 3-0 on aggregate on their way to making the final against Barcelona, where they were beaten by the Catalan club. Four of the last five meetings have been won by the odd goal, however, pointing to a close encounter this evening.
In terms of the league, Mallorca enter the match having conceded nine goals in their last two matches, scoring none. They were < href="/football/mallorca/copa-del-rey/result/result-sevilla-romp-to-mallorca-victory_59151.html">thumped 5-0 by Sevilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, while they lost 4-0 to Levante in their last league clash on December 9. If results go against them this weekend then they could find themselves in the bottom three.
There is no question that Bilbao have improved in recent weeks, but they were quite sensationally knocked out of the Copa del Rey in midweek to lowly Eibar. That result would have dented their confidence, but they did pick up three points in the league at home to an impressive Celta Vigo outfit last weekend.
Teams:
Mallorca: Aouate; Nunes, Geromel, Bigas, Marquez; Pina, Arizmendi, Victor, Giovani; Nsue, Hemed
Bilbao: Iraizoz; Iraola, Jose, Aurtenetxe, Ekiza; Laporte, Susaeta, Herrera, Aduriz; Muniain, De Marcos
Just a quick reminder looking ahead to the rest of the evening. We have live coverage of three back-to-back La Liga fixtures on Sports Mole with Granada hosting Real Sociedad from 7pm and Sevilla welcoming Malaga at 9pm. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action and you will not miss a kick.
Back to this match. We are around eight minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Spain. Three points for the home side could move them as high as 15th with just one league match before the winter break. Meanwhile, Bilbao could move as high as eighth with the victory.
There is no question that Bilbao enter the match in the better form. They have won two of their last five matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, Mallorca have won none in the same period, losing three in the process. You just get the feeling that this is the type of match that neither can afford to lose at this stage of the season.
Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff and it's time for my pre-match prediction. Mallorca have been poor of late and with Iker Muniain in the Bilbao team this evening, I am backing an away win.
Mallorca get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain. Just a full-time to bring you from earlier. Getafe and Osasuna shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Kike Sola gave the away side the lead five minutes from time, but a late penalty from Diego Castro rescued a point. The home supporters have brought their drums to this match. As always, you would not want to be in front of the band!
Decent start from the home side with Javi Marquez and Tomas Pina enjoying plenty of the possession in the midfield area. However, a couple of searching passes towards Victor and Tomer Hemed have failed to reach the target.
Neither team has really settled in the opening stages with both exchanging periods of possession in midfield. It has been the home side that have enjoyed more of the ball in an attacking area, but we await the first real piece of action as Iraizoz collects an early cross from Giovani dos Santos.
It's bright work from Giovani as the Mexican collects possession on the right before weaving into the Bilbao box, but the danger is cleared for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Victor, but Borja Ekiza rises highest to clear down field. Nothing much from Bilbao as an attacking threat thus far.
Slightly bitty period to the match with both sides giving away free kicks in the middle area of the pitch. However, Bilbao have just started to enjoy some advanced areas with Ander Herrera and Susaeta allowed time with the ball. A half-chance comes for De Marcos as he ghosts into the box, but he fires just wide.
Bilbao have certainly started to settle after a difficult beginning to the match and they are the side dictating the tempo with 10 minutes on the clock. However, the pace of Dos Santos and Victor has worried Bilbao thus far. We still await the first real chance of the match.
GOAL! Real Mallorca 0-1 Athletic Bilbao (Aritz Aduriz)
The first real chance of the match finally arrives and it brings the opening goal. It's really bright work from Aurtenetxe as the defender whips a searching cross to the far post and Aduriz is on hand to head home his 10th league goal of the season. First blood to the away side.
There will be question marks about the position of the Mallorca goalkeeper for that header, but it was a powerful effort from close range. Just the start the away side would have wanted. Mallorca attempt to respond with Dos Santos carrying possession forward, but it breaks down with Iraola clearing the danger.
Mallorca have responded well since the opening goal of the match, but they have been unable to create any clear chances in the opening 15 minutes. A half-chance arrives as Nsue wins a free kick outside the penalty area, but the set piece from Dos Santos is clawed away by Iraizoz. Really smart save from the goalkeeper.
Another half-chance arrives for the home side as Marquez strikes an effort from outside the penalty area, but Iraizoz claws away once more. The resulting corner is delivered by Pina, but the danger is cleared by Iraola. Mallorca have certainly been the better side since conceding early on.
CHANCE! It's the best opportunity of the match for Mallorca as Dos Santos's corner causes all sorts of problems in the Bilbao penalty area, but Pina can only hook over the onrushing Iraizoz. It really should be 1-1 but Bilbao remain in the lead as De Marcos carries the possession forward.
Just a few signs that the home supporters are starting to get on their team's case as another Mallorca attack breaks down in the final third. You just get the feeling that the home crowd has such an important role to play if Mallorca are to get back into this match. Their confidence is at an all-time low following their performances in results in recent weeks.
Not a great deal happening in terms of attacking chances at the moment with both sides exchanging spells of possession in the midfield. We have not seen much of Muniain for Bilbao thus far, but De Marcos and Aduriz have caused problems with their pace. The next goal in this match could ultimately decide the result.
It's bright work from Herrera as the Bilbao midfielder wins a free kick out wide. However, the resulting set piece is met by the head of De Marcos and his effort is wide of the target. Mallorca certainly do not look comfortable when the ball is in and around their penalty area. Little over 20 minutes of the first half remaining.
Bilbao continue to pressure the home side's goal with a series of deep corners into the penalty area, but Bigas combined with Nunes to clear the danger. But the early threat provided by Hemed and Dos Santos has disappeared with Laporte and Susaeta allowed time and space to dictate possession.
Not a great deal to report in the past few moments with both sides enjoying spells of possession in advanced areas, but neither has been able to create a clear chance. Their have been two good chances in the match thus far, one was taken by Aduriz and the other fired over by Pina.
Suddenly Mallorca burst into life as Nsue drives into the Bilbao box, but he is chopped down just outside the penalty area by San Jose. Once more the resulting free kick is taken by Dos Santos, but this time his effort is poor and straight into the Bilbao wall.
CHANCE! Another clear opportunity for Mallorca as Dos Santos whips a low cross into the penalty area, San Jose makes contact and it almost flies into his own net but it moves just wide of the post. Nothing much from the away side in the past few moments with Mallorca pushing for the equaliser.
Bilbao pick up another yellow card in quick succession as Laporte chops down Nsue in his prime. However, the free kick is in a less dangerous position and Bilbao clear from just outside their penalty area. Another half-chance comes to Victor, but he can only fire just wide of the post.
It really is one-way traffic at the moment with Mallorca desperately searching for the equaliser. But you just get the feeling that Bilbao will go down the other end and score one on the counter. It would pretty much sum up the past few weeks of their season if that indeed happened.
Nsue continues to cause Bilbao problems with his pace and attacking running, but desperate defending from the away side once more clears the danger. Another half-chance arrives as Pina crosses into the penalty area, but Iraizoz pushes a Marquez header over the crossbar from close range.
The chances continue to fall as Hemed collects a high pass before turning and firing at goal, but Iraizoz once more makes a fine save to his left. It might have fallen for Dos Santos on the rebound, but the Mexican just could not sort his feet out and Ekiza stepped in to clear the danger.
Little over two minutes of the first period remaining and Bilbao have just settled with possession in the last few moments. If they can get through to the interval with their lead in tact then you would surely have to make them favourites in the second 45 minutes. A half-chance to make it two arrives for Herrera, but he fires wide from outside the box.
It's wonderful feet from Muniain as the winger cuts inside Bigas before being chopped down by the defender, who gains a yellow card for his troubles. However, the resulting free kick is poor from Susaeta and strikes the wall. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional minute at the end of the half.
Real Mallorca 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
So there we have it. Aduriz's 10th league goal of the season is enough to separate the two sides at the interval with Bilbao leading in Mallorca. However, the home side have responded well since the setback.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Bilbao have enjoyed 54% of the ball, but they have managed just five attempts to Mallorca's seven. In truth, Bilbao are slightly fortunate to enter the break with their lead in tact.
As it stands Bilbao would move into 11th spot in the table with three points, while Mallorca would remain just outside the relegation zone in 17th position. You just get the feeling that the next goal in the match - if there indeed is one - could ultimately decide the result.
Let's take a quick look at what is coming up this evening in La Liga. Granada host Real Sociedad from 7pm and Sevilla welcome Malaga at 9pm. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action as the evening's events unfold. We also have three back-to-back La Liga commentaries tomorrow including the clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp.
Here we go then. Bilbao get us underway in the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. A half-chance arrives in the early moments of the half for Mallorca as Hemed meets a cross from Victor, but he can only head wide of the post. You just get a feeling that the goals are not over in this one.
The pressure continues from the home side as Dos Santos whips a dangerous corner into the penalty area, but once more the danger is cleared before Hemed fires over from close range. It really has been an explosive start by Mallorca, but they still cannot find that elusive goal.
Bilbao have just settled with possession in the past few moments with Laporte and Herrera taking control of the midfield area. However, their attacking threat has been non-existent since they took the lead with 10 minutes on the clock. But the longer they remain ahead the more the pressure will grow on Mallorca. It is extremely delicately poised.
First real attack of the second period for Bilbao as Herrera finds Susaeta on the right and the midfielder evades the challenge of Bigas before firing a cross into the penalty area, but Aouate is on hand to collect. Seven minutes gone in the second period and Mallorca are the side pushing for the equaliser.
CHANCE! Oh my word how has he missed it? It's a golden chance for Mallorca to level the scores as Hemed finds Victor in the penalty area, but somehow the striker clips his effort wide of the post when it looked easier to score. You cannot say that they haven't had chances. But chances do not mean anything at the end of the match.
It has been better from Bilbao in the past few minutes with De Marcos and Susaeta taking up wide positions and therefore forcing the Mallorca defence to shuffle from their pack. It would not surprise me if both teams made changes in the next five minutes or so as the match begins to open up. There are more goals in this game. There just has to be.
Real chance for the away side as Herrera is chopped down outside the area by Geromel, with the big defender gaining a yellow card for his troubles. However, the resulting set piece from Susaeta is just over the crossbar. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Mallorca and just the one goal continues to separate the sides.
Again it's bright work from Susaeta as the winger evades two challenges before whipping a cross into the penalty area, but Aouate comes to collect the danger before setting up a counter attack for the home side. But possession is lost by Hemed and Bilbao threaten to score their second once more.
This time Mallorca come close as Dos Santos whips a searching cross into the near post, but Hemed just cannot make contact under the challenge of Iraola. It is clear that they have targeted wide areas in order to threaten Bilbao, but the away side's defence has dealt with the danger well thus far.
Again it's decent pressure from the home side as they force a couple of corners in quick succession, but the danger is once more cleared before Bilbao counter with Muniain. The away side make the first change of the match as Susaeta is replaced by Ibai Gomez. Still no movement on the Mallorca bench which is surprising at this stage of the match.
Gomez makes an immediate impression on the match as he collects a pass from Herrera before driving into the Mallorca box, but his resulting cross is cleared by Bigas. It sets up a counter attack for the home side, but Iraizoz comes a long way from his goal to clear the danger. Another corner is fired in, but Iraola clears for what seems like the 100th time.
Dos Santos attempts to carry the fight for the home side as he picks up possession before driving into the Bilbao half, but he just loses control of the ball and San Jose is on hand to clear. But the groans from the home supporters are there for all to see. This is the time that they really need their fans to drive them over the finish line.
Half-chance for Bilbao this time as De Marcos pounces onto a loose pass from Bigas, but he is faced with Aouate and the Mallorca goalkeeper spreads himself before clearing the danger. But you just get the feeling that Bilbao are starting to take control of this match. Mallorca really need to make a change with 20 minutes remaining.
Real end-to-end football at the moment as Muniain comes close with a strike for Bilbao, before one long pass almost allows Dos Santos on goal, but Iraola clears the danger. It falls for Hemed moments later, but the striker can only fire over the crossbar from just inside the box. Bilbao still lead courtesy of Aduriz's goal after 10 minutes.
Mallorca make a double change as Marquez and Giovani Dos Santos are replaced by Josep Lluis Marti and Thomas Brandon. But have the changes been made too late? They have little over 15 minutes to inspire their side to a comeback. But it is Bilbao currently in control of proceedings as they play their football in the home side's half.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes. The early threat in the second period from Mallorca has disappeared and although Bilbao are not really threatening, they have control of the tempo with Herrera at the heart of their good play. Meanwhile, the Bilbao defence continues to stand up to high balls in their penalty area.
It is a really bitty match at the moment with both sides giving away a host of free kicks in and around the centre circle. Brandon comes close to making an impact for the home side as he collects possession outside the area, but he just cannot sort his feet out and Laporte is on hand to clear the danger.
Still no sign of the leveller for the home side with little over 10 minutes of football to play. Meanwhile, Bilbao make their second change of the match as De Marcos is replaced by Carlos Gurpegui. The first real sign that Bilbao want to tighten up in the remaining minutes.
A scramble in the Bilbao penalty area causes all sorts of problems with Victor and Hemed both waiting for the pull back, but it never arrives as the danger is cleared once more. Bilbao's defence is ever so deep at the moment and it is inviting pressure from Mallorca.
Mallorca continue to search for the leveller as they fire cross after cross into the Bilbao box, but it continues to come back with interest. Meanwhile, Herrera hits the deck inside his own penalty area and gains an extra few minutes for his side. Little over five minutes remaining.
Mallorca make their final change of the match as Alfaro replaces Arizmendi. But it is Bilbao who have possession of the ball with little over four minutes of football to play in Mallorca. Hemed collected the ball down the other end moments before, but his effort was wide of the target. Bilbao are in control and they lead.
Half-chance for Mallorca as Hemed collects a header from Victor before striking towards goal, but San Jose does enough to clear the danger. The resulting corner causes panic, but Bilbao manage to clear before Herrara wins a vital free kick in the Mallorca half.
Meanwhile, Bilbao make their third and final change of the match as Muniain is replaced by Toquero. He will provide some running power in the final few moments of the match. It will be interesting to see how much stoppage time is added by the fourth official.
Four minutes. That is the amount of time added and suddenly the home supporters are full of voice once more. But their team really needs the ball back with Bilbao controlling possession deep in their half.
It does appear that Mallorca may have run out of legs in the remaining moments of this match. The late surge we expected has simply not transpired with the Bilbao subs full of running and attacking intent. If Mallorca are to secure an equaliser then it simply has to come now.
Bilbao continue to enjoy possession of the ball in the Mallorca half and another free kick stops play as the seconds drift out of this match. Mallorca have a goal kick, but they have just 30 seconds or so to rescue a point. Bilbao are almost there. Almost.
Real Mallorca 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
So there we have it. Bilbao secure another three points with Aduriz's early header enough to secure the win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole and stay with us for Granada versus Real Sociedad!
