Antonio Raíllo’s second-half header saw us draw 1-1 with Athletic Club in San Mames.
Jagoba Arrasate opted for Vedat Muriqi as the sole striker while Jose Manuel Copete joined Raíllo and Martin Valjent as part of a back five in central defence.
We had an early chance in the seventh minute when Muriqi flicked Takuma Asano’s driven cross at the near post over the bar.
The hosts looked to respond through Nico Williams although the winger pulled his effort wide of the post from distance minutes later.
Samu Costa was next to catch sight of goal but his diving header flew the wrong side of the post in the 35th minute.
Sergi Darder’s off-target half-volley was our final chance of the first half as we headed into the break goalless.
The second half could not have started any better as following some pressure, we got our reward when Raíllo climbed highest to head home in the 56th minute from Darder’s whipped corner.
Nico Williams provided an instant reply and were level less than two minutes later when the forward nipped in at the post to head home from close range.
Johan Mojica came close to restoring our lead with a drive effort wide of the mark before our defender later whipped a free-kick towards Raíllo, although his header was saved.
The hosts would have a handful of half chances towards the end of the game but we held on for a point at San Mames.
Line-ups
Athletic Club (1): Unai Simón; Gorosabel, Paredes (Núñez, 57'), Yeray, Adama (Lekue, 78'); Prados, Canales (Iñaki Williams, 54'), Jaureguizar; Guruzeta (Maroan, 54'), Nico Williams y Berenguer (Unai Gómez, 78').
RCD Mallorca (1): Greif; Maffeo, Valjent, Raíllo, Copete, Mojica; Samu Costa, Darder (Morlanes, 72'), Mascarell (Dani Rodríguez, 72'); Asano (Antonio Sánchez, 61') y Muriqi (Larin, 85').
Goals: 0-1: Raíllo (56'); 1-1: Nico Williams (58').
