Our season started with a hard-fought point against Athletic Bilbao as we were held to a goalless draw at San Mames.
Predrag Rajković was handed his debut in goal, while new arrival Jose Copete started in defence as the returning Vedat Muriqi led the front line.
The hosts were the stronger side during the opening exchanges as Villalibre, Berenguer and Vesga all tested Rajković.
Iker Muniain thought he had given his side the lead on the stroke of half-time, although he was unable to generate any power into his close-range effort and Rajković was able to readjust his footing and make a smart stop.
We went into the break goalless but looking resolute in defence and dangerous on the counter attack.
Yuri was a matter of inches from breaking the deadlock, although to our travelling fans’ relief, his powerful effort struck the post and headed away from danger.
Kang-In Lee had one of the best chances of the game to give us the lead in the 65th minute when he jumped highest to force Unai Simón into a fingertip save.
With just nine minutes left on the clock, Rajković assured his man of the match status when he backpedalled to prevent a deflected shot heading goalwards with a fine reflex stop.
Rajković was called into action once again before the final whistle to deny Inaki Williams and ensure we headed back to Palma with a point.
Athletic Club: Unai Simón; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Yuri; Vesga, Sancet (Zarraga, 57'), Muniain (Guruzeta, 69'); Iñaki Williams (Adu, 85'), Berenguer (Nico Williams, m.69), Villalibre (Raúl García, 57').
RCD Mallorca: Rajkovic; Maffeo, Copete, Raillo, Valjent, Jaume Costa; Battaglia, Grenier (Baba, 83'), Dani Rodríguez (Antonio Sánchez, 64'); Kang in Lee (Lago, 86'), Muriqi (Abdón, 86')
