Athletic Bilbao earn hard-fought victory in Mallorca

An early header from Aritz Aduriz was enough to give Athletic Bilbao victory at Real Mallorca on Saturday evening.

The Bilbao striker converted a searching cross at the far post from Aurtenetxe after 11 minutes for his 10th league goal of the season, pushing Mallorca deeper towards the relegation zone.

The Islanders responded well and created chances before and after the break, Victor missing the best of them when he clipped his effort wide of the post when it looked easier to score.

However, the Basque side ended the game well and comfortably saw out the 1-0 victory in the final moments.

This result pushes Mallorca deeper towards the relegation zone and gives Marcelo Bielsa's side some breathing space.