Match Overview
Mallorca welcome Athletic Bilbao in a pivotal La Liga fixture with both sides needing a reset after lean runs. The hosts have struggled for points despite finding the net, while Athletic arrive with a low-scoring recent record but notable defensive resilience on the road. Their last meeting on October 4, 2025 ended 2-1 to Athletic, and head-to-heads between these teams are often tight. Expect a controlled, disciplined contest with fine margins and set-piece moments in focus.
- Fixture: Mallorca vs Athletic Bilbao
- Competition: La Liga
- Venue: Not provided
- Date: 17-01-2026
- Kickoff: / 15:15 UTC
Predicted Lineups
Mallorca
- Leo Román
- J. Mojica
- M. Valjent
- Pablo Maffeo
- Mateu Morey
- Samú Costa
- Darder
- Omar Mascarell
- Antonio Sánchez
- V. Muriqi
- J. Virgili
Athletic Bilbao
- Unai Simón
- Dani Vivian
- Jesús Areso
- Aitor Paredes
- Alejandro Rego Mora
- Mikel Jauregizar
- Ruíz de Galarreta
- Oihan Sancet
- Robert Navarro
- Álex Berenguer
- Gorka Guruzeta
Injury & Suspension Report
Mallorca
- Manu Morlanes – Muscle Injury
- Pablo Maffeo – Yellow Cards
Athletic Bilbao
- Mikel Vesga – Back Injury
- Yeray – Doping
- Beñat Prados – Knee Injury
- Unai Eguíluz – Knee Injury
- Maroan Sannadi – Knee Injury
- Aymeric Laporte – Muscle Injury
- Nico Serrano – Muscle Injury
Head-to-Head
Recent meetings between these sides have been tight and generally low scoring, with the last nine clashes averaging around two goals per game. Across 47 matches, Athletic Bilbao hold a narrow edge with 19 wins, Mallorca have 13, and 15 ended level. The trend points to cautious game plans and fine margins.
Match Analysis & Prediction
Mallorca’s recent form shows a team trying to control possession but paying for transitions, taking just one point from their last five despite six goals scored. They sit in a precarious position, so risk management and set-piece focus should be central. Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, have struggled in attack with only two goals across their last five, but they travel with defensive confidence and structure.
V. Muriqi shines at Son Moix, netting 4 goals in 3 matches for Mallorca’s spirited home side.
Vedat Muriqi remains the key outlet for Mallorca’s direct phases after patient build-up. With 11 league goals and four in his last three home outings, his aerial presence and hold-up play are central to converting territory into chances. Expect crosses and quick combinations around him, supported by Samú Costa and Darder looking to play forward early.
Unai Simón, the Basque guardian, racks up 10 clean sheets in 14 away matches, showcasing Spain’s defensive grit.
Athletic’s away record is underpinned by Unai Simón’s reliability and a compact back line. With ten shutouts in 14 away fixtures, their structure limits space between the lines and forces opponents wide. That could reduce service into Muriqi, placing emphasis on Mallorca’s midfield to speed circulation and avoid turnovers against Athletic’s press.
Mallorca risks slipping into relegation zone as Son Moix crowd urges cautious but strategic play
The hosts cannot afford an open game. Expect a measured tempo, cautious full-back positioning, and an emphasis on second balls. Athletic’s pressing and counter threats from Álex Berenguer and Gorka Guruzeta will test Mallorca’s defensive concentration, particularly after turnovers.
Prediction: Low margin, control-oriented contest. Under 2.5 goals feels likely, with both defences set to dictate. A 1-1 draw is the slight lean given Mallorca’s reliance on Muriqi and Athletic’s strong away goal prevention.