In a highly competitive encounter, Mallorca secured a 3-2 victory against Athletic Bilbao, with Vedat Muriqi shining brightly by scoring a hat-trick. The match took place on the 20th matchday of the season, showcasing Muriqi as the driving force behind the Bermellones’ success.
Muriqi found the net early in the match, scoring just 4 minutes into the first half after receiving a precise cross from Sergi Darder. His second goal came just before halftime at the 41st minute, although he missed an opportunity to extend the lead with a failed penalty kick.
The dynamic forward completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute, converting another immaculately timed opportunity. For Athletic Bilbao, Unai Gómez opened the scoring at the 7th minute, followed by Nico Williams equalizing just before halftime at 44 minutes.
Muriqi was undoubtedly the star of the match, recording three goals, firing seven shots on target, and completing twelve successful passes. Goalkeeper Leo Román also played a crucial role in the win, making nine saves and delivering twenty-six accurate passes.
Coach Jagoba Arrasate employed a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Román in goal; a defensive line of Mateu Morey, Martin Valjent, Marash Kumbulla, and Toni Lato; while Omar Mascarell, Samu Costa, Mateo Joseph, Sergi Darder, and Jan Virgili operated in midfield, with Muriqi up front.
On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao, managed by Ernesto Valverde, lined up in a similar 4-5-1 formation with Unai Simón as goalkeeper, supported by Jesús Areso, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, and Yuri Berchiche at the back; in midfield were Iñigo Ruiz, Mikel Jauregizar, Álex Berenguer, Unai Gómez, and Nico Williams, with Gorka Guruzeta leading the attack.
The match official was José Guzmán Mansilla, who had his hands full managing the game as tensions ran high, resulting in multiple bookings.
Following this thrilling match, Mallorca sits at 21 points in 13th place, while Athletic Bilbao remains at 24 points, occupying the 8th position in the league. In their next fixtures, Mallorca will face Atlético de Madrid, while Athletic Bilbao travels to challenge Sevilla.
Substitutions for Mallorca
72’ 2T – Mateo Joseph replaced by Antonio Sánchez
82’ 2T – Toni Lato substituted for Johan Mojica and Jan Virgili off for Pablo Torre
92’ 2T – Sergi Darder replaced by Javier Llabrés
Bookings for Mallorca
17’ 1T – Marash Kumbulla (Dissent towards the referee)
Substitutions for Athletic Bilbao
58’ 2T – Unai Gómez replaced by Oihan Sancet and Álex Berenguer off for Iñaki Williams
71’ 2T – Nico Williams substituted for Robert Navarro
75’ 2T – Jesús Areso replaced by Andoni Gorosabel and Iñigo Ruiz off for Urko Izeta
Bookings for Athletic Bilbao
39’ 1T – Dani Vivian (Unsporting behavior)
49’ 1T – Jesús Areso (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
50’ 1T – Gorka Guruzeta (Unsporting behavior)
50’ 1T – Iñigo Ruiz (Dissent towards the referee)
26’ 2T – Adama Boiro (Dissent towards the referee)
27’ 2T – Oihan Sancet (Dissent towards the referee)
Dismissals for Athletic Bilbao
24’ 2T – Gorka Guruzeta (Red card for second yellow)
25’ 2T – Unai Gómez (Straight red)
26’ 2T – Iñigo Lekue (Straight red)