Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca Match Preview
This will be one of the toughest matches in the week, for Mallorca is occupying for the moment the fourth position, but Athletic is lurking just six points above, and the last place for the European competition will be defended until the very end by Gregorio Manzano's boys. Both sides will have to face important absences due to injuries, as it usually happens in this decisive part of the tournament; Athletic will have to do without Iban Zubiarre, Ion Vélez and Aitor Ocio, while the Barralets will be lacking Ivan Ramis and Tuni. Athletics’ performance home has been rather successful, obtaining 36 points in the 17 matches played, and will be looking forward to grow these numbers against a European rival. Watch out for Fernando Llorente, for he'll be responsible for leading its team's offensive to break Mallorca's defensive line.
Three consecutive draws have prevented Mallorca from securing his place for next year's Champion League, and now they'll have to stand up for themselves and stop one of their hunters from taking their place, for the fight for the fourth place is ruthless and no points can be conceded. Considering Real Madrid will be waiting the next week for the Ensaimada Mecanica, a victory against the Athletic will be mandatory to escape a little further from the other European candidates. Watch out for Julio Alvarez, eager to become team's top striker and give team's supporters an opportunity to dream with glory.
