Iñaki Williams’ penalty keeps Athletic Bilbao on the hunt for European qualification

Athletic Bilbao remained in the hunt for European qualification as Iñaki Williams’ stoppage-time penalty saved a 1-1 LaLiga draw in Mallorca.

With their rivals in the top six, Real Betis, who lost 4-0 in Barcelona on Saturday, Athletic were looking to get their own campaign back on track after defeat last time out against in-form Sevilla.

Mallorca, however, took the lead just before the hour thanks to a shot from Lee Kang-in, which went through the legs of Athletic defender Yeray Álvarez as he tried to clear the ball off the line.

It looked like that would be enough to secure victory for Mallorca, all but certain in mid-table, but there was a dramatic end when Bilbao were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after a hand ball from Iñigo Ruiz De Galarreta.

Ghanaian striker Williams made no mistake in coldly dispatching the penalty, which turned out to be the last action of the match.

Athletic is still seventh but is now just two points behind Betis ahead of their clash in San Mamés on Thursday in the battle for qualification for the Europa Conference League.

In the last game on Monday, Valentín Castellanos scored again as Girona beat Sevilla 2-0.

Juanpe put the visitors ahead after a corner kick on 23′.

New York City loan forward Castellanos, who scored four goals in the win over Real Madrid, doubled their lead early in the second half as Sevilla’s seven-match unbeaten run came to an end.

Girona rises to eighth position, three points behind Bilbao.