Athletic Club defeated Mallorca 3-1 in La Liga. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 32 stage in the 2019 season. The match was played at San Mamés Barria in Bilbao. Pablo González officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Athletic Club vs Mallorca meeting in La Liga with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Athletic Club and Mallorca. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
La LigaRecorded meetings: 1 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Athletic Club
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo could see a goalkeeper change at the club, as Bento's future doesn't appear guaranteed at Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr are just weeks away from kicking off their title defense after winning the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League in May, yet the club has still to close out a marquee new signing to reinforce the squad. With preseason already underway, the only major incoming deal on the table remains the pursuit of Samu Costa, leaving Ronaldo and the coaching staff still waiting on fresh reinforcements as the new campaign approaches. However, Bento could leave the club to make way for a new signing. According to a report from 365Scores Arabic, head coach Ange Postecoglou is open to letting Bento leave this summer if a suitable offer arrives, a move that would free up one of Al Nassr‘s limited foreign-player slots. Under Saudi Pro League rules, clubs are capped to ten of non-Saudi players they can register, so parting ways with Bento would give the club room to pursue a new foreign full-back or midfielder, positions where, according to the report, Postecoglou wants to reinforce the squad. Bento and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. (Getty Images) Postecoglou puts his trust in Al Aqidi Should Bento depart, Nawaf Al Aqidi is reportedly the leading candidate to step in as Al Nassr’s first-choice goalkeeper, with the coaching staff increasingly comfortable trusting the existing squad options between the posts rather than bringing in a replacement from outside. The move also fits into a broader pattern for Al Nassr this summer, which has so far centered more on reincorporating players from loan, such as Jhon Durán and Wesley, than on marquee outside additions. Freeing up Bento’s slot would give the club more flexibility to add proven talent from abroad as they build a squad capable of defending their first league title since 2019. Samu Costa’s situation Al Nassr have already reached an agreement with RCD Mallorca for Samu Costa, with the Portuguese midfielder specifically requested by Postecoglou to fill the defensive-midfield role left open by Marcelo Brozović’s departure. The deal, initially reported in the $22 million range, is reportedly awaiting final approval from the Saudi Pro League’s Financial Control Committee before it can be formally announced, with Costa expected to link up with his new teammates once the paperwork clears.
The 44-year-old replaced Arne Slot as head coach this summer, after stepping down as Bournemouth manager following a three-year stay. Iraola's arrival was seen by Liverpool as a means of trying to deliver an attacking brand of football. "It is a very special club," said Iraola.
Portugal teammate Samu Costa is reportedly set to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to return to Al Nassr following his 2026 World Cup run, aiming to defend their Saudi Pro League title after a championship-winning 2025-26 campaign. To keep the momentum going, the Saudi powerhouse is bolstering its midfield by reportedly securing Portugal teammate Samu Costa. According to Saudi news outlet Arriyadiyah, RCD Mallorca has confirmed the completion of Costa’s transfer to Al Nassr. While the official transfer fee remains undisclosed, the Portuguese midfielder will join Ronaldo in Riyadh for the 2026-27 season, becoming the latest countryman to link up with the legendary forward in the Gulf. Mallorca media officer Hector Martin confirmed the agreement in an official statement to the Saudi press: “The deal between Mallorca and Al Nassr has been finalized, and a definitive agreement has been reached regarding Samu Costa’s transfer, after the Saudi club’s offer surpassed that of Germany’s RB Leipzig as well as other European offers.“ A product of the SC Braga academy, Costa spent time with UD Almeria before moving to Mallorca, establishing himself as a reliable presence in La Liga. Despite Mallorca suffering a painful relegation at the end of the 2025–26 campaign, the 25-year-old midfielder was a lone bright spot, featuring in 36 matches while contributing seven goals and two assists. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 during Portugal’s training session. His strong domestic form earned him a call-up to Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he logged 20 minutes off the bench in a -0 group-stage draw against Colombia. Replacing PSG star Vitinha in the 70th minute, Costa provided physical balance in a double pivot, a box-to-box role he is now expected to replicate in Saudi Arabia. Alongside Bundesliga interest from RB Leipzig, fellow Saudi outfit Al Diriyah also made a strong push for his signature. However, Ronaldo’s presence in Riyadh, which previously helped lure Joao Felix, proved decisive once again as Al Nassr expands its Portuguese contingent ahead of the new season. Where does Samu Costa fit into Al Nassr’s lineup? With Ange Postecoglou stepping in as head coach following Jorge Jesus’ departure, Al Nassr’s tactical setup for the 2026-27 season remains a work in progress. The Australian manager famously favors an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, a staple during his tenures at Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur, and Nottingham Forest, moving away from the 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 systems employed by Jesus. While Ronaldo’s influence undoubtedly helped grease the wheels for the move, Costa’s arrival addresses an urgent tactical void left by Marcelo Brozovic, who departed the club following the expiration of his contract in June. Regardless of whether Postecoglou deploys two or three central midfielders, Costa is expected to slide directly into the starting XI alongside Brazilian midfielder Angelo to anchor Al Nassr’s engine room.
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Aymeric Laporte established as one of the tournament's best defenders, becoming an undisputed starter for Spain. As a result, Barcelona are reportedly considering a €15 million move for the 32-year-old defender. After leaving Al Nassr unexpectedly in 2025, Aymeric Laporte seemed almost destined to gradually decline in his level of play. However, he rediscovered his form at Athletic Club, allowing him to arrive at the 2026 World Cup as a starter. After establishing as one of the best defenders, the 32-year-old has attracted Barcelona’s attention, as they are reportedly open to a €15 million move. Head coach Luis de la Fuente made Aymeric Laporte his undisputed starter in defense. Despite coming off a fairly inconsistent season, he formed one of the best defensive partnerships alongside Pau Cubarsí. He played 729 minutes across eight matches, helping Spain finish as the team with the fewest goals conceded. After this outstanding level, Barcelona are reportedly pursuing his signing this summer. According to Carlos Monfort, via Diario Sport, Barcelona are determined to contact Aymeric Laporte’s camp in the coming days. As one of the best left-sided defenders, they consider the 32-year-old star to be a world-class player. Even though the relationship between Athletic Club and the Blaugrana is not the best, the defender has a €15 million release clause, making him quite affordable. Aymeric Laporte could be the ideal solution to Barcelona’s defensive inconsistencies. Having already developed a good understanding with Pau Cubarsí, this partnership could provide the team with the stability it had with Iñigo Martínez. As a 32-year-old veteran, he would not block Gerard Martín’s development; instead, he would be key to helping him improve his level. Gonzalo Montiel #4 of Argentina competes for the ball against Aymeric Laporte #14 of Spain. Aymeric Laporte potential deal could force Barcelona to offload stars Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Barcelona reportedly have three untouchable defenders: Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, and Gerard Martín. However, head coach Hansi Flick would be open to bringing in Aymeric Laporte, as he fulfills the role of a veteran, offers quality in building out from the back. If they secure his arrival, the Blaugrana could need to part ways with some stars in their defensive line. Both Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo could be transferred if Laporte’s arrival is completed. Although neither of them wants to leave, they could be relegated to having little or no playing time, making a departure a real possibility. With the departure of both defenders, Barcelona could reduce their defensive unit to just four players, looking to give all of them significant playing time during the season. Aymeric Laporte’s arrival would not be directly linked to the departures of Araújo and Christensen. Instead, the signing of the 32-year-old star could push both defenders to leave the club if they want regular playing time. However, Barcelona have not yet managed to complete the signing of the 2026 World Cup winner, so these are still only speculations.
Following Spain's win over Argentina in the World Cup final, Rodri, Pau Cubarsi and Unai Simon were recognised in the tournament's awards. The post Spain dominate World Cup awards as Rodri, Cubarsi and Simon join Mbappe among prizewinners appeared first on SoccerNews.
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