Athletic Bilbao Ends 40-Year Trophy Drought with Copa del Rey Victory

Athletic Bilbao triumphed over Mallorca in a dramatic penalty shootout, clinching their 24th Copa del Rey title and breaking a 40-year trophy drought in a thrilling final held in Seville.

Despite enduring years of disappointment, including six consecutive losses in previous Spanish cup finals and a defeat in the Europa League final, Athletic Bilbao’s persistence finally paid off in a nail-biting showdown.

Guided by the calm leadership of former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, Athletic showcased their resilience and determination throughout the match, cheered on by an overwhelming presence of around 50,000 fervent supporters in the sold-out La Cartuja stadium.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala emerged as a hero, making crucial saves during the game and denying Mallorca’s Manu Morlanes in the penalty shootout, while Nemanja Radonjic’s missed spot-kick bolstered Athletic’s victory bid.

Athletic’s flawless execution from the penalty spot, coupled with their dominant performance on the field, secured a historic triumph for the club, much to the delight of their devoted fans.

Reflecting on the monumental win, man-of-the-match Nico Williams expressed his elation, emphasizing the significance of the victory for the club and its supporters.

Despite Mallorca initially taking the lead, Athletic rallied back with determination, eventually equalizing through Ohian Sancet before launching relentless attacks on Mallorca’s goal throughout the match.

While Athletic squandered several opportunities to clinch victory in regular and extra time, Mallorca’s resolute defense and counter-attacking threat kept the outcome uncertain until the final penalty shootout.

Athletic Bilbao’s commitment to their unique philosophy, which prioritizes fielding players of Basque origin, adds an extra layer of significance to their Copa del Rey triumph, underscoring the club’s rich heritage and identity.

With their 24th Copa del Rey title, Athletic Bilbao cements its status as one of Spain’s most esteemed clubs, celebrating a long-awaited triumph that will be cherished by players and fans alike for years to come.