Introduction
Athletic Club vs Mallorca: Bilbao Ends 40-Year Wait with Copa del Rey Penalty Triumph By [BBC Sport Correspondent]
Seville, Spain Athletic Club have ended a four-decade wait for a major trophy, defeating RCD Mallorca 4-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Copa del Rey final at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The victory, secured on Saturday night, marks the club’s 24th triumph in Spain’s prestigious domestic cup competition and delivers a cathartic moment of release for a club and a fanbase that had endured six consecutive final defeats since their last success in 1984. The match was a tense, tactical affair that stretched to 120 minutes before being decided by a nerve-shredding shootout, cementing Athletic's place in Spanish football history and setting the stage for a unique celebration in Bilbao. The game itself was a sharp contest between Athletic’s famed attacking tempo and Mallorca’s resolute defensive structure, meticulously implemented by coach Javier Aguirre. Mallorca, playing in only their fourth final, defied their underdogs tag by taking a surprise lead in the 21st minute. Following a scramble from a corner kick, the ball fell to Dani Rodríguez on the edge of the area, who curled a precise left-footed shot past Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. The goal sent a wave of shock through the vast majority of the 57,619 attendees, predominantly clad in Athletic’s red and white stripes, and provided a tactical challenge to coach Ernesto Valverde's side. Athletic’s response was immediate and sustained, though they struggled against a well-marshalled Mallorcan defence. The influential Spain winger, Nico Williams, often the key creative outlet for the Basque side, had a goal disallowed for offside and came close on several other occasions as the first half concluded with Mallorca holding the slender lead. The pressure, however, finally told shortly after the restart.
Main Content
Just five minutes into the second half, Williams executed a decisive through-ball that split the Mallorca defence, finding Oihan Sancet, who finished coolly past goalkeeper Dominik Greif to level the score. The equaliser shifted the momentum entirely, with Athletic dominating possession and territory for the remainder of normal time. However, despite their relentless assault, including an effort by Iñaki Williams that struck the post late in the second half, Mallorca’s commitment to the low block held firm, forcing the match into extra time. For Athletic Club, the final whistle of extra time, with the score still locked at 1-1, brought about a sense of trepidation. Their recent history in cup finals, which included back-to-back losses in 2020 and 2021, weighed heavily. Yet, the club’s identity, rooted in the philosophy of exclusively fielding players raised in the Basque Country or its historical provinces, added an extra layer of emotional investment to the fixture. This success is seen by many analysts as a profound validation of their unique, locally-focused model. Speaking after the game, Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde, who has overseen multiple near-misses in his tenure, underlined the magnitude of the occasion. “Considering all the finals we have lost, and what the Copa means to Athletic, nothing compares to this,” Valverde stated. “We sure make it hard for ourselves to hold a party, it took us 40 years, but now we are going to do just that.
” Mallorca, meanwhile, were praised for their resilience and tactical discipline throughout the 120 minutes. Coach Javier Aguirre, a veteran of the Spanish game, had successfully executed a plan designed to frustrate the favourites and take the final to the lottery of penalties. Despite the eventual defeat, Aguirre maintained a positive outlook on his team’s run. “It was a wonderful Copa del Rey run that did not have a happy ending,” the Mexican coach reflected. “My team gave absolutely everything and they can leave with their heads held high. ” The penalty shootout proved the ultimate test of nerve. Following successful conversions by Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi and Athletic’s Raúl García, Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala produced the decisive moment, saving Manu Morlanes’ low shot. Nemanja Radonjić then saw his effort sail over the bar, giving Athletic the critical advantage. Iker Muniain and Mikel Vesga converted their spot-kicks before substitute Alex Berenguer stepped up to score the winning penalty, sending the sea of red and white into raptures. Nico Williams, who was instrumental throughout the match and named the Man of the Match, captured the feeling of collective relief.
“This is incredible. Our fans have always been behind us and now it is time to enjoy this,” he told reporters on the pitch. “We have been fighting for this for a long time. ” The immediate aftermath sees focus turn to the unique celebration planned in Bilbao. Athletic Club traditionally marks its major trophy wins by parading the victorious team on a barge, known as the Gabarra, down the Nervión River through the city. This tradition has not been enacted since the 1984 league and cup double, making the forthcoming spectacle a once-in-a-generation event that underscores the deep connection between the club and its regional identity. Furthermore, the Copa del Rey victory guarantees Athletic Club a spot in the UEFA Europa League for the following season, providing a significant boost to their European aspirations regardless of their final league standing. For Mallorca, the season now refocuses on securing their position in the top flight, having shown considerable grit and quality throughout their cup campaign. The final between Athletic Club and Mallorca will be remembered not only for the drama of the penalty shootout but as the night the four-decade wait finally came to an end for the Basque Lions.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide about athletic club vs mallorca provides valuable insights and information. Stay tuned for more updates and related content.
