Athletic Bilbao has finally broken their streak of Copa del Rey final defeats, clinching a dramatic victory over Mallorca in a penalty shootout. The victory marked the end of a 40-year wait for silverware for the club, securing their 24th Copa del Rey title, the first since 1984. The thrilling match unfolded at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville, where Alex Berenguer’s decisive penalty sealed a 4-2 win in the shootout, sparking jubilant celebrations among the fans.
The triumph for Athletic Bilbao came after a series of painful losses in the Copa del Rey finals, including two defeats within weeks in 2021. Despite the setbacks, the team, under the management of former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, remained determined, pushing for a top-four finish in La Liga. The match against Mallorca saw Dani Rodriguez putting the underdogs ahead in the 21st minute after Athletic failed to clear a corner. However, Athletic’s resilience showed as they fought back, with Oihan Sancet leveling the score shortly after halftime. In the nail-biting extra time, both teams had opportunities to clinch victory, but it was Athletic’s goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala who proved to be the hero, making crucial saves to keep his team in contention.
Mallorca, aiming for only their second Copa del Rey title after their 2003 triumph, faced disappointment once again. Despite their remarkable journey from the Spanish third tier to the Copa del Rey final in a short span of time, Mallorca fell short in their quest for glory. The shootout proved decisive, with Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala saving a crucial spot-kick from Manu Morlanes and Nemanja Radonjic missing the target. Ultimately, it was Athletic Bilbao who emerged victorious, continuing their tradition as one of Spain’s most successful clubs, known for their unique philosophy of fielding players of Basque origin. With this triumph, Athletic Bilbao reaffirmed their place in Spanish football history and provided their fans with a momentous occasion to cherish for years to come.
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