Athletic Bilbao won the Copa del Rey after 40 years by defeating Mallorca in a dramatic penalty shootout, ending their streak of six final defeats

Athletic Bilbao secured a historic victory in the Copa del Rey final, ending a 40-year wait for silverware in dramatic fashion. After suffering six successive final defeats, the team clinched their 24th Copa del Rey title, marking their first win since 1984. The sold-out La Cartuja stadium in Seville witnessed jubilant scenes as Alex Berenguer’s decisive penalty sealed a 4-2 victory in the shootout.

This triumph was particularly poignant for Athletic, given their painful recent experiences in the competition, including the heartbreak of losing two finals in 2021. The victory not only ended their prolonged silverware drought but also showcased their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The final itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams putting on a captivating display of football. Mallorca, positioned 15th in La Liga, took the lead through Dani Rodriguez, capitalizing on a corner that Athletic failed to clear. However, Athletic rallied and Oihan Sancet equalized shortly after the interval, displaying composure and skill to curl the ball into the net.

As the match extended into extra time, both teams sought a decisive goal to tip the balance in their favor. Athletic’s Nico Williams and Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi came close to altering the course of the game, but ultimately, the deadlock persisted. The tension reached its peak as the fate of the title hinged on a dramatic penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Athletic’s 23-year-old goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala emerged as a hero, saving Manu Morlanes’ crucial spot-kick and setting the stage for his teammates to secure the victory. As each of Athletic’s first four penalty takers confidently found the net, the club’s rich history and unique philosophy of fielding players of Basque origin added depth and significance to their triumph.

With this remarkable win, Athletic Bilbao not only etched their name in the annals of Spanish football history but also reaffirmed their status as one of the most decorated clubs in the Copa del Rey. Only Barcelona, with 31 titles, have won the prestigious trophy more times than Athletic, underscoring the club’s enduring legacy and indelible contribution to the sport.