Athletic Bilbao has finally won the Copa del Rey after a 40-year wait by beating Mallorca 4-2 on penalties on Saturday, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The Basque side has now lifted the trophy for the 24th time, which is second only to 31-time winners Barcelona. The victory came after an intense match at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, where Dani Rodriguez sent Mallorca ahead in the first half, but Oihan Sancet soon leveled the score after the break. You can find additional sports news here.
Bet on La Liga on Bet365
Athletic's 23-year-old keeper, Julen Agirrezabala, saved a penalty from Mallorca's Manu Morlanes, while Serbian midfielder Nemanja Radonjic also missed the target with his spot-kick. Athletic's penalty takers were flawless, scoring all four.
Alex Berenguer scored the decisive penalty, prompting wild celebrations from the traveling Basque fans. After losing six consecutive finals, including in 2020 and 2021, Athletic finally won the Copa del Rey again.
"We've made history. The fans deserve it... I've dreamed a lot about this." "Me, my family, my brother. I did it for my family, with what we've fought for. I'm happy to make history with this club."
Valverde, who won two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey with Barcelona, said that Saturday's victory "means a lot for the club."
"This is incredible. This doesn't compare to any other [trophy]," "With what the stadium was like, what this competition means for our fans, the years we've been looking for it ... and in the end, with the penalties, something they're specialists in ... "It means a lot to this club."
Athletic Bilbao's Next Game
Athletic Bilbao will be facing Villarreal in their next game at their home stadium, Estadio San Mames, in the 31st round of La Liga next Saturday. Bilbao aims to narrow the gap with Althelitco Madrid, as they are currently in fifth place with 56 points from 30 matches played so far. In the game against Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao is the favorite to win. You may want to consider placing a bet on Athletic Bilbao to win on 1xBet at 1.80 odds.
Bet on La Liga on 1xBet
