Athletic Bilbao Wins 42nd Copa del Rey Title, Defeats Mallorca 4-2 in Spanish Tournament Final

Spanish club Athletic Bilbao has won the Copa del Rey title for the 24th time. This is the team’s first title since 1984. On Saturday, the team defeated Real Sociedad 4-2 in a penalty shootout at Sevilla’s stadium.

Athletic Bilbao Clinches Victory with Penalty Save

Athletic Bilbao’s goalkeeper, Julen Aguirre, saved Manuel Moralens’ penalty. Meanwhile, Melorka’s Enemanja Redonjic missed a shot from the post. Raul Garcia, Iker Muniain, Mikel Vesga, and Alejandro Berenguer scored penalties for Athletic. All players were substitutes.

Athletic Bilbao’s Recent Copa del Rey Journey

Athletic Bilbao won their 23rd Copa del Rey title in 1984. Since then, they have faced consistent defeats in the finals, including in 2020 and 2021. This year, to secure victory, the team defeated Barcelona in the quarter-finals and Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.

Copa del Rey Final Ends in Draw

The score remained 1-1 until full time in the final. Melorka took the lead with a goal from Dani Rodrigues in the 21st minute, equalized by Athletic’s Oihan Sancet in the 50th minute. The scoreline remained unchanged through extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.

Copa del Rey – Spain’s Oldest Local Tournament

Copa del Rey is Spain’s oldest local knockout tournament, dating back to 1903, making it the country’s oldest local tournament. All professional clubs in Spain have the opportunity to participate in the tournament. This year, a total of 126 teams participated in the tournament.

Copa del Rey Winners Earn UEFA Europa League Quotas

The winners of the Copa del Rey receive a quota for the next season’s UEFA Europa League. If they have not already qualified through their league ranking, the team with the highest standing in Spain’s La Liga not yet qualified for European competition receives the Europa League spot.