Athletic Club Bilbao won the Copa del Rey title for the 24th time. This is their first title since 1984. On Saturday, the team defeated Mallorca 4-2 in a penalty shootout at Sevilla’s stadium.
Athletic’s goalkeeper, Julen Agirrezabala, saved penalties from Manuel Morlanes, while Mallorca’s Nemanja Radonjic missed his shot wide of the goal post. Raul Garcia, Iker Muniain, Mikel Vesga, and Alejandro Berenguer scored penalties for Athletic. All players were substitutes.
Athletic last won their 23rd and previous Copa title in 1984. Since then, they had lost six consecutive finals, including in 2020 and 2021. To win this year, the team defeated Barcelona in the quarterfinals and Atletico Madrid in the semifinals.
Read Also : Bengal Police Files FIR Against NIA Over Alleged Molestation
Score 1-1 at full time
The score remained tied 1-1 until full time in the final. Dani Rodríguez gave Mallorca the lead in the 21st minute, and Oihan Sancet of Athletic equalized in the 50th minute. The scoreline remained unchanged until extra time, and the game went to penalties.
Read Also : US May Revoke Houthi Terrorist Label If They Stop Red Sea Ship Attacks
Copa del Rey: Spain’s Oldest Domestic Football Tournament
The Copa del Rey is a domestic knockout tournament in Spanish football. It began in the year 1903, making it the oldest domestic in Spain. The tournament provides an opportunity for all professional clubs in Spain to compete. A total of 126 teams participated in this year’s tournament.
The winner of the Copa del Rey earns a spot for the next season’s UEFA Europa League. If they have already qualified for Europe through their league ranking, the Europa League spot is awarded to the highest-ranked team in the La Liga table who hasn’t qualified yet.
Read Also : Boeing engine cover falls off during takeoff in Denver