Athletic Bilbao Breaks 40-Year Drought, Secures 24th Copa del Rey Title with Penalty Shootout Victory over Mallorca
Athletic's goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala played a pivotal role, saving a penalty from Manuel Morlanes, while Mallorca's Nemanja Radonjic missed high. Substitutes Raul Garcia, Iker Muniain, Mikel Vesga, and Alejandro Berenguer all successfully converted their spot kicks, securing a 4-2 win in the shootout against Mallorca's goalkeeper Dominik Greif.
Despite the extra time ending in a 1-1 draw, with Dani Rodriguez giving Mallorca the lead in the 21st minute and Athletic's Oihan Sancet equalizing in the 50th, the packed 57,000-seat La Cartuja Stadium witnessed a thrilling finale.
Muniain was honored to receive the trophy from Spanish King Felipe VI, lifting it high to celebrate with his team and fans.
Athletic claimed their 23rd Copa del Rey title in 1984, marking their last victory. However, since then, they suffered defeat in six consecutive finals, including those in 2020 and 2021.
Their path to victory in the latest edition required overcoming formidable opponents, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.
