Copa Del Rey Champion Through Adu Penalti, Athletic Bilbao Ends 40 Years Of Fasting

Athletic Bilbao won the Copa del Rey after 40 years of fasting. (X/@Athletic_en)

Athletic Bilbao beat Mallorca 4-2 (1-1) in the final match on penalties to win the Copa del Rey Stadium de La Cartuja, Sunday, April 7, 2024 in the morning WIB. This success ended the 40-year title fast.

Bilbao last won the Copa del Rey in 1984. The success of winning the title was inseparable from Bilbao's tough struggle.

On the way to the final, they eliminated strong teams such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Bilbao also went through difficult times because they always failed in the top match.

They reached the Copa del Rey final six times after winning in 1984. But Bilbao always failed to finish it.

Barca, who thwarted Bilbao's efforts to win the title the most. Barca has always emerged as champions in four final matches against Bilbao.

However, the thirst for the title was over when Bilbao won on penalties against Mallorca. The player also vented his emotions because he ended a tense match.

"We've made history! I've dreamed of doing it for a long time. I've given everything to my family and friends..." said Nico Williams, who was selected as man of the match in the final match.

Nico Wiliams also dedicated the trophy to fans. According to him, fans who always encourage players.

"Fans are always with us and they deserve it. This is indeed my dream to win it with the club. Now, everyone can enjoy it and celebrate it!" he said again.

Bilbao, who is currently ranked fifth in the Spanish La Liga standings, is also still likely to break into the Champions League zone. They are only two points adrift of Atletico who are in fourth place.

In that match, Bilbao had to work hard to serve Mallorca. Although Bilbao dominated the game with possession reaching 70%, their chances failed to be converted into goals.

On the other hand, Mallorca managed to take advantage of the negligence of Bilbao players. They took the lead when Dani Rodriguez scored a curling shot that broke into Bilbao's goal in the 21st minute. Score 1-0 for Mallorca lasted until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Bilbao's game didn't change. They still control the game. As a result, Bilbao equalized after Ohian Sancet scored a goal in the 50th minute.

The score changed to 1-1. Until the end of the match, no more goals had been created, so extra time had to be done. In extra time, the two teams also still couldn't add goals.

The match was finished on penalties. Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirezabala successfully thwarted the execution of Manu Morlanes. Meanwhile, a kick from Nemanja Radonjic soared.

Meanwhile, four Bilbao executives successfully completed their duties. Bilbao's fifth kicker did not carry out his duties after Alex Berenguer managed to carry out his duties. Bilbao also won 4-2.