Athletic Club Won the First Copa del Rey in 40 Years After Defeating Mallorca on 4-2 Penalties

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.

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.

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."

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.