Bilbao’s Long Wait for Copa del Rey Glory Ends in Seville

It felt like an entire generation had waited for this. When the whistle finally blew at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, red and white shirts flung skyward. Athletic Bilbao, those proud Basques who turn out homegrown talent year after year, finally held Spain’s prestigious Copa del Rey trophy again. Forty years had passed since they last sipped champagne from the famous cup. On that electric night, it all came down to a penalty shootout against Mallorca after a tense 1-1 draw through extra time.

The nerves across Bilbao were obvious. They’d stumbled at the final hurdle six times since their last Copa triumph. This time, Julen Agirrezabala stepped into the spotlight. The 23-year-old keeper, barely old enough to remember the heartbreaks of years gone by, turned into an instant legend with a crucial save. His stop from Manu Morlanes steadied the ship, and when Nemanja Radonjic hammered his spot-kick wide, it was clear: the curse was finished. Athletic’s penalty takers—unfazed by decades of pressure—converted every single shot. That calmness under fire delivered a 4-2 victory in the shootout, sparking wild Basque celebrations.

Twists, Tension, and a Region’s Pride on Display

Mallorca struck first, their fans erupting when Dani Rodríguez pounced on a rebound midway through the first half. For a moment, it looked like another long night for Bilbao. But this squad, fueled by the memory of cup heartbreaks and a tidal wave of support from the Basque region, kept fighting. In the 50th minute, Ohian Sancet delivered the lifeline—a cool finish after clever team play. From there, Athletic had the momentum and most of the possession, but the pressure of history was heavy on every pass and shot.

Despite controlling large stretches, the winning goal just wouldn’t come. In extra time, legs and nerves trembled. That only made the shootout more unbearable for anyone with a Bilbao connection.

The road to the final had already been a rollercoaster. Bilbao knocked out heavyweights Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, proving grit and teamwork can topple any giant. Each step ignited more hope in Bilbao’s packed streets and homes, who watched every minute thinking—‘could this really be our year?’

With this victory, Athletic Bilbao further cements its status as a Copa del Rey juggernaut, now holding 24 titles. Only Barcelona and Real Madrid sit ahead in the history books. But for Bilbao, the win means more than just another trophy number. Their unique tradition of using only Basque players gives their victories an added sense of identity and local pride. As dawn broke in Bilbao, the celebrations made it clear—this wasn’t just about football. It was about community, resilience, and a trophy that, for some fans, was a lifetime in the making.