After a break of 40 years: Athletic Bilbao won the King’s Cup again – Football World – Spain

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Athletic Bilbao ended their 40-year wait for the Copa del Rey (Cup of the King) by beating Real Mallorca 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time and extra time.

The Basques lifted the trophy for the 24th time, behind only 31-time winners Barcelona, ​​as they prevailed over outsiders Mallorca at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville.

Dani Rodríguez put Mallorca ahead in the first half (21 min-), but Oihan Sanket equalized shortly after the break (50 min).

Athletic goalkeeper Julen Aguirrezabala saved a Manu Morlanes penalty and Mallorca’s Nemanja Radonic sent another shot over the bar as Athletic converted all four to triumph.

Alex Berenguer scored the winning penalty to spark wild celebrations among the Basques.

Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic, who had been beaten in their six previous appearances in the final, ended a dismal era with a hard-fought victory.

After defeating Barcelona and Atlético Madrid en route to the final, Los Leones secured the club’s first major trophy since the league and cup double in 1984.

“It’s amazing, we’ve made history,” man of the match Nico Williams told TVE.

“The team works hard, the fans are always with us and they deserve it, it’s been my dream for a long time,” he added.

Athletic, whose players celebrated on a boat known as the Gabara after their last win, will now have the chance to do so again next week.