Bilbao. Bilbao was dyed red and white on a Thursday of celebrations for the Copa del Rey title that Athletic won last Saturday and the players lived an unforgettable day aboard the emblematic barge.
This small traditional boat is part of Athletic’s history and this parade along the Nervión estuary, which runs through the Basque city, had not taken place for 40 years. Four decades of waiting to achieve a great title, something that Lions They achieved it on Saturday by beating Mallorca in the penalty shootout.
It was the 24th Copa del Rey in the history of Athletic, which is only surpassed in the record of that competition by FC Barcelona, with 31 cup trophies.
The barge’s route was 13 kilometers, from the neighboring town of Getxo to Bilbao City Hall. In between, the crowds gathered on the banks of the estuary, in a city decked out in the club’s colors and that has been experiencing an explosion of collective joy since Saturday.
In memory of past generations, the Cup champions threw white and red rose petals into the estuary.
“There have been many tears shed, many final losses, but now we are here. This is yours, the entire Athletic family,” said captain Iker Muniain from the balcony of City Hall, showing the trophy to the fans.
“Thank you for making this day something incredible. We are the best at celebrating whatever it takes. We will try to be better than we are. We always go for everything,” said coach Ernesto Valverde.
The players enjoyed the day between emotion and euphoria for what they had achieved.
“I still have to pinch myself when I see this. We are crazy, we are crazy, we have messed up. We are super proud. For those who are there and for those who are not. For what we have transmitted during this Cup and for the emotions. This fan and we, the people, deserve it. We have enjoyed it a lot and today is a day to enjoy it more,” declared Iñaki Williams to Basque regional television, ETB.
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– 2024-04-17 09:29:44
