Athletic Bilbao celebrated winning their first major trophy in 40 years, the Copa del Rey, with a massive celebration that included a celebratory flotilla aboard the Gabarra. The victory came after defeating Mallorca 4-2 on penalties, marking their first Spanish Cup win since 1984. The city of Bilbao, with a population of around 1 million, saw an estimated 1.2 million people joining in the festivities, highlighting the special connection between Athletic Club and its community. This event marked a significant moment for Athletic Club and its fans, who had waited decades to see their team lift the Spanish Cup again.
Bilbao already topped my soccer bucket list BEFORE their giant boat-party cup celebration. Now it’s pretty much the entire list. https://t.co/PsQnjuLhoz
Athletic Club had waited 40 years to celebrate another Copa del Rey title. On Thursday, they finally got to set sail on the gabarra again. @sidlowe was there and captured it beautifully: https://t.co/qXC4VgJMV1
Gabarra: it’s just a barge. Only it’s not, it’s everything. Myth, legend, an affirmation of who they are. Here’s a piece on Athletic Club’s very special Copa del Rey celebrations, a day they waited forty years to live. https://t.co/xNQEcWCXZG
Athletic Bilbao beat Mallorca 4-2 on penalties to win the Spanish Cup - their first since 1984 https://t.co/i0iF2pxrui https://t.co/Tx0SGQ7JpT
Amazing celebration after 40 years. The great Bilbao area has a population of ~1M people. Today we had ~1.2M people celebrating this amazing title. Let’s not wait another 40 years! Aupa @AthleticClub !!!❤️🤍❤️🤍 https://t.co/tt6vlAH9Qn
Athletic Club waited 40 years to throw another Copa del Rey party 🍾 https://t.co/eWQYtJzk7N
Bilbao is having a party. There's something extra special about one-club football cities. https://t.co/Vf9VrkztNx
A celebratory flotilla: There isn't a club quite like Athletic! Celebrations to match triumph of winning first major trophy in 40 years! https://t.co/h1VDKCrRAn