Athletic Club beat Real Mallorca on penalties to win the Copa del Rey for the first time in 40 years, dramatically ending their trophy drought.
The Basques scored all four of their penalties, with Alex Berenguer burying the decisive spot kick, while their shot-stopper Julen Agirrezabala save one and saw another blazed over.
It capped a comeback win necessitated because Mallorca took an early lead against the run of play when Athletic failed to clear a corner, allowing three shots on goal the third of which – from Dani Rodriguez – nestled in the top corner.
Nico Williams was Athletic’s lone bright spot in the first half, scoring a disallowed goal and also hitting the side netting, so it was no surprise he created the equaliser less than five minutes into the second period. Oihan Sancet applied the finish.
Mallorca’s resolute defending kept Athletic from scoring again and dragged the game first to extra time and then penalties, but their resistance was ultimately in vain.
More to follow.