Athletic Club’s 40-year wait for a title was ended with Saturday’s Copa del Rey triumph on Saturday against Mallorca. The team and people of Bilbao celebrated in awesome fashion on Thursday with a parade on the water.
The club has a tradition unlike any other as the players board “La Gabarra” a barge used to carry the players and trophy. The barge has been waiting 40 years for a parade through town.
It’s estimated that nearly a million people flocked to Bilbao to witness the spectacle on the Nervión. Scenes like this are what make this sport so special.
Athletic Club water parade
Incredible images from Bizkaia bridge!#UniqueInTheWorld #AthleticClub pic.twitter.com/qtwktgWncd
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 11, 2024
Everyone wants to see the #UniquejInTheWorld #AthleticClub pic.twitter.com/oea7htpLHJ
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 11, 2024
Bilbao is having a party. There's something extra special about one-club football cities. pic.twitter.com/Vf9VrkztNx
— Euan McTear (@emctear) April 11, 2024
✨ In honour of those who aren't here.
Los Leones paid tribute to past generations by throwing red and white roses into the river.#UniqueInTheWorld #AthleticClub pic.twitter.com/sYER9jpcQr— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 11, 2024
Copa is here.
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 11, 2024
❤️ #UniqueInTheWorld #AthleticClub pic.twitter.com/qu2I1s6qRP
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 11, 2024
The Copa del Rey triumph comes after decades of heartbreak. Athletic Club finished as the runner-up six times since their last title in 1984. Two of those coming in the last four years.
Athletic Club’s work this season isn’t done yet as they sit just two points behind fourth-placed Atlético Madrid in the LaLiga table. A top four finish would make this incredible season even more memorable as it would book Athletic Club a spot in next season’s Champions League.
The last time the Basque club competed in the Champions League was the 2014-15 season.
