Getty ImagesTrainer Ernesto Valverde with the Spanish Cup
NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 00:55
The Copa del Rey has become a prey for Athletic Club, which was too strong for RCD Mallorca in the Spanish Cup final in Seville after extra time (1-1) and penalties. The club from the Basque Country last won the cup in 1984.
Athletic Club dominated the match played at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, but at the first opportunity that Mallorca arrived at the Basque goal, the islanders scored immediately.
After a corner kick, Athletic was unable to clear the ball properly, after which Dani Rodríguez managed to find the corner with a well-placed shot.
AFPDani Rodríguez strikes effectively
The number five of La Liga had to look for the equalizer against the number fifteen in the rankings, but did so with as little ingenuity as conviction. Until shortly before halftime, when Nico Williams combined with Yuri Berchiche and scored beautifully with a diagonal shot. However, offside spoiled his party.
Six lost finals
In the extra time of the first half, the quick Spaniard with Ghanaian blood hit the side netting, while Gorka Guruzeta shot narrowly wide on behalf of Club, which has won the Spanish Cup 24 times (only Real Madrid did better with 31 final victories), but also had lost the last six finals.
The first chance after the break came after fourteen seconds for Cyle Larin, who found Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala in his way, but a few minutes later the score was 1-1 at the other end. Nico Williams served Oihan Sancet with a through ball, which left Mallorca keeper Dominik Greif without a chance.
GettyOihan Sancet (in red) sees his shot fly into the Mallorca goal
Mallorca did well defensively in the first half, but after the break they had increasing difficulty with the higher pace that Athletic threw at it. However, the favorites failed to bite and allowed the islanders to catch their breath.
Greif was almost surprised by Dani Vivian’s goal in extra time, but the Slovakian managed to extend the match for Mallorca.
Penalty kicks decide
It was clear that Mallorca was pushing for penalties, but the team still became dangerous a number of times. At the end of the first half of extra time, Manu Morlanes created a danger. A turning shot was narrowly saved by Athletic goalkeeper Agirrezabala.
In the second half the best chance was again for Mallorca, this time through Vedat Muriqi. The Kosovar headed dangerously towards the corner, but Agirrezabala was alert again.
He continued that line to the decisive penalty shootout in which he put Athletic in a seat by saving a penalty. He also saw one go high over the goal. Álex Berenguer was ultimately allowed to shoot in the winning one.
2024-04-06 22:55:20
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