‘Now that’s a party’ – ONE MILLION Athletic fans flood Bilbao for trophy parade on river after ending 40-year drought

3 weeks ago 17

ATHLETIC BILBAO celebrated last week’s Copa del Rey win with a stunning trophy parade along the Nervion River on Thursday.

The Lions ended their 40-year wait for a trophy by defeating Mallorca 4-2 on penalties last Saturday.

Thousands of fans lined the river banks to watch Athletic Bilbao’s trophy parade[/caption]

Players paraded the trophy on a barge named ‘La Gabarra’[/caption]

They sailed down the Nervion River[/caption]

Around 50,000 fans showed up at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville to support the team, with a further 53,000 watching a sold-out screening at the San Mames Stadium.

Having suffered six consecutive Spanish cup final defeats prior to Saturday’s triumph, club officials were determined to celebrate in style.

One MILLION people took to the streets of Bilbao this week to watch Athletic’s victory parade along the Nervion River.

Ernesto Valverde’s side boarded a barge named “La Gabarra” to showcase the trophy.

They were joined by the players that won Athletic’s last piece of silverware in 1984.

Thousands of fans lined both river banks and crammed onto balconies to watch the extraordinary celebrations.

The Bilbao barge was followed by several other boats filled with supporters.

Local schools closed early to allow fans of all ages to enjoy the celebrations.

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And Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez, who played for the club between 2018 and 2023, joined in on a boat of his own after receiving permission from Xavi.

Captain Iker Muniain led the celebrations from the City Hall, chanting: “Who are we? Athletic! And what are we? Champions!”

Striker Inaki Williams also gave heartfelt speech, saying: “This is for those who are here, those who are not here and those who have left us.

“For those who played at Athletic and gave everything.”