Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects Saturday’s Copa del Rey final between Athletic Club Bilbao and Mallorca to be a close and hard-fought game featuring two different styles of football.
De la Fuente had two spells with Athletic Club and was part of the team that beat FC Barcelona 1-0 in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in 1984. That was the last time that the Basque side lifted the trophy, but there are high hopes that after losing six finals in the past 40 years, this year will see the end to that long wait.
The Spain coach included four Athletic Club players in his recent squad for games against Colombia and Brazil (Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, Dani Vivian and Unai Simon), but warns that the game will be much tougher than some think.
“Mallorca have reached the final on their own merits, beating Real Sociedad in the semifinals. Athletic don’t have anything won, they have to do things very well to be champions — the same as Mallorca. The final is very well-balanced,” advised De la Fuente.”
He pointed out that Mallorca’s form is improving in 2024, while their defence has seen them only concede more than one goal just once (away to Real Sociedad, when they had a player sent off in the first half) in their last nine games.
“Mallorca’s form has improved, while Athletic are recovering after a dip in results, but a final is very different and Mallorca look very focused. I think the fact some people see Athletic as favourites helps Mallorca and Athletic can’t be too confident,” said De la Fuente.
The Spain coach highlighted the pace, dribbling and wing-play of Athletic Club’s winger Nico Williams, adding that he could “mark an era” at the club.
De la Fuente also looked back at the 1984 final, saying: “It’s a great satisfaction to see the team you love play the Cup final. It’s the best competition there is.”
