RCD Mallorca is gearing up to face Athletic Club Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final, with the Balearic club aiming to win their second Spanish Cup twenty-one years after their first triumph. Athletic Club, with 23 Copa del Rey titles to their name, is coming into the final as favorites, given their history and current fifth-place position in LALIGA. Mallorca, on the other hand, has made a remarkable journey back to the top tier of Spanish soccer after being relegated to the third division, with their unexpected appearance in the final surprising many pundits and fans.
Although Mallorca may be outmatched in terms of squad strength, their collective spirit and toughness have made them a challenging opponent this season. The club’s CEO of Business, Alfonso Diaz, credits a culture of effort and hard work for their success, reflecting in positive results on the field. The North American consortium that took over the club in 2016 has been instrumental in stabilizing the club’s future, making changes that have brought them back to LALIGA and now to a cup final. Diaz emphasizes the club’s focus on remaining in the top division and eventually aiming for European competitions in the future.
The redevelopment of the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix has been a central pillar of the club’s recent overhaul, transforming it into a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of over 23,000 fans. Winning the Copa del Rey final would not only bring joy to the fans but also elevate the club’s status in European football. Diaz sees this as an opportunity to make football fans aware of Mallorca’s club and establish an innovative and disruptive mentality that aligns with the local culture. The long-term goal is to move from stability to success, with a potential trophy serving as a catalyst for further growth and recognition.
The upcoming final showcases the magic of cup competitions, with a club that has never been relegated facing off against one that has experienced a tumultuous journey back to the top division. The opportunity to win the King’s Cup presents a chance for both clubs to give their fans something to celebrate and make a mark in Spanish soccer history. Despite the challenge presented by Athletic Club, Mallorca is determined to seize the moment and achieve a historic second Copa del Rey triumph, building on their recent success and aiming for greater accomplishments in the future.
