The shared merit of a historical record

When the Club decided that the first women’s team would play in San Mamés on a Wednesday at the end of January, in the middle of winter, a quarter-final eliminatory round of the Cup, it did so convinced that it had the decisive backing of Biscayan society. In the face of possible odds, obstacles, adversities and setbacks, underlied a torrent of conviction that transcended the Club and connected with a large social majority, an indeterminate but enormous number of people willing to come to San Mamés to encourage the lionesses and thus show their support for women’s football and their demand for gender equality.

The Club knew it could count on the red-and-white supporters, yes, but the response from society has been so formidable that it has exceeded the best expectations. Institutions, the media, educational centres, sports clubs, social groups… and from his hand, a sensitised and enthusiastic crowd. To the 48,121 people who gathered yesterday in San Mamés, we were united by a double bond that only a club like ours can achieve. On the one hand, we came together to show our commitment to gender equality and women’s football; on the other, we came together to encourage players who are our own, who represent us on the pitch thanks to a sporting philosophy that gives us a unique identity and sense of belonging.

Not only have the local and state media highlighted yesterday’s achievement, but also the international press has echoed a record that we have all achieved together. Prestigious newspapers such as The Washington Post or L’Equipe have highlighted the news: the largest number of people attending a women’s game in Europe in regular competition and the second best in the world, only behind the match between Monterrey and Tigres which, on the occasion of the final of the MX League, brought together 51,211 spectators in May 2018 at the BBVA Bancomer Stadium in Mexico.

Now it’s time to continue rowing in the same direction. Yesterday’s record is an unquestionable motivating effect to improve and continue advancing in favor of women’s football. Hundreds of girls, of girls who yesterday went for the first time to San Mamés were inspired by what they witnessed in situ and, surely, many of them dreamed of being themselves who one day dedicate themselves to football and play in the Cathedral. It is in our hands to be at the height of that illusion. By will and work that does not remain.