Valladolid, the last time Athletic fans were in the stands

Last season’s LaLiga Santander fixture against Real Valladolid was the last time Athletic fans were seen in the stands. The 1-4 victory was the perfect antidote for the hangover that followed qualifying for the Copa del Rey final.

The thousand fans had a great time as they witnessed Aritz Aduriz’s final game as a lion. It was an unforgettable day.

This is the perfect moment to remember and celebrate all the fan clubs and supporters in that region. The North-East Group is extremely active. In Valladolid, Palencia, León and Zamora we have some very loyal and dedicated fan clubs.

On the day of the match last season, fan clubs from throughout the region joined together in Valladolid’s Downing Street Bar, where members of the Board of Directors met them before kick-off. It was a day full of high-spirits, with plenty of chanting and hugging, even before what came.

This year, the regional fan clubs can’t even meet just to watch the match on television. With that in mind, Asier Villalibre, our lion who spent half a season on loan at Real Valladolid, sent those fans a message of encouragement.

In a specially recorded video, he said: “You can’t be with us this year, but we’ll definitely feel your support and we’ll try to give you something to cheer about.”