Marcelino: “The players reached the final on their own”

Athletic Club manager Marcelino was keen to applaud his players after their 1-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals on Thursday.

Two first-half goals by Raúl García were enough to see the Lions secure a place in Sunday’s final with FC Barcelona.

“I’m happy for the players,” Marcelino said at his post-match press conference. “They reached the final on their own, based on what they did in the Copa last season.

“It’s a marvellous opportunity to show what they’re capable of and what this badge means to them.

“We want the fans to feel proud.”

Marcelino pointed out that his team rode out the more tense moments of the semi-final against Real Madrid really well.

“Although we suffered at the end, we always looked like closing out the game,” he added. “Beating Real Madrid without suffering is nearly impossible.”

Athletic will now face FC Barcelona in Sunday’s final in Seville, and the Lions are only one match away from winning the Supercopa for a third time in club history.

“We’re 90 minutes away from lifting a trophy,” he said. “Win or lose, the important thing is that we can hold our heads high, knowing that we did all we could to win and fight for the Club we belong to.”