Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral praised the never-say-die attitude his players showed in their 2-3 defeat of FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The boss took over the team two weeks ago and led the Lions to their second trophy in the 21st century.
“It’s all down to the players,” Marcelino said at his post-match press conference. “They deserved to be here after their work last season.
“To be champions after beating Real Madrid and Barcelona, that’s an incredible achievement.
“This also belongs to Aduriz, San José, Beñat and the previous coaching team.”
The Asturian also stated that the victory was well deserved based on how the players did during the match.
“This is an incredible squad. We’re very proud of them,” he added. “Williams scored a wonderful goal in a beautiful move. It was an incredible finish.
“In the first half, Barça didn’t deserve to be ahead. In the second, one centimetre tipped the balance.
“During the final period, we found a set-piece and extra-time was back and forth. Williams’ goal was the decider.”
Highlights I Levante UD 1-1 Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
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A game of two penalties, as both sides get a point
Marcelino: “A victory for us would’ve been fair”
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Marcelino bemoaned the defensive mistakes that led to Levante’s goal
Athletic held to frustrating draw by Levante
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Despite constantly threatening, Athletic only pick up one point from a match where both goals came from the penalty spot
Confirmed line-ups: Levante UD vs Athletic Club
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The XI’s for tonight’s LaLiga match at the Ciutat de Valéncia
Global TV Guide: Levante UD vs Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
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When and where to watch Athletic’s upcoming LaLiga match against Levante UD
Marcelino: “We’re focused on winning tomorrow”
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Marcelino looks ahead to Friday night’s LaLiga Santander match against Levante UD
Squad list: Levante UD vs Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
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Marcelino has called up 23 players for Friday night’s clash with Levante UD at the Ciutat de València
A big week against Levante
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Athletic will face Levante twice in six days, starting with a LaLiga fixture on Friday (21:00 CET)
Raúl García: “The more difficult the challenge, the better”
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After extending his contract with Athletic Club until 2022, Raúl García expressed his intention to keep going “as long as he was up to the task of competing for this Club”
Raúl García signs contract extension until 2022
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The agreement includes an option for a further season depending on a number of targets.