The Basque and Palestine national teams play out thrilling match at San Mames
The Basque and Palestine national teams play out thrilling match at San Mames
Athletic's stadium hosted an exciting and moving international match that drew a crowd of 51,396 spectators
On Saturday evening, San Mames was the setting for an international match between the Basque national team and Palestine, with the hosts winning 3-0 in a game where the result was the least important matter.
The Cathedral welcomed the Palestinian national team to Bilbao for their first ever match in Europe, and the response was outstanding. 51,396 people filled Athletic Club's stadium with Basque and Palestinian flags in a clear call for official recognition of the Basque Country's national team, for peace in Gaza and for the recognition of a Palestinian state. Two nations united on the global stage.
Seven Lions took part in the match: Mikel Jauregizar (45 minutes), Andoni Gorosabel (45 minutes), Iñigo Lekue (30 minutes), Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta (45 minutes), Nico Serrano (45 minutes), Gorka Guruzeta (60 minutes) and Urko Izeta (30 minutes). Hugo Rincón, an Athletic player on loan at Girona, also played 45 minutes.