Athletic and Slavia lay the foundations for a lasting friendship

As part of Athletic Club Fundazioa's ‘Follow Something Unique’ initiative, Athletic organised a serious of activities with SK Slavia Prague on Wednesday morning before the two sides' first teams met at the Fortuna Arena (21:00 CET).

Together at the Czech team's training facilities, next to their stadium, the two clubs planted a sapling from the Tree of Gernika and played Walking Football match, which featured Athletic legends Eli Ibarra and Gaizka Toquero, as well as local icon Vladimir Smicer.

As highlighted by Athletic Club's first vice-president, Nerea Ortiz, the gifts and gestures made are "small, but symbolic and very powerful". She stressed that "the Tree of Gernika represents the soul of Basque identity", reminding all that is had a ‘very special’ meaning in the context of another European away day in which "we arrived as opponents but leave as friends".

Marek Beitl, SK Slavia Prague's second vice-president, spoke about "the hospitality received during last season's Europa League match at San Mames" and reiterated the importance of ’wonderful initiatives" such as those carried out in Prague.

Although the result is not the most important thing in Walking Football, both teams drew 2-2, and the winner was decided on penalties, with Athletic taking the trophy.

The match featured true icons such as Eli Ibarra, Gaizka Toquero – who scored a beautiful goal – and local legend Vladimir Smicer, a runner-up in the 1996 European Championship with the Czech Republic. Numerous Athletic fans enjoyed representing their beloved club, accompanied by Nerea Ortiz and fellow board member Igor San Román. Among those in attendance was Ivo Knoflicek, former SK Slavia footballer and a 1990 World Cup player.

After the presentation of medals and a commemorative trophy, the activities ended with a lunch that was appreciated by all participants after a match in which they had to contend with Czech capital's freezing temperatures.

Wednesday's activities strengthened a relationship in which, in addition to our shared colours, includes connections that include matches in the 1920s, legends such as Ferdinand Daucik and beautiful European nights such as last season's.