Key information about Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao is not just a football club, but a symbol of Basque culture. It is known all over the world for its unique policy - only football players of Basque origin play here. No foreign transfers, no expensive purchases - only own pets and those with roots in the Basque Country.

The club was founded in 1898, based in the city of Bilbao, Spain. Atlético is one of the few teams that has never been relegated from La Liga, along with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The home arena is the legendary San Mames, which fans call the \"Cathedral\". Here, every match is a battle for honor and tradition.

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Athletic Bilbao: the history of the club

The history of Athletics began at the end of the XIX century, when English engineers and workers brought football to Bilbao. The Basques quickly fell in love with this game, and already in 1903 the team won the Cup of Spain, becoming one of the leaders of Spanish football.

The club has always been unique. At a time when other teams were buying stars, Atletik made a bet on its own pets. This did not prevent him from dominating: in the 1930s the team became the Champion of Spain four times and won the Cup of Spain six times.

One of the best periods in the club's history is the 1980s, when Atlético once again became the champion of Spain. And already in 2012, the team reached the Europa League final, proving that even with a limited selection of players, great results can be achieved.

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Athletic Bilbao: San Mames Stadium

Athletic fans don't just come to the stadium – they live football. And if this football takes place at San Mames, then it is something more than a game.

Capacity – more than 53,000 seats.
Acoustics – the sound of the fans is so powerful that opponents feel the pressure from the first minutes.
Architecture – modern design with preserved atmosphere of old San Mames.

This stadium is called \"Cathedral\" for a reason - here football rises to the level of religion.

Athletic Bilbao: achievements

Atletico is one of the most successful clubs in Spain. Despite the limited personnel policy, he continues to compete with the giants.

Champion of Spain – 8 times.
Cup of Spain – 23 times.
Spanish Super Cup – 3 times.
Europa League finalist – 2012.

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Athletic Bilbao: famous players

The club has trained many legendary football players:

Telmo Sarra is one of the best scorers in the history of La Liga.
Rafa Iriondo is an attacking leader in the 40s and 50s.
Andoni Iraola is a captain who has given the club more than 15 years.
Aymeric Laporte is one of the few who left the club and became a star at Manchester City.
Iker Munyain is a modern symbol of Athletics who has remained loyal to the club.

Athletic Bilbao: interesting facts

Athletic is the only club in the world that plays exclusively Basque football players.
In 1931 the team defeated Barcelona 12:1 – the biggest defeat of Catalans in history.
In 2015, Atlético won the Spanish Super Cup, defeating Barcelona 5:1 over two legs.
90% of the players of the main team are club graduates.
Atletico is one of the three clubs that have never been relegated from La Liga (along with Real Madrid and Barcelona).

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Slavia vs Athletic: General