Athletic Bilbao remains one of the most respected institutions in world football due to its unique philosophy and fierce competitive spirit.
This spirit has frequently shone through in the Spanish Super Cup, a tournament where the Basque side has consistently punched above its weight.
While global giants often dominate the headlines, the “Lions” have carved out a significant piece of history for themselves in this competition.
Understanding their journey requires looking back at some of the most iconic upsets in Spanish football history.
Three Times a Champion: A Historic Tally
So, how many times has Athletic Bilbao won the Spanish Super Cup? To date, the club has secured the trophy three times, placing them among the elite winners of the competition.
Their first title came automatically in 1984 after they won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
The second triumph arrived in 2015, where they stunned the football world by defeating Barcelona with a massive 5-1 aggregate score.
Most recently, they lifted the Spanish Super Cup in early 2021.
This victory was particularly sweet as they defeated both Real Madrid and Barcelona in the same week to claim the silverware.
Tactical Mastery and Basque Grit
The club’s success in the Spanish Super Cup is often a result of tactical discipline and an unbreakable bond between the players and fans.
Unlike many of their rivals, Athletic relies solely on homegrown talent, making every trophy win a monumental achievement for the Basque community.
In their 2021 run, manager Marcelino instilled a high-pressing system that neutralized the league’s best attackers.
Winning the Spanish Super Cup proved that their traditional values could still lead to modern success against billionaire-backed squads.
Chasing Further Glory in the New Format
Since the tournament moved to a four-team format, Athletic Bilbao has remained a constant threat.
They have qualified for the Spanish Super Cup multiple times in recent years, proving that they belong at the top table of Spanish football.
Whether playing in Spain or abroad, the club’s identity remains clear and uncompromising.
As they look toward future editions of the Spanish Super Cup, the Lions aim to add a fourth star to their honors list.
Their history suggests that counting them out is always a mistake.
With Athletic Bilbao’s unique homegrown policy, do you think their three titles in this competition are more impressive than the double-digit tallies of the ‘Big Two’?
