Bilbao’s Streets Erupt in Colour as Athletic Club Prepares for Semifinal Showdown
The city of Bilbao was awash with colour and excitement yesterday as fans of Athletic Club prepared for the highly anticipated semifinal match against Manchester United. The streets were filled with supporters clad in the team’s iconic red and white colours, creating an electric atmosphere that was palpable to all who witnessed it.
According to a report by El Correo, the city’s residents and visitors alike were caught up in the fervour, with many donning Athletic Club jerseys and scarves. The newspaper reported that "al contrario de lo que ocurrió con los escoceses del Rangers, este jueves las calles fueron aplastantemente rojiblancas desde primera hora" (unlike the Scottish Rangers fans, the streets were overwhelmingly red and white from early morning).
The enthusiasm was not limited to just the fans, with families and even pets getting in on the action. El Correo noted that "los padres recientes envuelven el carrito del crío en los colores del club, con la esperanza de dejar una impronta duradera en el bebé" (new parents were wrapping their baby strollers in the team’s colours, hoping to leave a lasting impression on their child). Even dogs were not left out, with many sporting bandanas or lion costumes.
As the day wore on, the city’s streets became increasingly lively, with fans from both teams interacting and having a great time. El Correo reported that a group of English fans had set up a banner reading ‘Manchester United, The Religion’, which drew attention from Athletic Club supporters. One fan, Peter Hatch, told the newspaper that "es nuestra religión, y a veces nos eleva hasta lo más alto y otras nos hunde muy abajo" (it’s our religion, and sometimes it lifts us up to the highest highs and other times it brings us crashing down).
The city’s residents were also out in force, with many expressing their passion for the team. El Correo spoke to Pedro González, an 88-year-old fan who recalled the 1957 match between Athletic Club and Manchester United, which was played in the snow. He said that "veníamos otro y yo en bicicleta desde Momediano de Losa, en Burgos, para ver al Athletic. ¡Había que pasar Peña Angulo! Y luego juerga y volver" (my friend and I came by bike from Momediano de Losa, in Burgos, to see Athletic. We had to cross Peña Angulo! And then we partied and came back).
The music was also a big part of the day, with four different musical groups performing in the streets. El Correo reported that a group of Peruvians, who were in town for a concert, got caught up in the excitement and began singing along with the fans. One of them, Patricio, said that "está todo efervescente aquí, nosotros vamos a cantar a las muchachas lindas" (everything is electric here, we’re going to sing to the beautiful girls).
As the day drew to a close, the atmosphere only grew more electric. El Correo reported that the fans were all in high spirits, with many predicting a win for their team. Whatever the outcome of the match, it’s clear that the city of Bilbao has already won, with its reputation as one of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in the world cemented.
The fans’ enthusiasm has been building up for days, and it’s not hard to see why. El Correo quotes a fan, Daniyal, as saying that "¡Porque es mucho mejor!… Y porque siempre es más bonito ir con los equipos pequeños" (because it’s much better… and because it’s always more fun to support the smaller teams). For Daniyal and many others, supporting Athletic Club is about more than just the game – it’s about community, passion, and pride.
The city’s authorities have been preparing for the event for weeks, and it’s clear that they are expecting a huge turnout. El Correo reports that the city’s streets were filled with police and stewards, all working to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely.
In conclusion, Bilbao’s streets were a sea of red and white yesterday as fans of Athletic Club prepared for the highly anticipated semifinal match against Manchester United. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both teams interacting and having a great time. As El Correo noted, "qué bien que en la vida no haya un árbitro para poner orden" (how great that in life, there is no referee to impose order). The fans are ready for the big match, and it’s going to be an event to remember.
