Athletic crowned ‘world champions’ for sixth time after Alavés win | OneFootball

Athletic are the new unofficial football 'world champions' after beating Alavés, who had held the crown since defeating Mallorca two matches ago. According to El Correo, the title follows a boxing-style lineage.

It is the sixth time Athletic have held this fan-devised crown, created in England in the late 20th century.

The lineage traces back to the first FA Cup fixtures on 11 September 1871. Upton Park against Clapham produced the first goal, so that match was later chosen as the starting point. Clapham won 0-3, and more than 5,500 matches later the title was on the line at Mendizorroza yesterday.

Manchester City were holders until Real Madrid beat them in the Champions League. Madrid then lost the crown to Mallorca almost a month later, and three weeks on Mallorca fell to Alavés. Athletic’s win over the Vitorians yesterday makes them the new holders.

Athletic previously held the title in 1986 after taking it from Las Palmas, twice in 1989, again in 1995 and in 2000, also at Alavés’ expense. Twenty-six years on, the crown returns to Bilbao. It will be defended against Valencia on 10 May.

Source: El Correo