Aitor Zabaleta’s family say the support has been priceless | OneFootball

Real Sociedad’s triumph in Seville was framed by tributes to Aitor Zabaleta, honoured before, during and after the final. According to Diario Vasco, captain Mikel Oyarzabal later lifted the cup and revealed a number 12 shirt bearing Zabaleta’s name.

The Anoeta singing section carries his name, and at La Cartuja a vast tifo showed his image above the ikurriña, blue and white, and the year 1909. Around 30,000 txuri-urdin rose to sing the club anthem.

Chants of his name echoed across Seville in the build-up, from Triana to Santa Cruz, La Macarena and Nervión. His image also appeared unexpectedly in the fan zone during Brigade Loco’s set, thousands joining in despite temperatures above 30 degrees by the Guadalquivir.

On the pitch, Ander Barrenetxea’s early header found the Atlético Madrid net as the final settled into its rhythm.

One brother, Xabier, attended the match with several nephews. Iker chose to stay in Donostia to watch with friends in a warm, familiar setting.

Iker said the family felt immense gratitude after a week of tension, nerves and excitement, calling Saturday the icing on the cake. He felt the gestures of affection could not be matched by anything, and described it as a special final against Atlético, a lingering thorn finally removed.

He added that the joy was shared by everyone and hailed La Real’s support, saying it felt like the envy of any European club.

Source: Diario Vasco