Barrio de San Mamés
The Lions of Bilbao, European contenders since 1956.
Athletic Bilbao, a professional football club based in Bilbao (Biscay, Basque Country, Spain), has competed in international tournaments as representatives of La Liga since 1956. The club's first entry into an official competition organised by UEFA was the European Cup in 1956–57; they lost to FC Porto in the first round. Athletic have yet to win a continental trophy in 34 attempts up to and including the 2024–25 season.
Quick Facts
- Nickname
- Los Leones
- Original opening
- August 21, 1913
Lore & Background
From 1941 until 1975, the club was known as Atlético de Bilbao following a decree from the ruling regime. Athletic's first experience of European competition was the non-UEFA Latin Cup held at the end of the 1955–56 season; in the small four-team tournament held in Milan, the Lions finished as runners-up to A.C. Milan. The club's heaviest European defeat is 5–0, suffered against Red Star Belgrade in the 1967–68 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. Striker Aritz Aduriz contributed 34 European goals for the club over a six-year spell from 2012 to 2020, winning the Europa League's top scorer award once. The player with the most appearances, full-back Óscar de Marcos (77 matches), was heavily involved during the 2011–12 and 2024–25 Europa League runs.
Reader's Guide
It is traditional for the captains of teams visiting Athletic's stadium for the first time to present a bouquet of flowers to a bust of the club's 1920s star Pichichi. Since it is rare for Athletic to encounter new opponents in domestic football, most of these brief pre-match ceremonies take place prior to European ties.
Did You Know?
- Athletic's first matches in Europe in the Latin Cup were played in Milan's Arena Civica.
- The club's 1968–69 Fairs Cup tie with Liverpool was decided by a coin toss (picking the correct colour of card the referee was holding), the only time this method was used in the club's European matches.
- Athletic have played six matches in Hungary, including four against Ferencváros at the Nepstadion, losing them all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Barrio de San Mamés?
Barrio de San Mamés refers to the historic neighborhood and stadium in Bilbao, affectionately known as 'La Catedral,' which served as Athletic Club's home from 1913 until 2013. It represents the spiritual heart of Basque football where nearly a century of club history was forged.
When did the original stadium open and close?
The first match at San Mamés took place on August 28, 1913, marking the start of its era as Athletic Club's home. It officially closed its doors in May 2013 to make way for a modern replacement that carries the same prestigious name.
What nickname is associated with this stadium?
Universally known as 'La Catedral,' or The Cathedral, the ground earned this title due to its immense status as the spiritual center of both the club and the city. This moniker reflects the reverence fans hold for the place where red and white dreams were built.
Where is Barrio de San Mamés located?
This historic site is situated in Bilbao, within the Basque Country of Spain. It remains a central landmark for the community, even after the construction of the new stadium nearby to continue Athletic Club's tradition.
More in Stadium & Culture
Elsewhere in Athletic Bilbao
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