There is much talk about San Mamés as "The Cathedral". The legend comes from the fact that Athletic's fans have historically been considered very knowledgeable. However, in recent years things have changed.
The reality is that San Mamés's fans are exemplary for their unconditional support of their team, but not for their ability to appreciate the rival's play.
This Sunday San Mamés applauded Pedri as he left the field. They targeted Lamine Yamal, surely because there's no comparison between the blaugrana and their local idol Nico Williams.
In the past, San Mamés was the only stadium that booed Iniesta, the same player who was given standing ovations at every other stadium in Spain.
More hostile to Barça than Bernabéu
The reason? A tackle from Amorebieta that sent him flying. San Mamés thought he was faking. Surely just like Maradona and Schuster when Goikoetxea sent them to the operating room.
San Mamés booed their team's guard of honor to the champion and the best team in LaLiga. On El Chiringuito, they doubt their exemplary status.
Meanwhile, Athletic are welcomed as a friendly team when they visit Barcelona, San Mamés is hostile territory for Barça. Even more so than Bernabéu.
The topic was discussed on El Chiringuito. Although the arguments were different. Juanfe Sanz doubted the exemplary nature of San Mamés's crowd because they boo the Spanish national anthem there.
This is how he explained it last night on El Chiringuito: "I agree that I think San Mamés is one of the best fanbases in Spain, cheering on their club".
"Now, to call them an exemplary fanbase, when time and again we've seen Athletic's fans boo the Spanish national anthem..."
His conclusion: "It doesn't sit right with me. If they tell me they're the best fans defending their own, I'll buy it. I'm absolutely convinced."
"Also, I'd like to have a fanbase that defends me in footballing terms the way theirs does."
"Going to San Mamés must be amazing. But when they boo the Spanish national anthem, we can't say they're an exemplary fanbase. What do we say is behind it? Negreira doesn't count anymore, nor Nico Williams...
"Let's throw it to the ground. It's awful, they boo Barça, it's ugly. But let's not buy into the exemplary narrative."
"With their own, they're the best. With others, there aren't that many teams that boo the Spanish national anthem."