Since the 1990s, both the Basque Country and Catalonia international teams (which hold unofficial status) have typically organised a friendly match each year, often during Spanish football's short break around Christmas. In December 2014, Catalonia travelled to Biscay to play against the Basque Country, arranging both men's and women's fixtures to commemorate the first meetings between the men's teams 100 years earlier in January 1915 (although this was not advertised as the first in a 'double-header' at that time).[1] It was the 12th match overall between them, in contrast to the women's teams who had never played each other before.
Both 2014 matches ended in 1–1 draws.[2] Repeats were scheduled for the following year, this time in Barcelona, now billed as the return leg of a Centenary Trophy between the sides. Cups were commissioned for the champions, and it was confirmed that penalties would decide the winner if necessary.[3] The Basque teams emerged as narrow victors in both genders: 1–0 in the men's match[4] and 4–3 on penalties in the women's match following another 1–1 draw.[5]
