CN Sant Andreu touches the sky and wins the women's water polo Champions League for the first time.
The Barcelona team won the final against CN Sabadell in the last quarter when it seemed that the title would go to Vallès (9-8)
BarcelonaCN Sant Andreu has been crowned European women's water polo champion for the first time (9-8) after dethroning champions CN Sabadell in a historic final in Piraeus, Greece. The final seemed in the hands of the Vallesans, but a 0-3 run in the final minutes gave the title to Javi Aznar's team. This was Sant Andreu's first Champions League final, and they reached the top thanks to a goal three seconds from time from the young Queralt Antón.
Sabadell was aiming to reach eight Champions League titles, which would have put them level with Orizzonte Catania of Italy on eight titles. But Antón's goal three seconds from time gave the title to a Sant Andreu team that is becoming the hottest team in local water polo, with two Queen's Cups and now that final. After demonstrating their strength by beating the hosts, Olympiakos, in the semi-finals, the Sabadell team started the final strongly thanks to three goals from Dutchman Simone van de Kraats (3-2). In the second quarter, Sabadell looked solid, especially in defense, and went into the break with a 5-3 advantage thanks to two goals from Bea Ortiz and Hungary's Rita Keszhtelyi. Barcelona's comeback continued in the third quarter with strong defense and goals from Nona Pérez that allowed Sant Andreu to close the gap (7-6).
Sant Andreu saw Keszhtelyi's goal open the scoring in the final quarter, beating goalkeeper Martina Terré (8-6). The great Hungarian captain was looking to finally win the title she was missing, but she couldn't manage it, as Elena Ruiz appeared and, finally, Queralt Antón scored the winning goal. This was Mati Ortiz's last Champions League final, the Sabadell native's dozen, who says goodbye without lifting the trophy.
A success in a time of debate
The final arrived with CN Sabadell, the great continental dominator of the last decade, on the warpath against European Aquatics. The federation announced an agreement with Wood Nest Sports to become the official sponsor of club competitions starting next season, which includes an increase in the prize money for the winners of continental competitions. The winner of the men's Champions League will receive 125,000 euros, while the winner of the women's competition will receive six times less: 20,000. This year, the prize was won by a Sant Andreu team that continues to improve. A bright future for Catalan women's water polo.