Mataro’s women have secured their second Catalonia Cup title, triumphing over Spanish and European Champions Sabadell in a thrilling 12-11 encounter at Joan Serra.
Dani Ballart’s team, previously overshadowed by Sabadell in the Spanish League, Champions League, and Copa de la Reina last season, made a strong statement in their opening game of the season by defeating their arch-rivals in Spanish women’s water polo.
Mataro thoroughly deserved the victory, despite facing a challenging final period. Throughout most of the match, CN Mataro maintained control, establishing a comfortable three-goal lead (10-7). However, Vivian Sevenich’s ejection disrupted Mataró’s rhythm and allowed Sabadell to close the gap. With just 1 minute and 39 seconds remaining, Bea Ortiz’s goal brought Sabadell within one point (12-11).
In the closing moments, Irene González had an opportunity to force a penalty shootout, but her chip shot missed the mark, ensuring CN Mataró’s triumph and reaffirming their status as Catalonia’s water polo champions.
Both teams, recognized as the top two line-ups in Europe, displayed their superiority in the semi-finals of the regional tournament. Sabadell convincingly defeated Mediterrani (19-11), while Mataro proved too strong for Terrassa (16-7).
For the bronze medal clash, CN Terrassa and CE Mediterrani locked horns in a closely fought encounter. It all came down to the last quarter when Marian Díaz’s squad kicked it up a notch and emerged triumphant with a final score of 15-12.
The Spanish women’s league begins on the 30th September. You can follow all the action via Total Waterpolo’s brand new Spanish League livescore page.
Women’s Copa Catalunya 2023
Astralpool Sabadell 11 – 12 CN Mataro (1-3, 1-3, 5-4, 4-2)
Sabadell: L. Ester, M. Ortiz, P. Leiton 1, S. Van der Sloot, M. Keuning 3, I. Casado, S. Giustini 1, M. Garcia 1, J. Forca, B. Ortiz 3, O. Jurado, I. Gonzalez 2, M. Carrasco
Mataro: M. Terre, S. Morelll 1, S. Van de Kraats 1, M. Guiral, V. Sevenich 1, R. Keszthelyi-Nagy, C. Cambray 2, C. Nogue 3, S. Avegno 2, Q. Bertran, A. Espar 2, M. Claveria, E. Carmona, R. Gurri.
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