The 18th round of the Spanish League delivered several exciting matches.
The most thrilling encounter was between Sant Andreu and Barcelona. Despite Barcelona being the clear favorite against the 9th-placed Sant Andreu, the visitors had to fight hard to secure victory. Barcelona earned two points after a penalty shootout – 17:14. Barcelona had a three-goal lead in the 2nd quarter (9:6). The visitors seemed to be on the right track. Still, Sant Andreu managed to level the score before the final quarter (11:11). Barcelona gained a 13:11 lead with two minutes left. Nevertheless, Sant Andreu equalized once again at 13:13, forcing the match into a shootout, where Barcelona prevailed. Pol Goma Esforzado starred for the winning team with five goals, while Pau Campos netted six for Sant Andreu.
Sabadell had a poor start in the game against Mediterrani. It trailed by three goals after the opening eight minutes (1:4). However, the players of the second-best Spanish club regrouped themselves during the first break. They led 7:5 at halftime and increased the margin to five in the following 16 minutes. Francesco Valera scored four goals in Sabadell’s 17:12 victory.
Tenerife Echeyde caused the biggest surprise of the week by beating Terrassa 13:11. Before the 18th round, 22 points separated the rivals. Tenerife opened the match with a 4:1 lead. Terrassa caught up with the Canarians at 5:5, 6:6, and 11:11. However, Tenerife secured the win, scoring two unanswered goals in the last three minutes. Luis Araya was instrumental in the win, leading the hosts’ offense with six goals.
Barceloneta cruised to a 23:6 win over Real Canoe, improving its overall goal difference to +202 (336:134). All field players from the reigning champion got on the scoresheet, with Vince Vigvari scoring four times.
2024/25 Spanish League, Round 18
Sant Andreu – Barcelona 14:17 (3:3, 4:6, 4:2, 2:2, PSO 1:4)
Mediterrani – Sabadell 12:17 (4:1, 1:6, 3:5, 4:5)
Real Canoe – Barceloneta 6:23 (0:6, 3:6, 2:6, 1:6)
Tenerife Echeyde – Terrassa 13:11 (4:2, 3:4, 3:2, 3:3)
Mataro – Catalunya 11:8 (3:4, 4:0, 3:3, 1:1)
Rubi – Caballa 11:12 (2:4, 2:2, 3:3, 4:3)
1. Barcelona 17 – 51
2. Sabadell 18 – 50
3. Barcelona 18 – 42
4. Terrassa 18 – 39
5. Mataro 18 – 28
6. Mediterrani 18 – 22
7. Tenerife 18 – 20
8. Sant Andreu 17 – 19
9. Catalunya 18 – 17
10. Caballa 18 – 14
11. Real Canoe 18 – 10
12. Rubi 18 – 9
