πŸ›’ Shop the best Water Polo Gear now! β†’
πŸ€‘ 10% off on selected briefs & merch πŸ€‘
Support the Total Waterpolo mission!
TW-Brandmark-Whitex2
  • News
  • Results

    National

    • France
      • French League 23/24 – Women
      • French League 23/24 – Men
    • Spain
      • Spanish League 23/24 – Women
      • Spanish League 23/24 – Men
    • Hungary
      • Hungarian League 23/24 – Women
      • Hungarian League 23/24 – Men
    • Italy
      • Italian League 23/24 – Women
      • Italian League 2324 – Men
    • Nordic League
      • Nordic League 23/24
    • Austria
      • Women’s Bundesliga 2023

    International

    • LEN Champions League
      • Season 23/24
        • Women
        • Men
    • NCAA
      • Men’s Finals 2023
    • Nordic League
      • Season 23/24
    • European Championships
      • Eindhoven 2024 – Women
      • Zagreb / Dubrovnik 2024 – Men
      • Split 2022
        • Women
        • Men
      • Budapest 2020
    • World Championships
      • Fukuoka 2023
        • Women
        • Men
      • Budapest 2022
        • Women
        • Men
    • Oympic Games
      • Tokyo 2020
        • Women
        • Men

    Amateur & Junior Divisions

    • BIWPA
      • Next Generation 2023 – Women
      • Next Generation 2023 – Men
    • Masters Tournaments
      • VAL League
      • Herceg Novi MNE
        • Herceg Novi Masters 2023 β€œ40+”
        • Herceg Novi Masters 2023 β€œ30+”

    Total Waterpolo Arena livescoring app: Stay in the game with real-time updates and stats for your next tournament.

    Contact Us
    • International
      • NCAA
        • NCAA Men’s Finals 2023
      • LEN CHL
        • 2023/24
          • Women
          • Men
        • 2022/23
      • European Championships
        • Eindhoven 2024 – Women
        • Croatia 2024 – Men
        • Split 2022
          • Women
          • Men
        • Budapest 2020
        • Barcelona 2018
      • World Championships
        • Fukuoka 2023
          • Women
          • Men
      • Olympics
        • Tokyo 2020
          • Women
          • Men
    • National
      • Hungary
        • Hungarian League 2023 – Women
        • Hungarian League 2023 – Men
      • France
        • French League 2023 – Men
      • Spain
        • Spanish League 2023 – Women
        • Spanish League 2023 – Men
      • Italy
        • Italian League 2023 – Women
        • Italian League 2023 – Men
      • Nordic League
      • Alpe Waterpolo League
    • Amateur & Junior
      • VAL League
      • Plejade
      • Dobri Dupin
  • Transfers
  • Shop

    WearWaterpoloβ„’ Webshop

    • Webshop
    • Men’s Briefs
    • Women’s Suits
    • Apparel
    • Game Balls
    • About

    Partner up with Total Waterpolo, the leading international water polo network worldwide and take your team gear to the next level. Our products are made to endure the harshest conditions from pro leagues around the world to your local squad rivalries. We can't wait to join your team!

    Get Total Waterpolo for your Team
✕
  • News
  • Results
    • International
      • NCAA
        • NCAA Men’s Finals 2023
      • LEN CHL
        • 2023/24
          • Women
          • Men
        • 2022/23
      • European Championships
        • Eindhoven 2024 – Women
        • Croatia 2024 – Men
        • Split 2022
          • Women
          • Men
        • Budapest 2020
        • Barcelona 2018
      • World Championships
        • Fukuoka 2023
          • Women
          • Men
      • Olympics
        • Tokyo 2020
          • Women
          • Men
    • National
      • Hungary
        • Hungarian League 2023 – Women
        • Hungarian League 2023 – Men
      • France
        • French League 2023 – Men
      • Spain
        • Spanish League 2023 – Women
        • Spanish League 2023 – Men
      • Italy
        • Italian League 2023 – Women
        • Italian League 2023 – Men
      • Nordic League
      • Alpe Waterpolo League
    • Amateur & Junior
      • VAL League
      • Plejade
      • Dobri Dupin
  • Transfers
  • Shop
CroMasters '24
Support Us

Sabadell retake the Queen’s crown from Mataro

February 19, 2023

Bea Ortiz was Sabadell's hat-trick hero. Photo: RFEN.

Sabadell have defeated Mataro 8-6 in a thrilling Copa de la Reina final that sees them lift the trophy for the 18th time.Β 

Today’s final was the latest of yet another clash between two world class rosters, in what is turning into the biggest and most exciting rivalry in the women’s game.Β 

The game was certainly fitting for a cup final between two of Europe’s best clubs. It’s often a cliche to say a game was a rollercoaster ride, but the shifting momentum in this clash was so temperamental, the outcome of the match was only settled with Van der Sloot’s decisive goal inside the last forty seconds.Β 

There were mammoth performances at both ends of the pool. Elena Sanchez in the Mataro goal had a pretty special game, but she could do nothing at times against the firepower of Bea Ortiz (3 goals), Elena Ruiz (2 goals) and the eventual match winner, Sabrina Van der Sloot (2 goals).Β 

Both defences were sensational at times. Mataro’s zone defence proved difficult to penetrate in the first half, while Sabadell’s efforts without the ball in the second half were decisive in securing their victory. Despite being heavily penalised with exclusions, Sabadell’s defensive prowess and tenacity proved to be the difference, earning them their 18th Copa de la Reina title.Β 

While Sabadell will celebrate another string to their bow, Mataro can be proud of the part they played in another amazing spectacle. They will need to perform at the same levels if they are to see off Olympiacos in their Champions League quarter final 2nd leg.Β 

Photo: RFEN.

Astralpool Sabadell 8 – 6 CN Mataro (2-1, 0-3, 4-0, 2-2)

Sabadell: L. Ester, M. Ortiz, P. Leiton, S. Van der Sloot 2, M. Serrano, M. Steffens, E. Ruiz 2, M. Garcia 1, J. Forca, B. Ortiz 3, N. Perez, I. Gonzalez, M. Carrasco

Mataro: E. Sanchez, S. Morell, S. Van de Kraats 2, A. Gual, V. Sevenich 1, R. Keszthelyi-Nagy 1, C. Cambray, C. Nogue 1, S. Avegno 1, Q. Bertran, A. Espar, M. Claveria, E. Carmona Herrera

In the opening stages of the match, Mataro struggled to find their rhythm, and it was Sabadell who seized the initiative, creating several dangerous opportunities that tested Dani Ballart’s team. Despite Sabadell’s dominance, they were guilty of squandering a few half-chances, but Mataro’s ill-discipline in defence provided them with the opportunity to apply the pressure and take control of the game.

Sabadell’s Bea Ortiz found the back of the net twice from the right-side, with both goals assisted by Elena Ruiz. Mataro, on the other hand, were slow to get off the mark, and it was not until Cristina Nogue’s close-range prod home that they opened their account (2-1).Β 

There was a marked shift in momentum in the second quarter, as an apprehensive Sabadell couldn’t find a way past a secure Mataro defence, led by three outstanding pieces of defending from Simone van de Kraats (two steals, one crucial block).Β 

Mataro certainly improved in the offensive areas, and found three consecutive scores. Van de Kraats was never going to miss her 5 metre penalty, Vivian Sevenich guided the ball home from close range on the 6 on 5, before Rita Keszthelyi-Nagy converted a rapid counter-attack on the left side (4-2).Β 

The stakes felt much higher in the third, and thanks to some lethal finishing and a few key decisions, the game swung in Sabadell’s favour, and it was now Mataro’s turn to feel the pressure, with Sabadell finding the back of the net with four consecutive scores, putting Mataro on the back foot.Β 

VAR was used for the first time to aid 2m detection. Photo: RFEN.

Van der Sloot’s first goal in the third period was awarded by VAR. Photo: RFEN.

Sabrina Van der Sloot’s powerful shot was judged to have crossed the line by VAR, before Van de Kraats’ seemingly excellent goal was ruled out for a contra foul elsewhere. Mataro had defended well up to this point, but it was clear that something special was needed to unlock the Maresme’s defence.

Fortunately for Sabadell, they had just the players to do it. Elena Ruiz and Bea Ortiz,Β  both products of CN Rubi’s academy, produced excellently placed shots that shattered the crossbar before evading Elena Sanchez in the Mataro goal.Β 

Maica Garcia, who had been a mere spectator until this point, added Sabadell’s sixth goal to give David Palma’s team a two-goal lead heading into the last quarter.

Photo: RFEN.

Despite having time to mount a comeback, Mataro struggled to reignite their attacking assets in the face of a formidable defense from Sabadell. The reigning champions did manage to pull themselves back within a score, with Silvia Avegno and Simone Van de Kraats scoring twice, firstly at 6-5, and then at 7-5. However, with only forty seconds left on the clock, Sabrina Van der Sloot produced a moment of sheer brilliance that had the Sabadell fans and bench in a state of euphoria.

Her beautifully delicate lob was a true work of art, perfectly executed to catch Elena Sanchez off guard and secure Sabadell’s victory. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the skill, precision, and class on show in the duel. While Mataro may have been disappointed with the result, they can hold their heads high after a hard-fought battle, while Sabadell can bask in the glory of a well-deserved victory.

Previous Winners

2023 – Sabadell

2022 – Mataro

2017-2021Β  – Sabadell

2016 – Mataro

2008-2015 – Sabadell

2006, 2007 –Β  Alcorcon

2004, 2005 – Sabadell

2003 – Mediterrani

2001, 2002 – Sabadell

1997-2000 – Mediterrani

Read more about the Women’s Water Polo in Spain

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

James Spencer-Boyce
James Spencer-Boyce

Related posts

Photo: Luiza Moraes

December 4, 2023

California crowned NCAA champions for third consecutive year


Read more

Novi Beograd, Serbian Cup Photo: S.Sandic/WPFofSerbia

December 3, 2023

Novi Beograd wins its first-ever Serbian Cup


Read more

Denes Varga Photo by Slobodan Sandic

December 3, 2023

Ferencvaros keeps perfect record, earning hard-fought win over OSC


Read more

Featured Projects

01 - 06 July, 2024 - Limited Availability

Book NowLearn More

SUPPORT US ON PATREON

If you share our passion for water polo worldwide, consider becoming a cherished contributor to our cause, with as little as 5$/month.

SUPPORT US

Learn More

Custom Team Gear

LEARN MORE

Shop Now

Looking for something?

βœ•
  • 0
    California crowned NCAA champions for third consecutive year
    December 4, 2023
  • 0
    Novi Beograd wins its first-ever Serbian Cup
    December 3, 2023
  • 0
    Ferencvaros keeps perfect record, earning hard-fought win over OSC
    December 3, 2023
  • Home
  • Water Polo News
  • WearWaterpolo Shop
  • Contact Us
  • Project Superstar – TW Camp
  • BIWPA
  • Custom Team Equipment
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
Β© 2021 Total Waterpolo. All Rights Reserved.
Total Waterpolo Arena
✕
CroMasters '24
Support Us
  • News
  • Results
    • International
      • NCAA
        • NCAA Men’s Finals 2023
      • LEN CHL
        • 2023/24
          • Women
          • Men
        • 2022/23
      • European Championships
        • Eindhoven 2024 – Women
        • Croatia 2024 – Men
        • Split 2022
          • Women
          • Men
        • Budapest 2020
        • Barcelona 2018
      • World Championships
        • Fukuoka 2023
          • Women
          • Men
      • Olympics
        • Tokyo 2020
          • Women
          • Men
    • National
      • Hungary
        • Hungarian League 2023 – Women
        • Hungarian League 2023 – Men
      • France
        • French League 2023 – Men
      • Spain
        • Spanish League 2023 – Women
        • Spanish League 2023 – Men
      • Italy
        • Italian League 2023 – Women
        • Italian League 2023 – Men
      • Nordic League
      • Alpe Waterpolo League
    • Amateur & Junior
      • VAL League
      • Plejade
      • Dobri Dupin
  • Transfers
  • Shop

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized content. By clicking "Accept All Cookies" or continuing to browse this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT