Spain is headed to the European final for the third straight time, a remarkable run that highlights the country as a dominant force in women’s water polo. The Gran Canaria climate maybe wasn’t the only thing heating up as the players coached by Miki Oca delivered another masterclass against Greece, sealing a commanding 13-5 victory that reinforced their status as European champions. From the opening whistle it was clear that Spain intended to own the contest, combining precision passes, relentless movement, and clinical finishing to push Greece onto the back foot and keep them there throughout the match. The performance not only earned a place in the final but also echoed the team’s growing legacy of title wins and championship pedigree.
From the outset, Spain enjoyed a pronounced advantage in both tempo and control. Greece did strike first, but the equalizer by Elena Ruiz shifted the momentum decisively. Spain built on that momentum with a steady rhythm, orchestrated by a disciplined offense that found its targets with increasing frequency. Judit Forca emerged as the focal point in attack, striking twice early in the proceedings and setting the tone for what would become a prolific night in front of goal. By midway through the second period, Spain had surged ahead to a 5-1 margin, a scoreline that reflected both the efficiency of Spain’s attack and the structural discipline of their defense. The goals tally in that stretch came from Forca, Anni Espar, Isabel Paralkova, and Nona Pérez, each strike underscoring the team’s depth and shared sense of purpose. Greece did manage to narrow the gap briefly with a late second-period marker, bringing the score to 5-2, but that was as close as they would come to threatening the Spaniards’ supremacy.
Entering the third period, Spain did not hesitate. Forca, who could not be contained on this night, extended the lead with both a penalty and a sequence of cooperative plays that showcased the team’s blend of individual brilliance and collective execution. Oca’s squad dictated play, keeping Greece off balance and thwarting numerous attempts to break through the Spanish defense. The third quarter culminated in a decisive 9-3 advantage after continued pressure and relentless pursuit of every possession. Greece’s lone response in this period only reminded spectators of Spain’s control—an early goal that did little to alter the prevailing narrative of Spain’s dominance.
The fourth period opened with a continued pressure wave as Maica Garcia, Paula Crespi, and Bea Ortiz joined the scoring chorus. Their contributions amplified the continental lead and reinforced Spain’s position as the punishing steamroller of the tournament. Greece, visibly drained and short on answers, watched the clock ticking toward the final whistle as their hopes faded further with every passing minute. The game’s tempo remained fast, and the result looked all but settled well before the final horn.
Beyond the scoreline, the match underscored the coherence of Miki Oca’s system. The squad operated with clockwork precision, each player understanding her assigned role and delivering when it mattered most. The water polo culture this group has cultivated is characterized by relentless training, shared accountability, and an unwavering belief in the process. The team’s approach has repeatedly yielded dividends in major championships, including world titles, Olympic medals, and European crowns, confirming their place among the sport’s elite. With a victory like this, anticipation for the upcoming final is high, as Spain eyes another European title and the chance to extend a storied run of success that has become synonymous with the national program. The squad will look to carry that momentum into the next stage of the competition, aiming to secure a fourth European Championship in a long-standing tradition of excellence.