Spain’s Women’s Water Polo Clinches Second European Title
The Spain women’s water polo team extended its legend with a second consecutive European Championship victory, sealing a decisive win over Greece with a 9 to 6 scoreline in Split. This triumph marks the third European title in Spain’s history and adds a fifth straight podium finish for the national squad.
The coach Miki Oca has guided a squad that blends seasoned champions with a rising generation. Veterans such as Anni Espar, Pili Peña, Maica García, Judith Forca, and Laura Ester continue to lead from the front, while new talents such as Elena Ruiz, Bea Ortiz, and Martina Terré have stepped onto the largest stage after proving themselves in development categories.
In a show of early control, the team built a comfortable lead in the first quarter with three goals, establishing confidence and setting the tone for the rest of the match. Elena Ruiz, at 17 years old, opened the scoring for Spain and signaled a bright future for the group. Coach Oca’s rotation kept his teammates fresh, and players including Nona Pérez and Espar contributed significant goals and steady defense. The Brazilian-born goalkeeper contributed crucial saves as Spain maintained the advantage through the middle quarters.
The celebration continued as Spain asserted its dominance in defense and attack. The team appeared poised, executing smart ball movement and capitalizing on opportunities created by pressure and disciplined defensive organization. The drama of the match shimmered through tense moments in the later stages as Greece pressed for a comeback, but Spain answered with composure and experience.
Social media lit up with praise for the victory as the team celebrated its back-to-back European titles. The win was noted by the sport’s official bodies and fans alike, recognizing the depth of the Spanish squad and the clear signal of its sustained excellence in women’s water polo.
Defensive Mastery and Offensive Flair
The game featured a strategic battle as Greece adjusted its defense in the second quarter. Spain weathered the challenge and found rhythm in the attacking end, with Paula Leiton delivering a key goal that broke the drought and sparked further offensive production. Greece answered with accuracy from the Greek attack, but Spain’s defense tightened, limiting scoring chances and maintaining the edge.
Two early extra-man opportunities by Greece did not derail Spain, as the Spanish back line and goalkeeper held firm. Spain extended its lead through the effort of multiple players, and the team entered the third quarter with momentum intact. The quarter saw both teams trading goals, but Spain remained in control and reinforced its position before the final period.
During the final stretch, Greece intensified its pressure in a bid to pull even, yet Spain’s senior players and emerging talents combined to preserve the lead. Bea Ortiz, Maica García, and Anni Espar anchored crucial plays, ensuring that the closing minutes reflected Spain’s championship poise and experience. The victory not only delivered a trophy but also underscored Spain’s standing as a powerhouse in European women’s water polo.
Spain finished the contest with a strong line-up featuring Martina Terré in goal and a disciplined defensive unit that complemented an efficient attack. The Greek side fought with grit, aiming to claim their first European title, but the Spaniards’ balance of attack and defense proved decisive in the end.
Spain: Martina Terré, Cristina Nogué, Anni Espar (two goals), Bea Ortiz (one), Nona Pérez (one), Paula Prats, Elena Ruiz (two goals, one from a penalty), Pili Peña, Judith Forca, Maica García (two), Paula Leiton (one), Laura Ester.
Greece: Ioanna Stamatopoulou, Eleftheria Plevritou (one), Ioanna Chyridioti (two), Foteini Tricha, Margarita Plevritou (one), Eleni Xenaki (one), Eirini Ninou, Maria Patra, Christina Siouti (one), Vasiliki Plevritou, Athina Ganopoulou, Maria Myriokefalitaki, Eleni Sotireli.
Referees: Alessia Ferrari of Italy and Nenad Peris of Croatia. Nogué and Prats received exclusions during the match. The score by quarters read 3-0, 1-3, 1-0, 4-3.