Mataro have started the 2026/27 season with silverware after defeating Sabadell 11-9 in a dramatic Copa Catalunya final at the Joan Serra pool.
The reigning Spanish champions recovered from a two-goal half-time deficit before Jewel Roemer and Mireia Guiral struck in the closing stages to decide an absorbing final and secure Mataro’s second successive Copa Catalunya title.
Sabadell made the brighter start through Paula Camus, but goals from Queralt Bertran and Tilly Kearns gave the hosts a 2-1 advantage after the opening period.
The momentum changed completely in the second quarter. Ryann Neushul, Nona Perez, Camus and Irene Gonzalez all scored during a four-goal Sabadell run, with Martina Claveria’s effort the only Mataro response as Sabadell reached half-time 5-3 ahead.
Mataro responded after the interval. Kamilla Farago and Carla Martin brought Dani Ballart’s team level before the two sides traded goals throughout the remainder of the third period, leaving everything to be decided in the final eight minutes.
Sabadell twice moved ahead in the fourth quarter through Simone van de Kraats, but first Queralt Anton and then Kearns produced equalisers for the hosts.
The score remained locked at 9-9 until the final minute and a half, when Roemer finally restored Mataro’s lead. Sabadell failed to convert at the other end before Guiral scored the decisive 11-9 goal with less than 30 seconds remaining.
Kearns was named the tournament’s best player after another influential performance for Mataro.
Both finalists had progressed comfortably enough from Saturday’s semi-finals. Mataro broke open a tight game against Terrassa after half-time to win 12-8, while Sabadell raced into a 4-0 opening-quarter advantage against Catalunya on their way to an 11-4 victory.
Terrassa completed the podium on Sunday with a 14-10 victory over Catalunya in the bronze-medal game. Panni Szegedi, Carlota Penalver and Julia Vilaseca each scored three times for Terrassa.
For Mataro, the victory provides the perfect start to the new campaign after they ended last season by winning the Spanish league.
Results
Semi-finals
Mataro 12-8 Terrassa
Catalunya 4-11 Sabadell
Third place
Terrassa 14-10 Catalunya
Final
Mataro 11-9 Sabadell
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