Seven-time Champions League winners, CN Sabadell, are firm favourites to claim the women’s Super Cup title on Friday night, as they take on Italy’s Plebiscito Padova in their home pool.
Victory would secure Sabadell’s fifth Super Cup triumph, further cementing their place as one of Europe’s most dominant water polo teams. However, history offers a glimmer of hope for Padova, as Sabadell have lost two Super Cup finals against Italian sides in the past.
This marks the first time in five years that the women’s Super Cup final returns to Sabadell, and the Spanish giants will be eager to erase the painful memories of their 2019 defeat. On that occasion, the home favourites were stunned by Orizzonte of Italy, marking the only time Sabadell have lost the Super Cup final in their own pool. However, it is worth noting that Sabadell have won the Champions League Final Four on Spanish soil every time it has been held – a perfect six-out-of-six record.
Overall, this will be Sabadell’s seventh Super Cup final appearance, with four titles already in the trophy cabinet. Notably, their three early victories in 2013, 2014, and 2016 were all decided by a single goal, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion in tight contests. Their most recent Super Cup success came just last year, when they dominated Hungary’s UVSE in Budapest, securing a 14-11 victory.
Despite Sabadell’s status as favourites, their two Super Cup losses both came against Italian opposition, first in 2011 to Recco and then in 2019 to Orizzonte. Now, Padova will be looking to repeat that success. For the Italian side, this will be their second appearance in the Super Cup final, having previously lost 10-6 to Olympiacos back in 2014.
Sabadell, meanwhile, have strengthened their squad over the summer with the addition of several star players, as they aim to secure a record-tying eighth Champions League title this season. A victory on Friday would also give them their fifth Super Cup title, reinforcing their status as the top team in Europe’s all-time rankings.
While the Champions League winners have historically held the upper hand in Super Cup finals – with a 12-5 record against Euro Cup holders since the competition began in 2006 – the gap is far smaller in the women’s game compared to the men’s, where Champions League winners boast an overwhelming 21-1 advantage since 2002.
It promises to be an exciting contest, with Sabadell looking to reclaim the trophy and Padova aiming to upset the odds. Fans can catch all the action live on www.euroaquaticstv.com from 19.00 CET on Friday night.