CN Sant Andreu has been crowned champion of the 29th Copa de la Reina this afternoon after defeating a valiant Astralpool CN Sabadell in a thrilling final, sealing victory with a dominant final quarter (6-1) to win 17-13.
Queen Letizia, who presided over the final from the stands alongside the Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports, Pilar Alegría, and the president of RFEN Aquatics, Fernando Carpena, was in attendance to witness the spectacle.
The opening quarter saw maximum intensity, with Ariadna Ruiz proving to be a sharp attacking force for Sant Andreu. However, Sabadell had three superstars in top form: Bea Ortiz, Paula Leitón, and Hungarian international Rita Keszthelyi.
Sabadell pulled ahead 3-5 by the first break, with Sofia Giustini further extending their lead. It was a difficult spell for Sant Andreu, but Nona Pérez cut the deficit. Paula Crespí brought her team within one, and Olympic star Paula Camus equalized with a 3-0 run (6-6). Ortiz then put Sabadell ahead on a power play, and Keszthelyi capitalized on a defensive error. Crespí responded once more, keeping the game electrifying at halftime: 7-8.
A Match Full of Twists
After the break, Sabadell struck first, but Ruiz continued her outstanding performance, while Keszthelyi remained lethal in front of goal. Crespí, already with three goals, equalized (9-9). Another spectacular backhand goal from Paula Leitón, an Olympic standout, put Sabadell ahead again. A crucial 0-2 run (9-11) gave Sabadell an advantage, while Elena Ruiz struggled against a sharp Laura Aarts, who saved a key penalty. Heading into the final quarter, the score stood at 11-12.
Sant Andreu’s Dominant Final Quarter
A powerful 2-0 run, with Crespí and Ari Ruiz excelling in attack, flipped the script—what a final! (13-12). Camus added to the tally with a crucial counterattack, making it 3-0. Sabadell was reeling and needed a response, but Elena Ruiz extended the lead to 15-12 with four minutes left. Irene González pulled one back, but time was running out. With under two minutes remaining, Marina Cordobés converted on a power play (16-13), and Nona sealed the victory.