Spain delivered another statement performance ahead of the European Championships, overturning a deficit to defeat Australia 16–15 at the Can Llong pool and secure the Christmas Cup trophy.
The second leg of the Christmas Cup was a rematch of the Paris 2024 Olympic final and followed Spain’s convincing 16–10 win two days earlier at CN Sant Andreu. This time, however, Jordi Valls’ side were pushed all the way by a resilient Australian team before producing a thrilling late comeback in front of a packed Sabadell crowd.
Australia strike first
The visitors made a strong start, racing into a 2–0 lead through Abby Andrews and Halligan. Spain responded via young talent Carlota Peñalver, but Australia continued to punish defensive lapses. Captain Bea Ortiz narrowed the gap, yet two penalties from Hearn saw Australia close the first quarter 4–2 ahead—despite Martina Terré having earlier saved a spot shot.
End-to-end second quarter
Spain came out flying in the second period. Paula Camus converted from center forward before goals from Ortiz and Paula Prats kept the contest finely balanced. Australia remained clinical, edging clear again at 5–7, but a spectacular strike from Irene González reignited the crowd. With the pace relentless and goals flowing, the teams traded blows until Daly scored at the buzzer to send Australia into halftime with a narrow 9–8 advantage.
Momentum swings after the break
The third quarter continued at full throttle. González struck again, only for Hearn to reply immediately. Spain then hit a decisive patch as Carlota Peñalver and Paula Leitón scored back-to-back goals, giving the hosts their first lead of the match at 11–10. Australia refused to relent, responding with three goals to regain control and carry a 13–11 advantage into the final period.
Late Spanish surge seals the trophy
Paula Crespí pulled one back early in the fourth, but another Australian penalty restored a two-goal cushion with under six minutes remaining. Spurred on by the home crowd, Spain launched one final push. Two goals from Ortiz, followed by another from Crespí after a perfectly weighted assist from the captain, turned the game on its head at 15–14.
With less than a minute to play, Crespí struck again to seal a dramatic 16–15 victory and complete a perfect Christmas Cup campaign for Spain.
The win provides an ideal warm-up as Spain turn their attention to the upcoming European Championships in Funchal, carrying both momentum and belief after two hard-fought wins over Olympic finalists Australia.
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