The men’s Christmas Cup began at a full Sant Sebastià pool in Barceloneta, where Spain men’s national water polo team recorded a 16–9 victory over the United States men’s national water polo team in the first of two meetings between the sides. The teams will face each other again in Terrassa.
Spain led 4–1 after the opening quarter, with Unai Biel opening the scoring after a measured start. The hosts extended their advantage in the second period, where Álvaro Granados scored three times to help Spain reach halftime with an 8–3 lead.
After the break, Spain maintained control. Goals from Tahull, Sanahuja, Larumbe, and Fran Valera stretched the margin further, and the match was effectively settled by the end of the third quarter at 12–5. The final period saw rotations on both sides, including the senior debut of goalkeeper Aran Pina for Spain, who also saved a penalty.
The teams exchanged goals in the closing minutes, with Spain seeing out a comfortable win ahead of Sunday’s return fixture.
Match Report
Result: Spain 16–9 United States
Quarters: 4–1, 4–2, 4–2, 4–4
Spain: Aguirre, Daura (1), Granados (4), Sanahuja (2), De Toro, Larumbe (1), Cabanas (2), Gomila, Tahull (1), Valera (2), Biel (2), Bustos, Pina, Valls (1)
United States: Weinberg, Larsen, Vavic, Saveljic (4), Zelikov, Castillo, Liechty (1), Brown, Ehrhardt (1), C. Dodd (1), R. Dodd (1), Irving, Temkin, Ohl (1)
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