Following the women’s final earlier in the day, the Men’s Spanish Super Cup delivered another showcase of elite water polo at Barcelona’s Piscina Sant Jordi. The latest chapter in the growing rivalry between Zodiac CN Atlètic-Barceloneta and CN Sabadell ended with a familiar outcome — a commanding 16–6 victory for the reigning European champions.

Under new head coach Fran Fernández, making his domestic debut, Barceloneta produced a polished and powerful performance to secure the first national title of the new era.

The match began at full throttle, with Alberto Barroso striking early to give Sabadell a 1–0 lead. But Barceloneta quickly responded, with two goals from Álex Bustos turning the tide. New Sabadell signing Federico Neri equalised before Vince Vigvári and Marc Valls pushed CNAB ahead 4–2 by the end of the first period.

Sabadell fought to stay in touch, as Neri scored again to make it 4–3, but Vigvári’s sharp shooting re-established the cushion at 5–3. Goalkeeper Unai Aguirre then played a decisive role, saving a penalty and blocking a close-range shot from Jan Pérez — moments later, Roger Tahull extended the lead to 6–3. Though Averka momentarily cut the deficit, Sanahuja’s trademark strike restored CNAB’s control at 7–4 by halftime.

Barceloneta unstoppable after the break

The third quarter saw Barceloneta at their ruthless best. Tahull converted a free-throw to start the half, and soon after, Biel Gomila found the net with another well-worked set play. The floodgates opened as Barceloneta piled on six goals in the third period, stretching their lead to an unassailable 14–6.

In the final quarter, Unai Biel added his second of the match to make it 15–6, sealing a comprehensive win for the Catalan side. With the result beyond doubt, Barceloneta controlled possession and coasted to the final buzzer — their dominance once again underlined in Spanish water polo.

A 16–6 triumph marked a perfect start to the season and the first national trophy under Fran Fernández, signalling that the new-look CNAB remains the benchmark for excellence in Spanish and European men’s water polo.

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