Following three consecutive defeats against the strongest teams in the group, Reus Deportiu Virginias needed points to keep their hopes of reaching the Final 8 alive. The match started with initial dominance from Igualada Rigat HC, who quickly took the lead with goals from Marc Carol (7th minute) and captain Roger Bars (9th minute), making it 0-2.
The home team's reaction was immediate. Just one minute later, Guillem Jansà narrowed the gap with a powerful shot. The match intensified due to referee decisions, leading to a rapid accumulation of fouls and blue cards for Pol Martínez (Reus) and three Igualada players. The red-and-blacks capitalized on the power play to turn the score around before halftime, with two consecutive goals from Martí Casas and captain Joan Salvat, making it 3-2.
This victory was crucial for Reus Deportiu to avoid falling behind in the race for the Final 8 spots in Europe's top competition.
In the second half, the tension remained high. Reus goalkeeper Càndid Ballart proved decisive by saving a direct free hit from Marc González after the local team committed its fifteenth foul. Shortly after, Igualada committed their tenth foul, and Martí Casas converted the direct hit, scoring the 4-2 goal. Although an innocent penalty committed by Carles Casas allowed Roger Bars to cut the deficit (4-3), Reus managed to control the game and the clock until the final whistle.
This first continental triumph allows Jordi Garcia's team to face upcoming commitments with greater optimism. Reus Deportiu will travel to France in two weeks to face Saint-Omer, the bottom team in Group A. Before that, however, they will play an OK Lliga match this Sunday visiting Alcoi.
