Atlètic-Barceloneta One Step Away From Champions League

The 'mariners' club defeats Ferencváros in a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the European competition's final.

Generic image of a water sport ball.
IA

Generic image of a water sport ball.

Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta is just one match away from winning the Champions League in water polo, having qualified for the final by defeating Ferencváros in a penalty shootout.

The 'mariners' secured victory against Ferencváros with a 13-11 score in a decisive penalty shootout, after the match ended in an 11-all draw. Goalkeeper Unai Aguirre was instrumental with his saves.
Throughout the first half, the game was very evenly matched, with defenses dominating attacks. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 3-2, with goals from Alessandro Velotto (2) and Chalo Echenique for Atlètic-Barceloneta. This dynamic continued into the second quarter, with the Catalan team leading 6-3 at halftime, also thanks to the outstanding performance of Unai Aguirre in goal.
In the third period, Ferencváros reacted with a 0-3 run, narrowing the gap to 7-6. The parity persisted until the end of the match, which concluded in a 9-9 draw, forcing a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Unai Aguirre's presence was decisive. One of his saves, an opponent's shot hitting the post, and a goal from Marc Valls sealed Atlètic-Barceloneta's qualification for the Champions League grand final.