CN Sant Andreu to compete for Champions League water polo title in Malta

The Barcelona-based team qualifies for the final four after defeating Vouliagmeni in a penalty shootout.

Water polo players celebrating a victory in the pool.
IA

Water polo players celebrating a victory in the pool.

CN Sant Andreu will defend its European women's water polo title at the final four competition in Malta from June 10-13, after overcoming Vouliagmeni in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The players of CN Sant Andreu have earned their ticket to the decisive stage of the Women's Champions League water polo after an intense victory against Vouliagmeni in the second leg of the quarter-finals. The match was decided by penalties, where a crucial goal from Queralt Antón and a decisive save by Martina Terré sealed their qualification.
This achievement marks the Barcelona club's third consecutive appearance in the final four of the top continental competition. Their semi-final opponent will be determined from the match between Hungarian teams Ferencvaròs and UVSE.
The return leg was particularly tense. At the end of the third period, Vouliagmeni led 10-6, a margin that jeopardized Sant Andreu's qualification. However, the European champions reacted with character, erasing the four-goal deficit to force a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, goals scored by Queralt Antón, Ari Ruiz, Williams, Elena Ruiz, and Maria Palacio were fundamental in securing the win and advancing to the final stage.