The Onze de Setembre pavilion in Lleida is set to host the Europe Cup Final Four for the fourth time. In previous editions, specifically in 2018 and 2019, Pons Lleida managed to lift the champion's trophy. The team, under the guidance of Edu Amat, aims to repeat this feat and overcome the disappointment of 2023, when they fell in the semifinals as hosts.
The path to the fourth title, following home victories in 2018 and 2019, and the triumph in Andorra in 2021, begins with today's semifinal at 5:30 PM against Italian side Monza. This opponent is characterized by having less experience in European final stages. The Lleida team, which held its last training session yesterday morning, is playing its seventh Final Four, having only missed the 2024 edition due to participating in the Champions League. In contrast, HRC Monza, founded in 2013, is making its debut in a European final phase.
“"They are a young team with quality, so we expect an open match. Playing at home should not be extra pressure, although we hope the responsibility doesn't weigh us down. Here we have won finals, but we have also lost them, and that is a learning experience."
“"It is a privilege to face Llista. They have already won a lot, now it's our turn."
The semifinal between Pons Lleida and Monza has already registered over 330 tickets sold to Lleida fans, while the area designated for the Italian team has only sold about ten tickets, all priced at 15 euros. For the second semifinal, which will pit Calafell against Juventude Pacense, nearly 250 tickets have been sold, with a clear majority of Tarragona supporters.
In the OK Liga Femenina, Vila-sana could secure first place in the regular season today if they win on the court of last-place Mieres at 8:00 PM. Meanwhile, Alpicat will visit Sant Cugat at 5:30 PM, seeking a good result after having moved out of the relegation zone for the first time.
