Eurocup | SC Tenerife Echeyde-EPlus Catalonia, first European assault (Sunday, 13:30)
A historical quarterfinal of the LEN Women's Eurocup awaits Santa Cruz Tenerife Echeyde and EPlus CN Catalonia. For the first time, both will compete in this round of the second continental competition, ensuring a Spanish representative in the semifinals. A fantastic piece of news, without a doubt. The first assault will take place this Sunday (13:30, local time) at the Acidalio Lorenzo in Tenerife.
Both teams have had to work hard to reach these quarterfinals. On one hand, Santa Cruz Tenerife Echeyde, who finished third in the Champions preliminary phase and secured their spot in the Eurocup. Victories against Ethnikos and Hapoel in that first round were crucial in advancing to the second continental competition.
In the Eurocup, Enrique Cruz's team faced a tough group with Trieste, Rapallo, and Lille. The Spanish team emerged as the second team from the group after securing two victories (against Rapallo and Lille) and suffering a defeat to Trieste. A three-way tie at the top of the group allowed the Spanish team to move on to the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, EPlus CN Catalonia followed a very similar path. They finished fourth in their Champions group with three defeats and a victory against the German side Spandau. In the Eurocup group stage, they faced the German team again and emerged victorious. This win was crucial in a highly competitive Group B where Javi Belmonte's team finished as runners-up with six points out of 12. Another victory against Greek side Ethnikos (crucial for winning the tiebreaker for the second place) and two defeats against Hapoel and ZV from Zaan.
They have not faced each other in the Iberdrola League yet this season, so there is no precedence for this campaign.
RFEN Communication. Photo: Image of SC Tenerife Echeyde in this Eurocup / European Athletics
