Tarragona, Spain – The 64th edition of the Copa de la Reina tips off today at the Palau d’Esports Catalunya, with the spotlight firmly fixed on perennial contenders Spar Girona and Casademont Zaragoza. The tournament, bringing together the top eight teams in Spanish women’s basketball, promises a thrilling few days of competition, with Valencia Basket also looming as a potential challenger.
Spar Girona, a veritable institution in the Copa de la Reina, enters the competition for a remarkable 14th time, extending an impressive streak of twelve consecutive appearances. They will be the last of the top seeds to take the court, facing Perfumerías Avenida tomorrow at 9:30 PM local time (CET). Today’s quarterfinal matchups feature Casademont Zaragoza against IDK Euskotren at 6:00 PM and Valencia Basket versus Durán Maquinaria Ensino at 8:30 PM.
Casademont Zaragoza arrives in Tarragona as the league leaders, boasting a dominant recent form. Their commanding 101-56 victory over Spar Gran Canaria in their last league game underscored their strength, but head coach Carlos Cantero remains cautious. “We don’t sense like the favorites,” Cantero stated, according to reports. “We feel eager to win, and we believe we have a chance. It’s a short competition, and there’s always a sense of uncertainty.”
Zaragoza’s first test comes against IDK Euskotren, a team expected to rely on its interior strength. The matchup carries a local flavor, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest. Valencia Basket, meanwhile, will face Durán Maquinaria Ensino in a first-time Copa de la Reina encounter. Valencia, who secured their first Copa title in 2024, are considered the favorites in this matchup.
Valencia coach Rubén Burgos is dealing with a potential injury concern regarding Cristina Ouviña. “We arrive with a lot of enthusiasm and eagerness,” Burgos said. “We’ve prepared well, and we’re focused on the first opponent. Hopefully, we can do things right and continue to advance, bringing joy to our fans in Tarragona.”
The Copa de la Reina is renowned for its unpredictable nature, and upsets are always a possibility. Spar Girona knows this well, having reached six finals in their history, winning the title in 2021 under coach Julbe against a strong Valencia side. Their other final appearances ended in defeat against Perfumerías Avenida. Last season, Girona appeared poised for a deep run but were ultimately eliminated in the semifinals by Jairis after a hard-fought overtime battle. Jairis went on to shock the competition and claim the championship, proving that anything can happen in this tournament.
The Palau d’Esports de Tarragona, with a capacity of 4,200, is expected to be packed for all games. Spar Girona is anticipated to have significant fan support, with hundreds of supporters making the trip to cheer on the team. Adding to the excitement, the U14 team from Bàsquet Girona will also be competing in the Minicopa, facing Ekolo Ibaeta, Café Candelas Ensino Lugo, and Comeplastic Araski in the group stage. The Minicopa final is scheduled for Sunday at noon, preceding the Copa de la Reina championship game at 7:30 PM.
This year’s Copa de la Reina showcases the strength and growing competitiveness of Spanish women’s basketball. With Spar Girona and Casademont Zaragoza leading the charge, and Valencia Basket eager to make their mark, the tournament promises a captivating spectacle for fans both in Tarragona and around the world. The competition is a key event in the Liga Endesa calendar, highlighting the best teams and players in the league.
The tournament’s format, a single-elimination bracket, adds to the intensity, meaning every game carries high stakes. Teams will need to bring their A-game from the opening tip to have a chance at lifting the coveted Copa de la Reina trophy. The combination of established powerhouses and potential dark horses ensures a compelling narrative throughout the weekend.
Roberto Íñiguez, Spar Girona’s coach, is expected to provide an update on the team’s injury situation at a press conference today. Chloe Bibby missed Sunday’s game against Valencia, but initial reports suggest she is feeling better. Laura Quevedo also sat out the last league match, and her availability remains uncertain. The team arrived in Tarragona this afternoon and will be fully focused on their quarterfinal clash against Perfumerías Avenida.
The Copa de la Reina is more than just a basketball tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport and a showcase for the talent and dedication of the players and coaches involved. The atmosphere in Tarragona is expected to be electric, with passionate fans creating a memorable experience for all involved.
Next up for Spar Girona is their quarterfinal matchup against Perfumerías Avenida tomorrow at 9:30 PM CET. Fans can follow the action live on Esport3. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Copa de la Reina and all the latest developments from the world of Spanish women’s basketball.
What are your predictions for the Copa de la Reina? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
