Tarragona, Spain – Spar Girona’s Copa de la Reina campaign ended in the quarterfinal stage on Thursday, with the team falling to a strong Avenida side. Even as acknowledging their opponent’s deserved victory, head coach Roberto Íñiguez and captain Ainhoa López emphasized the significant impact of physical fatigue on their performance, a sentiment that underscored the entire post-match assessment.
The defeat, coming after a demanding season that saw Spar Girona qualify for the EuroLeague Women, leaves the team focusing on remaining challenges. Íñiguez and López both stressed the require for self-criticism and a swift recovery as they navigate a busy schedule. The core message delivered after the match, as relayed by López, was one of acknowledging errors and learning from them, while prioritizing the well-being of players battling through physical exhaustion.
“The rival deserved to win. In the first half, we tried to get back into the game but couldn’t,” López stated, as reported by Diari de Girona. “It’s a lack of respect to the fans and to ourselves, obviously it wasn’t the game we dreamed of, and we all have to be self-critical and learn from this.” She added that a key to future success lies in maintaining consistency, noting, “When you’re not accurate in front, you shouldn’t go backwards. Basketball is game by game, and today we weren’t accurate, nor were we the team we’ve been all year. Notice still many nice challenges ahead because we’ve worked very well throughout the season.”
Íñiguez echoed López’s sentiments, but also highlighted the contrasting circumstances surrounding each team’s arrival at the Copa de la Reina. “Both teams arrived at the Copa de la Reina at different moments,” he explained. “Avenida is in a very good moment, with almost the entire roster available, and we are going through a complicated moment, with many physical problems, and that prevents us from working well. The last game in Valencia gave me optimism, that despite the problems we could bring out that race. But the physical difference was seen. They took us off the court with contact and energy. Surely we have made mistakes, but the first reason is physical.”
The coach’s assessment pointed to a clear disparity in physical condition, attributing their struggles not to tactical shortcomings alone, but to the cumulative effect of injuries and a demanding schedule. This physical toll, he argued, hampered their ability to execute their game plan effectively and compete at their usual intensity.
Íñiguez further elaborated on the team’s current state, stating, “We are the team we are, with virtues and defects. In the first half, with the 21-25 score, it seemed we could come back. We have made mistakes in defense, we have conceded easy baskets, but it was a wanting and not being able physically.” He expressed concern for the well-being of his players, acknowledging the strain they were under and the challenges of maintaining peak performance amidst ongoing physical difficulties.
The reference to the match in Valencia suggests a recent positive performance that offered a glimmer of hope, but ultimately proved insufficient to overcome the physical challenges faced against Avenida. The coach’s comments underscore the delicate balance between pushing players to their limits and ensuring their long-term health and availability.
Roberto Íñiguez’s continued leadership at Spar Girona was recently confirmed, as Bàsquet Girona announced his renewal for the 2025-26 season. This commitment from the club demonstrates confidence in Íñiguez’s ability to navigate these challenges and build a competitive team for the future. The team’s roster for the 2025-26 season includes key players such as Mariam Coulibaly, Juste Jocyte, Klara Lundquist-Holm, and Axelle Merceron, according to Eurobasket.com.
Looking ahead, Spar Girona will need to prioritize recovery and strategic preparation as they continue to compete in both domestic and European competitions. The team’s ability to address its physical limitations and maintain a competitive edge will be crucial to their success in the remaining stages of the season. The focus will undoubtedly be on regaining key players to full health and implementing tactical adjustments to mitigate the impact of fatigue.
The next challenge for Spar Girona remains to be determined, but the team will undoubtedly aim to build on the lessons learned from the Copa de la Reina and return to the court with renewed determination. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and schedule through the official Bàsquet Girona website and social media channels.
