Heart and Hustle: Laura Quevedo on Spar Girona’s Historic EuroLeague Push

In the high-stakes environment of European basketball, momentum is often measured in moments of raw emotion. For Spar Girona, that momentum peaked during their hard-fought victory over Venice, a result that propelled the Spanish club into the semi-finals of the EuroLeague Women 2025-26. The victory was not merely a tactical success but an emotional triumph, characterized by a tenacity that defined the team’s approach to the quarter-finals.

Reflecting on the intensity of the win over the Italian side, star player Laura Quevedo captured the spirit of the squad. “EuroLeague quarterfinals are never uncomplicated,” Quevedo noted following the match. “They got a bit close, but we put our heart into it and it came up heads.”

Quevedo’s sentiment was echoed by teammate Mariam Coulibaly, who emphasized the defensive adjustments required to secure the win. Coulibaly noted that while the victory was a milestone, the focus had to shift immediately to the next challenge: a daunting clash with the powerhouse Fenerbahce Opet.

The Road to the Semi-Final Play-Ins

The victory over Venice served as a gateway to the Semi-Final Play-Ins, where Spar Girona faced one of the most formidable opponents in women’s basketball. The series against Fenerbahce Opet tested the limits of the Girona roster, taking them from the passionate atmosphere of their home court in Spain to the intense environment of Istanbul, Türkiye.

For global fans following the tournament, these play-ins represent the critical bridge between the group stages and the final four, where only the most consistent teams survive. For Spar Girona, the journey was a historic feat for the club, regardless of the eventual outcome against the Turkish giants.

Battle in Istanbul: Fenerbahce Opet Takes Command

The first leg of the Semi-Final Play-In took place at the Ülker Sports and Event Hall in Istanbul. Before a crowd of 2,500 spectators, Fenerbahce Opet demonstrated why they are considered a dominant force in the league. The Turkish side secured a commanding 87-69 victory, utilizing a balanced attack and superior efficiency to keep the Spanish side at bay.

Fenerbahce’s control was evident in the scoring runs, including a significant 28-0 lead tracker peak during the contest. Emma Meesseman led the way for the hosts with a game-high efficiency rating of 25. Despite the deficit, Mariam Coulibaly remained a bright spot for Spar Girona, contributing 15 points in an effort to keep the game competitive.

Statistically, the gap was evident in the field goal percentages. Fenerbahce shot 57% from the field compared to Girona’s 44%, while the Turkish team’s 83.3% success rate from the free-throw line provided a steady cushion throughout the four quarters.

Home Court Stand: The Fight at Pavello Fontajau

Returning to Spain, Spar Girona looked to leverage the home-court advantage at the Pavello Fontajau in Girona. With 3,221 fans in attendance, the atmosphere was electric, and the Spanish side fought with the same “heart” Laura Quevedo had referenced after the Venice game.

The second leg was a much tighter defensive struggle. Spar Girona managed to keep the game within reach, but Fenerbahce Opet ultimately prevailed with a 65-58 victory. The game was characterized by several lead changes and a gritty defensive effort from both sides.

Iliana Rupert emerged as a standout performer for Spar Girona, scoring a game-high 24 points. Mariam Coulibaly continued her strong form, recording an efficiency rating of 22. However, Fenerbahce’s consistency proved too much to overcome, as they maintained a 46% field goal percentage and a strong presence in the paint.

Analysis: The Margin of Difference

When reviewing the two-game stretch against Fenerbahce Opet, the difference lay in the ability to execute during critical scoring runs. In Istanbul, Fenerbahce used a massive scoring surge to blow the game open. In Girona, while Spar Girona tightened their defense—as Coulibaly had aimed for—they struggled to find the consistent offensive rhythm needed to overturn the first-leg deficit.

The disparity in three-point shooting also played a role. In the second game, Spar Girona shot only 16.7% from beyond the arc, whereas Fenerbahce managed 27.8%. In the modern EuroLeague game, the inability to stretch the floor often makes it difficult to overcome an opponent with superior interior strength.

Despite the losses, the run to the Semi-Final Play-Ins marks a significant era for Spar Girona. The ability to compete on the biggest stage in European women’s basketball reinforces the club’s growing stature in the sport.

Key Performance Metrics: Semi-Final Play-Ins

The following table summarizes the key statistics from the two-game series between Fenerbahce Opet and Spar Girona:

Looking Ahead

While the Semi-Final Play-In series ended in favor of Fenerbahce Opet, the resilience shown by Laura Quevedo and her teammates provides a blueprint for the club’s future. The journey from the victory over Venice to the battles in Istanbul and Girona has highlighted both the strengths and the areas for growth within the squad.

For more official updates and box scores, fans can follow the official FIBA EuroLeague Women records.

What was your favorite moment from Spar Girona’s historic run this season? Let us know in the comments below.