Why This Competition Matters

The European Cup in Portugal is not just another stop on the calendar—it’s a proving ground for athletes eyeing the 2026 European Championships. Almendros, who has been convocada (selected) by the Spanish Judo Federation, will face a mix of regional and continental rivals, including Portugal’s homegrown talents and veterans from neighboring countries. Her performance here will be scrutinized by national coaches, who are already mapping out Spain’s roster for next year’s continental showdown.

Key detail: The tournament runs from May 25–27 (local time; UTC+1) at the Pavilhão Desportivo de Almada, near Lisbon. Almendros is expected to compete in the 63kg weight class, a category where Spain has historically struggled for podium consistency.

What’s on the Line for Almendros

Almendros’ participation in this European Cup is a career milestone. Here’s why:

• Federation trust: Her selection signals confidence from Spain’s judo leadership, who have historically prioritized experience over youth in major tournaments.
• Podium pressure: A top-3 finish would cement her as a top-ranked Spanish judoka in her weight class, potentially earning her a spot in the national team’s pre-selection pool for 2026.
• Technical growth: The European Cup’s format—shorter matches, faster transitions—mirrors the intensity of Olympic and World Championship bouts, giving Almendros a taste of high-stakes competition.

Note: While the European Cup does not award world-ranking points, its results are closely monitored by the IJF for talent identification.

How Almendros Could Outmaneuver the Field

Almendros’ game plan will hinge on three pillars, based on her recent performances:

1. Ne-waza dominance: She has shown a knack for groundwork (pinning and submission holds), particularly against taller opponents. Expect her to use her 6’0” (1.83m) reach to control distance and transition to kesa-gatame (scarf hold) early.
2. Counterattacks: Her 2025 national championships win came via uchi-mata (inner thigh throw) after absorbing an opponent’s initial charge—a tactic she may replicate against Portugal’s aggressive homegrown judoka.
3. Defensive precision: Almendros has improved her kuzushi (off-balancing) defense, a critical skill in the 63kg category where throws are often contested. Look for her to use tsuri-komi-goshi (lifting hip throw) as a secondary option if her primary throws are blocked.

Coaching insight: “Her kumi-kata (grip fighting) has tightened this season,” said a source close to the Spanish team. “If she can dictate the pace in the first 10 seconds of each match, she’ll have the upper hand.”

Spain’s Judo Revival: The Bigger Picture

Almendros’ rise coincides with a resurgence in Spanish judo. After a decades-long lull, the country has produced a new generation of medalists, including Federación Española de Judo-backed athletes like Miriam Buti (70kg) and Francisco Garrigós (66kg), who won bronze at the 2025 World Championships. The European Cup in Portugal is part of a three-tournament roadmap Spain has set for 2026, culminating in the European Championships in Kazan.

Fun fact: Portugal’s judo program has historically struggled in the 63kg category, with its last podium finisher dating back to 2022. Almendros could face Beatriz Sousa, a rising Portuguese judoka, in the semifinals—a matchup that would mark a transnational rivalry in the making.

Almendros’ 2026 Schedule: The Road Ahead

Almendros’ next confirmed appearance is the Grand Slam Paris in June, where she’ll face a field that includes Clarisse Agbegnenou (France) and Barbara Matić (Croatia). A strong showing in Portugal could earn her a wildcard spot in the Olympic selection process.

Live Updates and Where to Watch

For real-time results and highlights:

• European Judo Union (live scoring)
• @JudoEspana (Spanish team updates)
• IJF TV (archived matches, 24-hour delay)

Note: The tournament will not be broadcast live on major networks, but IJF’s YouTube channel will post highlights within 48 hours of each session.