Euro Final 8: Spain chases their “Twelfth” against Portugal. Brilliant Netherlands to fight Italy for bronze

Reaching a twelfth final in fourteen editions shows once again how dominant Spain is in Europe. After the women’s team, the men’s Roja also booked their spot in the final of the FIP Euro Padel Cup in La Línea de la Concepción, beating a sparkling Netherlands side that will now play for bronze against Italy, while Spain will face Portugal again, after already meeting them in the group stage. In a Plaza de Toros packed with Spanish support all afternoon, the first point came from Álex Ruiz and David Gala, a solid pair who had already impressed in Wednesday’s win over Sweden. A mix of experience and youth that clicked once again: against Sten Richters and Thijs Roper, one of the best Dutch duos, Spain needed nine games to break the balance; once they got the first break, they closed the match comfortably 6-4 6-2. After the win, Ruiz praised his young partner: “We’re happy to get the first point for the team and I’m especially happy to do it with ‘Galita’. He’s the youngest of the team and I can tell he has a very bright future.”

The crowd’s support was also key in the second match, featuring Víctor Ruiz and Álvaro Cepero, one of the two “local” players — born in San Fernando, just over an hour from La Línea — along with Javi Leal. After a 6-2 opening set, the Dutch pair Groen/Van Betuw fought back, recovering a break and taking the set 7-6, before Cepero and Ruiz reacted strongly to seal the final set 6-2. “It wasn’t an easy match, but we quickly took back control. It’s been a memorable and very special week, and even more so playing in front of our home crowd”, said Ruiz. Cepero went even further: “Playing at home, with my people and family here, is beautiful and special — but above all, representing my country is what matters most. I’m enjoying every second of this opportunity, because it could be the last one”.

THE APPLAUSE FOR THE OPPONENTS The long standing ovation at the end wasn’t only for Álvaro and Spain, but also for the Dutch team, who achieved a historic result: “I’m very proud of my guys”, said coach Pablo Moreno. “We’ve been working for years and they behave like true professionals. This is the result — it’s what they deserve for everything we’re building, especially in a small country like the Netherlands. Over the last year we’ve grown in every area: physically, technically, and tactically. And the team spirit has improved a lot; the guys support each other and that’s the most important thing”.