Fiesta in Celje as Spain defend M20 EHF EURO title

Spain have impressed many times during this tournament, but still managed to save the best for last. Having lost to Portugal in the main round just few days before, they got revenge by beating their rivals in convincing fashion.

The previous Iberian derby on the same court was evenly matched and suspenseful until literally the last seconds, but on Sunday evening in Celje there was going to be only one winner. Spain were the dominant force from the very first minute.

FINAL

Portugal - Spain 31:35

• good defence, Alvaro Pérez on goal and a couple of timely steals enabled Spain a 14:9 lead and then 20:13 at half-time after a poor final few minutes from Portugal
• even though Spain made 20 technical faults in the match (Portugal 15), their attacking precision was impeccable, limiting Portuguese goalkeepers to only six saves in the match (only one in first half)
• Spain's Ferran Castillo did not miss a single shot in the entire match (11/11); Portugal's Miguel Oliveira also scored 11 (from 15 attempts)
• despite conceding 31 goals, Spain did a much better job defensively than a few days ago against the same opponent. They suppressed Portuguese offensive flair with only a couple of two-minute suspensions
• Spain's biggest lead came in the 44th minute (30:21), after which Portugal were able to reduce the gap
• this is Spain's record-breaking fourth gold medal at this competition; Portugal win their third medal of the competition, all three are silver medals (2010, 2022, 2024)

Three years, three competitions, three golds

Men's 18 EHF EURO 2022, Men's IHF Youth World Championship 2023 and now Men's 20 EHF EURO 2024 in Slovenia. Three competitions, three straight crowns for this amazing Spanish generation.

Also, this is their fourth gold on this tournament in the last six editions. With that, they have equalled Denmark's four golds as well.

Thus, Javier Fernandez's players have the routine and experience of not only playing big finals, but winning them as well. That is a luxury Portugal do not have and it proved crucial in the end. Spain immediately knew what they wanted and that is how they acted on the court, while Portugal were struggling to find their rhythm.

Portugal, who were the only undefeated team in the competition heading into the final, were playing catch-up from very early on, but it was pretty obvious that they simply could not cope with Spain. At least not this evening. Despite the loss, Portugal have played a superb tournament and have plenty to be proud of.

But, this is Spain's night, Spain's tournament. Once more. And who knows who or what can stop them, and when.