Madrid and Zvezda reach the final!

BSC Zvezda showed resolve to hold their nerve in the last stages of their semi-final game to secure the place in the final of the Women’s Euro Winners Cup. 

 

The reaction by the French side, led by Brazilian internationals Adriele and Noele Bastos, fell one goal short, as Ivan Kanaev’s side earned the right to recover the title they lost in 2019. Anna Akylbaeva was on hand again for the Saint Petersburg side, scoring his fifth – yes fifth! – goal in the tournament to open the scoring in the first semi-final battle of the day. Ivashkina’s brace confirmed Zvezda’s lead, and ended up being vital to hold out against Marseille’s reaction.   

 

In the final, they will take on Madrid CFF, who are back after their 2020 hiatus, to make it to the last game again, just as they did in 2019. The Madrileñas overcame Terrassa with surprising ease, commanded by Alba Mellado, who was on fire again. 

 

Three goals more for the Madrid number ten made all the difference in the game, together with perfect defending, plus the contribution of Russian international Gorshkova (“Sheva”), rounded of an excellent performance by Madrid, who will have their second attempt at European title, after their defeat to AIS Playas de San Javier in 2019.

 

Outside of the fight for the final, Higicontrol Melilla upset 2019 champions AIS Playas de San Javier after a balanced bout ended with a penalty shootout to contest for 5th place. The defending champions Mriya will be their opponents in that playoff match.