Olympiakos wins Euro crown in women’s water polo
The women’s water polo team of Olympiakos won its first ever LEN Euro League at the Final Four it hosted in Piraeus by beating holder Sabadell from Spain 10-9 in Saturday’s final.
After defeating Kinef Kirishi from Russia with a 10-8 score in Friday’s semifinal, the Reds had to face the team that had won the last two European crowns.
Sabadell led from the start 1-0 and then 3-1, with the first half ending 4-3 in the Spaniards’ favor. However a strong third quarter for Olympiakos saw the host score five goals to turn the game on its head as it led 8-6.
There were more twists to come in the final as Sabadell fought back to score three goals and snatch the lead 9-8.
Yet it was the host’s captain Filio Manolioudaki who had the last laugh, as she equalized 9-9 for Olympiakos and just as it seemed that the final was heading to overtime she also went on to score the winner that gave Olympiakos the trophy.
This was the fifth time a Greek team has won the Euro League, after two wins for Glyfada and two for Vouliagmeni.
