Ferencváros Reaches Champions League Final After Thrilling Penalty Shootout

The Ferencváros women's water polo team has secured a spot in the Champions League final, triumphing over Spain's Sant Andreu in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Hungarian side won the first semifinal of the Malta Final Four 4-3 on penalties after the match concluded in an 11-11 tie.

Ferencváros fought back tenaciously throughout the game. After trailing, they managed to equalize in the final minute of the fourth quarter, forcing the shootout. Key goals came from Dóra Leimeter, Dorottya Szilágyi, and Eleftheria Plevritou, while Elena Riuz proved a formidable opponent for Sant Andreu, scoring five goals.

The tense match saw Ferencváros equalize twice in the final quarter. Noa de Vries scored the crucial equalizer with just 50 seconds remaining, sending the game into penalties. The intensity was palpable as both teams battled for every possession.

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The Hungarian substitute goalkeeper saved Queralt Anton Boixadera's shot.

The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair. After initial saves by both goalkeepers, Ferencváros's substitute goalie, Alexandra Kiss, emerged as the hero. Despite conceding one penalty, Kiss made two crucial saves, including the final shot from Queralt Anton Boixadera, allowing Dóra Leimeter to score the decisive penalty and clinch the victory for Ferencváros.

Ferencváros will now face the winner of the Mataro–Olympiakosz match in the final. Meanwhile, the men's defending champion team, also named Ferencváros, will compete in their semifinal against Barceloneta on Thursday.

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Leimeter Dóra then scored the decisive penalty.