Perfumerías Avenida triumphed over Casademont Zaragoza 70-66 in the thrilling semifinal of the Copa de la Reina held on March 22, 2025, advancing to the finals for the first time since last year. The match, which took place in Zaragoza before an electrified crowd of 10,400 fans, showcased a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams battled fiercely for the coveted spot.
The early moments of the game saw Casademont Zaragoza taking an impressive lead, closing the first quarter at 20-13. Dominating the boards and executing well in offense, the home team, led by the fierce duo of Shante Evans and Tanaya Atkinson, started strong. However, Avenida quickly responded to this challenge. Under the direction of coach Anna Montañana, Perfumerías Avenida managed to tie the game and then take the lead by halftime, finishing the second quarter just a point behind at 30-31.
The defining moment of the match occurred in the third quarter when Avenida launched a stunning attack, amassing a partial score of 24-10. This remarkable shift enabled them to extend their lead to 54-41 by the end of the third. The key players for Avenida during this surge included Antonia Delaere, who impressed with timely three-pointers, and Iyana Martín, whose clutch plays brought the audience to their feet.
As the final quarter began, Avenida held a comfortable lead. However, Casademont Zaragoza, refusing to back down, made a spirited attempt to close the gap, with Marie Mané hitting three consecutive three-pointers to draw within striking distance. Yet, each time the hosts seemed to gain momentum, Avenida's Laura Gil and other teammates delivered crucial points that thwarted Zaragoza’s comeback efforts.
Despite the best efforts of Zaragoza to overcome a significant 17-point deficit with just eight minutes remaining, the clock worked against them, and they could not manage to equalize or take the lead. In the closing seconds, a three-pointer from Mariona brought Casademont within four at 68-64, but it wasn't enough to change the outcome.
With their win, Perfumerías Avenida has secured a place in the final against Hozono Global Jairis, who edged past Spar Girona 71-67 in the other semifinal match. The championship game is slated for March 23, 2025, at 16:00. This final presents a tremendous opportunity for Avenida to capture their 11th Copa de la Reina title, reflecting their storied success in women’s basketball.
The match demonstrated not merely basketball prowess but showed the spirit of both teams. Zaragoza fought valiantly, energized by a loyal fanbase, but ultimately fell short due to a lackluster third quarter. It was a heart-wrenching loss for the hosts who hoped to repeat their success from the previous year, but they can walk away with their heads held high after a commendable semifinal performance.
