In a thrilling encounter at the Palacio de los Deportes in Murcia, Servigroup Peñíscola emerged victorious over Illes Balears Palma Futsal with a final score of 4-3, clinching their first Copa de España de fútbol sala title on March 23, 2025. This hard-fought victory marks a historic achievement for the Peñíscola team, who showcased their skill and resilience throughout the tournament.
The match kicked off with high anticipation as both teams aimed for glory, but it was Peñíscola who drew first blood in the fourth minute when Luciano Gauna found the net with a well-placed shot. Despite Palma Futsal's attempt to respond, including an early strike that hit the post from Neguinho, it was clear that Peñíscola was ready to capitalize on their openings.
Palma Futsal struggled to maintain their usual attacking intensity. After Gauna's goal, Sancho extended Peñíscola's lead to 2-0 in the 10th minute, taking advantage of a lapse in Palma's defense. This prompted a desperate response from the Balearic team, who finally turned the tide in the 16th minute with a goal from Bruno Gomes, making it 2-1. However, just a minute later, Peñíscola was quick to retaliate, as Gauna added a third for his team, bringing the score to 3-1.
As the halftime whistle blew, Palma found themselves trailing 3-2 thanks to a goal from Fabinho in the 18th minute, reigniting their hopes of claiming the title. The players made their way to the locker room knowing they needed to regroup and come back stronger.
The second half saw sharp intensity as Palma pushed forward, eager to equalize. Their efforts were rewarded when Fabinho scored again in the 28th minute, which brought the game to a nail-biting 3-4. However, Peñíscola's goalkeeper, Gus, was on point, making several crucial saves—his experience and skill shone through despite sustaining an early injury in the match.
As the clock wound down, Fabinho received a red card in the 38th minute for a foul that left Palma Futsal down to four men, complicating their efforts to press for an equalizer. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans from both sides holding their breath as the final moments unfolded.
Ultimately, the match concluded with Peñíscola celebrating their inaugural Copa de España title, with Gus lifting the trophy to wild acclaim from the crowd. Luciano Gauna's performance did not go unrecognized as he was awarded the MVP of the tournament for his pivotal role in their success.
Reflecting on the victory, Gauna expressed immense gratitude towards his teammates, stating, "Esto es de todo el equipo. Agradecer a mis compañeros por ayudarme en todo... este título es de ellos." Meanwhile, a disappointed Mario Rivillos from Palma remarked, "Nos vamos jodidos... no hemos estado a la altura de lo que suponía una final." Both sentiments reflect the resilience and sportsmanship inherent in such a competitive sport.
This significant match not only marked a new chapter for Peñíscola but also highlighted the challenges Palma Futsal faces moving forward. While they showcased brilliance in their previous matches, the final emphasised the need for improvement against formidable opponents, especially when considering their title aspirations.
As the applause echoed through the venue, it was clear that both teams have a bright future ahead of them. Palma Futsal will look to learn from this experience as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including the Champions League, aiming to bounce back stronger, while Peñíscola can now revel in the glory of becoming champions.
