The Spanish team sets an important precedent
In their second matchday of Group B at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Spain’s men’s water polo team scored an outstanding victory against Hungary, a historic rival that had marked their recent trajectory. The result, 10-7, is not only a triumph, but rather a vindication, becoming a significant milestone for the Spanish team.
Facing the old rival
Hungary has traditionally been seen as the dark beast for Spain, with traumatic memories of defeats at the 2022 European finals and the 2020 Tokyo Games, as well as the Hungarians’ last-gasp victory at the World Cup in Fukuoka last year. This match represented an opportunity to show that the past does not define the present.
Unai Aguirre, the impregnable wall
The goalkeeper Unai Aguirre has been one of the great architects of this success. With a series of impressive saves, he managed to thwart the attempts of the Hungarian attackers. Only a goal by Daniel Angyal, a few minutes from the end of the first half, could crack his performance. His solidity was a key factor in the defense of Spain.
Key moments of the match
The first part started with a spectacular 2-0 thanks to long shots from Munárriz and Sanahuja. In the next few minutes, the Spanish team stayed ahead, with a goal from Marc Larumbe establishing a minimal lead before going into the break. In the return leg, goals from Alberto Munárriz and Álvaro Granados made it 7-4, but Hungary did not give up so easily and closed the gap.
Consolidating the victory
The final stretch of the match was full of nerves, but Spain showed remarkable forcefulness. With a partial 3-1, including a precise strike from Miguel de Toro, they finished the match with a 10-7, leaving behind past frustrations and marking their permanence in the tournament.
A future full of promise
With this victory, Spain secures an important place in the group and approaches its next challenge: a clash against Serbia, which will take place on 1 August. This will be a new test of fire for a selection that seeks to reaffirm its aspirations for Olympic gold, with the ambition to write a new chapter in its history.
