Spain Crowned Champion of the Airport Trophy

Spain secures the tournament victory at the 2025 Airport Trophy in Kloten with a 27:23 win over France. In a clash defined by strong defensive performances, the Iberians emerged victorious.

On the third and final day of the Airport Trophy in Kloten, the much-anticipated showdown between France and Spain unfolded – both teams had claimed two wins and entered this match with the title on the line. While France narrowly edged out Germany in the closing seconds of their previous game, Spain had showcased its offensive prowess with a convincing win over Switzerland. For France, it was a chance to claim their first trophy since 2018, while Spain aimed to defend their title.

First Half:

France opened the game with a tactical surprise, playing with seven court players throughout the match. However, this strategy proved to be a double-edged sword: Spain capitalized on the empty French net, scoring five goals into the unguarded goal in the first half alone. Despite the setbacks, France initially kept pace and led 5:3 after ten minutes. Yet, Spain adjusted to the system, forced French errors, and turned the tide.

Particularly on the right wing, Alberto Delgado Molina was the standout performer, consistently finding space and netting eight goals to emerge as the game’s most impactful player. Spain headed to the locker room with a well-deserved 15:12 lead.

Second Half:

After the break, France stuck to its 7-on-6 approach, but the strategy continued to backfire. Miscommunications became more frequent, and Spain punished these lapses with precision. Goalkeepers Alvaro Pérez Méndez (11 saves) for Spain and Stanis Soullier (10 saves) for France both rose to the occasion, thwarting several clear-cut chances.

France fought to close the gap, with Eliott Desblancs narrowing the deficit to 17:18 in the 40th minute. But Spain responded immediately and pulled away again. In the final phase, head coach Javier Fernández’s squad kept their composure, expertly managing the clock to seal the 27:23 victory.

Outlook:

With the win, Spain not only claims the tournament title but also sends a strong message ahead of the upcoming Junior World Championship in the summer. Throughout the Airport Trophy, the Iberians displayed a compact, composed, and tactically astute performance. Both teams now turn their focus to building on the lessons learned in Kloten as they prepare for the global stage.