Spain Edges Out Germany in a Thrilling Opening Match with 30:29

The Iberians remained more composed over the 60 minutes and held their nerve in the final phase.

The 2025 Airport Trophy in Kloten kicked off with a high-stakes clash between the junior national teams of Germany and Spain. For Germany, a six-time tournament champion, the objective was to regain momentum after a shaky World Cup preparation in Egypt. Spain, on the other hand, arrived as the reigning titleholder and current U21 European champion, determined to extend the winning streak of the “Hispanos Juniors.” With standout players like goalkeeper Pau Panitti Martínez in their ranks, it was clear that the Iberians were among the top contenders in Kloten. For Germany, hopes were pinned on players like Julian Buchele, the best goalkeeper of the 2023 Airport Trophy.

First Half

Spain came out of the gates flying, opening the game with a spectacular spin shot. Coach Javier Fernández Lopez's squad applied relentless pressure with an aggressive defensive setup right from the start. However, in the third minute, the Iberians received a two-minute suspension after a German player took a blow to the face. Despite the early setback, Spain maintained control of the game in the opening phase.

Germany struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, but Henri Papst stood out as a threat from the right back position. Meanwhile, Spain's attack was more varied, with Alejandro Díaz Montero converting three fast breaks, pushing the Iberians ahead 16:11 after 23 minutes. Just before the halftime whistle, Germany finally found its rhythm. Julian Buchele shone with two crucial penalty saves, while Linus Kutz and Georg Löwen made vital contributions in attack, leveling the score at 17:17 with a last-second goal off a turnover.

Second Half

Both teams started the second half nervously, and it took until the 34th minute for Germany to break the deadlock with a counterattack goal by Georg Löwen, regaining the lead. The match remained tight. In the 36th minute, Germany's Leif Haack was shown a direct red card for a blow to the face – a significant blow for the German side.

Spain seemed to lose their composure as the game wore on. By the 50th minute, they had racked up 15 technical errors, and Germany capitalized, taking a 25:24 lead. Spanish coach Javier Fernández Lopez called a timeout, and it proved effective. Spain regained control with a spectacular airborne shot in the 52nd minute, embarking on a 5-0 run to go up 29:26 by the 58th minute.

Germany fought back valiantly, reducing the deficit to 28:29 with a penalty goal. However, despite having a numerical advantage in the final 30 seconds, they failed to capitalize. The last-second shot clanged off the post, and Spain emerged as the narrow but deserved 30:29 winners.

Outlook

For Germany, the bitter defeat in the opening game of the 2025 Airport Trophy will be a tough pill to swallow. Despite a strong comeback in the first half, they lacked the necessary consistency in the second half to bring down the defending champions. Missed opportunities and costly turnovers in the final moments ultimately sealed their fate.

For Spain, the victory was a significant statement heading into the next games. Germany must now refocus for their upcoming clash against France, with particular emphasis on maintaining composure and reducing technical errors in the backcourt. Spain, meanwhile, will enter their second match brimming with confidence, relying on their versatile attacking formations and clutch performances from key players.