Goals from Juan Lainz, Koke Rodriguez and Andres Mir ensured that Club de Campo became the first ever Spanish team to reach the final of the Euro Hockey League. The Madrid-based outfit recorded a 3-0 win over England's Reading HC, although the score-line suggests that the victory was far more emphatic than it really was.
Following a disallowed goal from Reading's Jonty Clarke courtesy of a smart video umpire referral by Club de Campo, the Spanish team took the lead when a long pass found Eric-Jan Iding through on goal, who calmly set up Juan Lainz for the simplest of finishes in the second period. Campo's second goal arrived towards the end of the third quarter when Koke Rodriguez sent a low penalty corner flick under the body of Reading keeper Nick Brothers, before a stunning reverse stick strike in the final period from Andres Mir effectively sealed the victory.
Club de Campo goalkeeper Xavi Trenchs was named as the ABN AMRO Man of the Match thanks to a string of stunning saves during the game to keep a clean sheet.
A double strike from Timmo Kranstauber and one from team captain Rob Short gave tournament hosts HGC a 3-0 victory over Dutch rivals Oranje Zwart in the second EHL Semi Final.
Kranstauber - who was named ABN AMRO man of the match - scored a penalty corner drag-flick in the first quarter before setting up another for Short, who brilliantly deflected a penalty corner into the net from just outside the left post. HGC's third goal came courtesy of a penalty stroke which was awarded after a video umpire referral, with Kranstauber making no mistake from the spot to send his team and a big crowd into raptures.
"It is unbelievable, really unbelievable", said HGC captain Rob Short when asked for his reaction to reaching the final of the Euro Hockey League on home soil. "However, it means nothing if we don't perform tomorrow. We have a tough match against Club de Campo, so must prepare as well as possible for that."
Sunday will not only be the climax of the Euro Hockey League but also the EuroHockey Club Champions Cup, with England's Leicester aiming to end Den Bosch's 11 year reign as European champions. The EHL 3-4 Place Play-Off - between Reading HC and Oranje Zwart - will also take place at HGC. More information about the tournament including video highlights and the broadcasting schedule for Sunday can be found on www.ehlhockey.tv
Source: Euro Hockey League Media Release
