MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada are stepping into uncharted territory as they prepare for the Europe Cup Women semi-finals a historic moment for the Spanish club and a challenge they are ready to embrace. They will meet Linz AG Froschberg.
Their path to the last four was anything but easy, but it was convincing. After a strong 3-0 win away in Zagreb, they confirmed their place in the semi-finals with a 3-2 victory at home against STK Dr. Časl. Even though only two points were needed in the second leg, the team stayed competitive until the very end, showing both quality and character.
“It was fantastic,” said the club President Joan Carles VIRGILI when reflecting on the quarter-final. “The tie was decided on their field, and the return at home was more of a formality.”
“It was a very important win for us,” Andrea TODOROVIC reflected. “ČASL is a strong team with experienced players, so it meant a lot that we managed to control the match and not let it become more complicated. It was a great way to enter the semi-finals.”
Players like Olga VOROBEVA, Guo RUICHEN and Andrea TODOROVIC have all played key roles throughout the campaign.
“It is true that Andrea was very important in both matches in the last round,” President VIRGILI explained. “But overall, all the players who took part in the Champions League and Europe Cup contributed. In the last round, all three fulfilled their roles very well.”
Preparation, however, comes with its own challenges. MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada do not train together on a daily basis. With players spread across different countries and competing in various leagues, they only come together for matches.
“It’s not easy to really judge our form,” TODOROVIC explained. “We are all playing in different leagues and constantly travelling. But when we come together, we give everything and that’s what matters.”
That shared commitment has been enough to carry them this far and it will be crucial again in the next round.
Waiting for them in the semi-finals is Linz AG Froschberg a team with a strong reputation and a long history of success in both the Austrian league and European competitions.
With players like Britt EERLAND, Suthasini SAWETTABUT, Ivana MALOBABIC, and Andrea PAVLOVIC, Linz bring depth, experience, and a variety of playing styles.
“We definitely expect a different kind of challenge now,” TODOROVIC said. “This is the semi-final, and Linz is a very strong team. They have a lot of experience at the international level, so we know it won’t be easy.”
But for MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada, there is also a sense of freedom.
“Reaching the semi-finals is already a historic result for our club. We go into this match motivated, but without pressure ready to give our best and see what happens.”
Against a team like Linz, preparation will be key especially with such a mix of playing styles on the other side of the table.
“They have everything, defensive players, offensive players, different styles. So we need to be ready for all of that,” she explained. “But in the end, the most important thing is our own game. If we are prepared, motivated, and calm, I believe we can play a good match and then anything is possible.”
Despite the logistical challenges, the team spirit remains one of their biggest strengths.
“The atmosphere is really good,” TODOROVIC said. “Even though we don’t spend much time together, we support each other and stay connected. When we meet for matches, that energy is there.”
For MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada, simply reaching this stage is already a milestone. But the ambition does not stop here.
“Well… reaching the final would be a dream come true,” the President said.” Now we need our supporters to make our dream a reality in the short history of our club, which has only been around for 12 years.”
Domestically, the team continues to perform strongly in the Spanish league, currently sitting among the top teams. While those results help build confidence, the players see European competition as a completely different challenge.
“Winning in the league gives you confidence, of course,” she said. “But European matches are something else. Every match is its own story.”
