The Red Sticks trailed Germany and will seek bronze on Saturday against France.
MADRID, 14 (EUROPA PRESS)
The Spanish men's field hockey team was unable to beat host Germany (4-1) on Thursday and fell in the semi-finals of the 2025 European Championship in Mönchengladbach, now with the option of at least winning bronze after failing to reach a continental final that has eluded them since 2019.
The Red Sticks were trailing from the first minute of the match and ran into a Germany side that didn't give up an inch on defense. Spain struggled with goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg, and their offensive output dropped significantly in the third and final quarters.
The 3-1 scoreline, 12 minutes from the final whistle, left Max Caldas's team seriously shaken, a Spain that was looking for another final and medal since the silver they won in 2019. Reaching the semi-finals at the expense of Belgium and a tough road, the team improved on its performance from the last two European Championships, but failed to secure the icing on the cake.
Gonzalo Peillat's penalty goal in the half-minute made things difficult for Spain, who reacted well, finding chances through Danneberg's efforts. Álvaro Iglesias also came close to scoring, but it was the Germans who capitalized, with Mats Grambusch making it 2-0.
The Red Sticks charged down the right flank in the second quarter, lacking accuracy in their quest to close the gap. At least, Luis Calzado cut short the opponent's effectiveness, and on the fifth penalty corner, the Spanish team scored from a brilliantly rehearsed play finished by José Basterra shortly before halftime.
However, the third quarter was a complete standstill, with only a few disturbing moves from Pepe Cunill, but no scoring opportunities, not even for Germany. Calzado held Spain back, but the hosts returned the penalty corner to make it 3-1 by Thies Prinz. Lukas Windfeder then sealed the victory.
The Caldas team missed out on the final, just like they did a year ago at the Olympic Games, but they'll be aiming for continental bronze against France, capping off a historic season with a third-place finish in the Pro League. Germany will face Paris Netherlands for gold.
