Portugal’s national women’s padel team concluded its European Championship campaign by prioritizing player experience in its final group stage match against Spain, following an earlier elimination from contention.
The team officially exited the tournament after a 3-0 defeat to Spain on Thursday.
National selector João Barros strategically altered the lineup for the match. This ensured every player called up for the squad gained valuable experience at the highest European level.
The decision came after Portugal’s chances for a semifinal spot were nullified. That outcome depended on the result of a match between Belgium and the Netherlands, which Belgium won.
Despite knowing their fate, the Portuguese athletes maintained a professional and determined approach throughout the competition.
In the first doubles match, Clarinha Santos and Constança Gorito faced Spain’s Andrea Ustero and Alejandra Alonso. The Spanish pair won decisively, 6-0, 6-1.
Patrícia Ribeiro and Margarida Fernandes then played a closely contested match. They fell to Lucía Sainz and Martina Calvo 6-4, 6-2, after a strong first set.
The final pairing of Alexandra Silva and Jéssica Para completed the sweep. They lost to Lorena Rufo and Jéssica Castelló with a double 6-1 score.