Sopron won their first Euroleague Women’s title! Beating Fenerbahce (60:55) in an amazing rendition that knew of no fear. Despite all odds and most predictions Sopron are leaving Istanbul with the championship trophy. Avenida came in third.
Sopron kept a strong defensive presence against the favourited Fenerbahce. Holding their own with 28 rebounds and leading 29:19 by the end of 2Q.
The low score didn’t make this final any less interesting for the crowd in Istanbul. Naturally, most of them supported their home team – Fenerbahce who were facing a lot of pressure and championship expectations. Justifying them by the mid 3Q as Fener stepped just a point from equalising (33:32).
Now both teams were in foul trouble, with some of their biggest assets playing with three each. The game became increasingly physical upholding the standards of what fans love about European basketball.
Team unity, not just individual potential
Sopron moved past their opponents with a series of great reactions by Bernadett Hatar, followed by a great three-pointer by Jelena Brooks (45:38). The winning strategy has changed distance and was no longer under the bucket.
Fenerbahce opened 4Q fiercely. The speed of Amanda Zahui and Alina Iagupova kept the home squad alive. However, the united, tension-free Sopron didn’t allow this to become a single-possession game, increasing their lead.
In their last ditch effort to get the trophy Sabally scored a three-pointer followed by two fast transitions, but Fener couldn’t keep up. Some of the 9000 fans started leaving the venue, while their team visibly lost hope. Five more seconds and two free throws later, Sopron became champions!
The away fans were now louder than ever. Cheering on their girls waiting to step onto the podium as Euroleague Women champions for the first time ever. Tears of joy, hugs and screams showed the importance of this success on both individual, team and organisational level.
With 16 points today Gabby Williams was also named the Final Four MVP.
Captain Szofia Fegyverneky and semifinals hero Jelena Brooks lifted the trophy, the biggest in history for the Hungarian side. Brooks, alongside teammate Nevena Jovanović showed off the Serbian style at thes F4. The party in Istanbul now continues as social media are covered in bright yellow and gold.
Follow SidelineSRB on Instagram.