The women’s team of Ethnikos Piraeus came from behind to win the LEN Trophy, Europe’s second-tier club competition, for the first time by beating Russia’s Khanty-Mansiysk in the penalty shoot-out on Wednesday.
Greece goalkeeper Maria Tsouri was the heroine as she saved two penalties and gave Ethnikos the most glorious moment of their history in front of their own fans at the Petros Kapagerov swimming centre.
Ethnikos needed a two-goal win in the second leg in Piraeus having lost 13-12 in Russia in the first leg, but fell behind the visitors in the first half after having problems both in defence and in attack, particularly in the extra-woman attacks.
Mansiysk led 6-4 early in the second half and seemed destined for a triumph, but somehow Ethnikos fought back and took a 7-6 lead by keeping their defence really tight.
The Greeks went on to lead 10-8 a couple of minutes before the end, but the Russians scored the goal that took the match to extra time (10-9).
Ethnikos thought they had won it when they led 13-10 in the second period of extra time, but a couple of errors allowed the Russians to score twice (13-12) and force a penalty shoot-out.
Despite their disappointment for twice missing out on victory, the Ethnikos players were impeccable in the shoot-out, scoring four out of four, while Tsouri conceded only one out of three penalties, gifting Ethnikos the European trophy amid rapturous celebrations by the Greek fans at the stands.
Attention now is turning to Corfu, where the Champions Cup Final-Four will be hosted featuring two Greek sides.
In the semifinals on Friday Olympiakos will face Kirishi of Russia and holders Vouliagmeni will clash with Italy’s Catania.