Overview
- Olympic champion Spain let a two-goal fourth‑quarter lead slip as Hungary closed with a 4-0 run to win the Group B opener.
- Under European Aquatics’ format, points from the preliminary round roll over to the second phase, increasing the setback’s impact.
- Coach Jordi Valls fielded a youthful 15-player roster missing leaders Anni Espar, Judith Forca and Maica García, with Bea Ortiz as the focal point.
- Ortiz provided crucial scoring and goalkeeper Martina Terré registered 11 saves, yet Hungary—Spain’s 2025 World semifinal conqueror—seized control late.
- Spain’s next games are against host Portugal on Tuesday at 21:15 and Romania on Thursday at 13:15 in Funchal.