The European League of volleyball is returning to Alicante this weekend, cementing the city’s position as a regular stage for top-tier European volleyball and a home away from home for the Spanish women’s national team.
The national team, guided by head coach Pascual Saurín, arrives in Alicante currently unbeaten in the European League. They are set to play two crucial matches at the Pedro Ferrándiz pavilion against North Macedonia and Azerbaijan, keeping their long-term focus on the upcoming European Championship in Baku.
Action at the Pedro Ferrándiz pavilion begins on Friday 12th June at 19:30, when Spain faces North Macedonia. On Saturday 13th June at 18:30, North Macedonia and Azerbaijan will face each other at the same venue. The action concludes on Sunday 14th June at 18:00, with Spain taking on Azerbaijan.
Spain’s return to Alicante comes exactly one year after delivering spectacular performances in the city during last year’s European League against Sweden and Croacia. The Pedro Ferrándiz pavilion also holds a historic domestic record for the national team, having attracted 4,500 spectators during a memorable match in September 2022.
The Spanish squad features a balanced roster of 16 players selected by Saurín, combining experienced figures like Ariadna Priante, Patricia Aranda, Raquel Lázaro, Margalida Pizà, and Patricia Llabrés, with developing talents such as Lola Hernández Van den Bosch, Lucía Varela, Carla Jiménez, Jéssica Akamere, Zoi Mavrommatis, Lucía Prol, María Schlegel, Inés Losada, Carolina Camino, Fatou Diop, and Jimena Fernández.
This European League campaign is divided into three key phases. The first phase took place in Gorazde, Bosnia, where Spain played against Bosnia and Kosovo. This weekend’s matches in Alicante mark the second phase, while the third phase will take place in Kópavogur, Iceland, where Spain will compete against Finland and Islandia.
If the national team successfully qualifies, they will advance to the decisive final phase. The semi-finals are scheduled for late June and early July, with the finals taking place between 8th and 12th July. Tickets for the matches in Alicante are available from 10 euro, with promotional discounts having been offered during the early sales period.
