Hosts Czechia produced a powerful performance to defeat Catalonia 27–15 in their opening match of the second group phase, taking an early advantage in the battle for a place in the semi-finals.

Lukas Holik led the scoring with seven goals, while Petr Galicek added five and captain Sara Sahatciu contributed four. Czechia’s attack was varied and clinical, featuring ten medium-range goals, eight long-range efforts, three penalties, three near shots and three free passes. Catalonia’s main threat came from Julia Soriano Milián, who finished with six goals, supported by Laura Tobaruela Ruiz with three. The Catalans created opportunities but were unable to match the hosts’ intensity and finishing.

The result gives Czechia three points in Pool E, which also includes the Netherlands and England. Catalonia remain without points from this phase and will need a strong response to keep their semi-final ambitions alive.

Looking ahead

Both sides have one further match in the second group phase. Czechia will look to build on this result and secure a top-two finish in the pool, which would take them into the semi-finals. Catalonia must aim for a victory in their remaining fixture to improve their position and avoid dropping into the matches for places 5–8.

With the top two from each upper pool advancing to the semi-finals and the others contesting positions 5–8, the remaining matches will be decisive for both teams’ final ranking ambitions at the championship.

Final score: Czechia 27–15 Catalonia

Top scorers: Lukas Holik (CZE) 7, Julia Soriano Milián (CAT) 6, Petr Galicek (CZE) 5, Sara Sahatciu (CZE) 4, Laura Tobaruela Ruiz (CAT) 3, Petr Snajdr (CZE) 3