Claret Benimaclet Women earned a valuable 70-62 road victory over Ibaizabal Galdakao Women in Spain Women’s Liga 2 on Sunday, 18 October 2026. The visitors produced the decisive run of the game in the third quarter and then held off a late Ibaizabal comeback to leave Galdakao with two important points in the promotion race.

The final scoreline reflects a contest that was close for long stretches but tilted on a single, dominant spell either side of half-time. Ibaizabal stayed within touching distance early, only for Claret Benimaclet to tighten their defence, force turnovers and convert enough open looks to build a cushion that survived the home side’s fourth-quarter push.

Match overview: Claret Benimaclet take control after the break

Played at the Polideportivo de Galdakao, the game opened at a brisk pace. Ibaizabal used their home crowd and early energy to edge a tight first quarter, while Claret Benimaclet stayed patient in the half-court and kept the deficit manageable. The second period was almost identical in rhythm, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a double-digit advantage before the interval.

The turning point came in the third quarter. Claret Benimaclet raised their defensive intensity, disrupted Ibaizabal’s ball movement and turned several stops into quick transition points. A 10-0 run in that period gave the visitors the separation they needed, and from there they were able to play with greater control.

Key moments that decided the game

• Third-quarter surge: Claret Benimaclet outscored Ibaizabal by nine points in the third period, turning a level game into a lead they never surrendered.
• Defensive pressure: The visitors forced Ibaizabal into hurried possessions and limited second-chance opportunities during the decisive run.
• Late-game composure: After Ibaizabal cut the gap to five points in the fourth quarter, Claret Benimaclet responded with timely baskets and free throws to protect the win.
• Free-throw edge: Claret’s ability to convert from the line in the closing minutes proved crucial as Ibaizabal were forced to foul.

Tactical story: defence and tempo

Ibaizabal Galdakao’s best spells came when they played through the paint and attacked the offensive glass. Their interior players created problems in the first half, and the home side’s guards found some success driving into the lane. However, Claret Benimaclet adjusted after the break, collapsing defensively and making those drives more difficult.

Claret’s perimeter defence was central to the result. By denying clean three-point looks and contesting rebounds, the visitors slowed Ibaizabal’s half-court offence and created the transition chances that broke the game open. On offence, Claret Benimaclet moved the ball well and punished Ibaizabal whenever the defence rotated late.

Standout performers

Claret Benimaclet’s backcourt set the tone, combining for 31 points and several key assists. Their guard play controlled the tempo in the third quarter and gave the visitors the calmness they needed late on. A strong rebounding performance from the frontcourt also helped Claret win the battle on the boards, particularly in the second half.

For Ibaizabal Galdakao, the forward line was the main source of resistance. Their leading scorer finished with 18 points, while a guard added 13 points and kept the home side within reach during the fourth-quarter rally. In the end, though, Ibaizabal could not string together enough defensive stops to complete the comeback.

Season impact and what comes next

The win strengthens Claret Benimaclet’s position in a tightly packed Spain Women’s Liga 2 table. Road victories against direct rivals are especially valuable in a league where home form often shapes the playoff picture, and this result gives the visitors momentum as they move deeper into the campaign.

For Ibaizabal Galdakao Women, the defeat is a reminder of how narrow the margins can be in Liga 2. The home side showed plenty of fighting spirit and stayed competitive for long periods, but the third-quarter lapse ultimately cost them. They will need to improve their ball security and defensive rebounding in the coming fixtures.

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