The 2020 Copa del Rey final will be remembered as one of the most gripping matches in Spanish volleyball history, with Voleibol Teruel edging Almería 3-2 on February 10, 2020. The five-set battle delivered everything: momentum swings, an electric crowd, and a deserving champion who saved their best for the last ball.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, the final had a classic feel. Almería, a club with a storied past in the Copa del Rey, came out swinging with aggressive serving and sharp combination play. Teruel answered with a physical block and the cool decision-making of their setter, creating a duel that ebbed and flowed with every set.

Neither team ever looked comfortable in front of the net for long stretches. The match twisted through tense set endings, and the momentum shifted frequently, forcing both squads to dig deep into their mental reserves.

How the Final Was Won

Teruel's defining moment came in the fifth set. After Almería had fought back from a two-set deficit earlier in the match, the decider became a tight, anxious affair. At the critical juncture, Teruel's serving press put Almería out of system, and two successive slide attacks sealed the victory.

The championship point itself was pure high-wire volleyball. A lengthy rally with diving saves from both liberos ended when Teruel’s outside hitter launched a cross-court winner that landed just inside the line, triggering a roar from the Teruel bench.

Tactical Battle

Almería looked to win the tactical exchanges through strong left-side attacking and a well-timed middle attack, while Teruel leaned on their experienced centre-blockers to slow down Almería’s system. That battle at the net proved decisive, with Teruel earning several crucial blocks in the final two sets.

Teruel’s ability to adjust their defensive coverage after timeouts also stood out. Their coach shifted the block away from Almería’s main scorer, forcing secondary attackers to step up under enormous pressure.

Champion's Legacy

For Teruel, this Copa del Rey title was a statement of resilience. They had been forced into a tough semifinal the previous day and looked tired at moments in the final, but their poise in the tie-break separated them from their opponents.

The victory handed Teruel just the kind of silverware that cements a club’s reputation in Spanish volleyball. For Almería, defeat was bittersweet: they had pushed the eventual champions to the brink and proved that they remain a fixture in the national elite.

The 2020 Copa del Rey final set a high bar for future editions, and it confirmed Teruel as a side that thrives on the grandest stage. Their 3-2 win over Almería was hard-earned, dramatic, and thoroughly deserved.