Portugal became European Under-17 Ice Hockey Champions for the 15th time today, beating Spain 5-2 in Olot, Girona, to come from behind and reclaim the title they had not been able to win since 2017.

At the Josep Gou Pavilion in Olot, the five-time European champions started the match well, with a goal from Marc Oros in the 11th minute. However, the Portuguese did not concede any goals and scored the equalizer in the 13th minute with a powerful shot via Joao Almeida.

With goalkeepers Bruno Torres and Marty Paleja in the spotlight and their successive dangerous situations cancelling out their goals, Portugal took the lead in the 27th minute through a goal from Martim Nunes and turned the score around.

In the 37th minute, the Spaniards took full advantage of the space they were given and went in search of the equalizer. Portugal came through Tomas Almeida to 3-1 and through Samuel Araujo to 4-1.

With their hands practically on the trophy they last won in 2017, which was then held by Spain, the Portuguese took a 5-1 lead in the final minute of the match through Martim Nunes, only to concede 5-2 after a direct free kick from Nico Sama.

Portugal won its 15th title in this category in Olot, in Girona, which also includes the country with the most titles in Spain, with 22 titles, in 43 editions. Italy completes the winners’ podium with six victories.

To reach the final, Portugal defeated France (6-2) in the semi-finals and Austria (9-0) in the quarter-finals, after finishing top of Group A, beating Italy (3-1) and Italy (3-1) France (6-0) and drawing with Spain (1-1).

Italy finished third after beating fourth-placed France 3-2. In the next play-off, Germany finished fifth after beating Switzerland 1-0 (sixth), and England finished seventh after beating Austria 3-0 (eighth).