HOCKEY PRO LEAGUE – Red Lions record important victory against Spain

June 21, 2026 HOCKEY PRO LEAGUE - Red Lions record important victory against Spain The Red Lions have led the Hockey Pro League since the start of the season and are clearly aiming for the final victory. After all, they would be the first Belgian team, regardless of sporting discipline, to directly qualify for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. In that respect, Sunday's match against Spain was of great importance. With a seven-point lead over first pursuer Australia and five games left to play, including two against Australia and two against the Netherlands, a win would bring them a big step closer to that first big goal of the season.

Once again in sweltering heat (41°C), the Belgians started the match in an organized and disciplined manner. Despite a great dominance in possession, it was clear that Shane McLeod's troops would once again have to be patient to disrupt the Spanish defense. It took a quarter and a half before the Lions were able to create real danger in the Spanish circle for the first time, but the subsequent penalty corner yielded nothing. Moments later, Stockbroekx launched a counterattack along the right flank. The ball ended up with Duvekot, who aimed just wide. At half time it was still 0-0.

Two minutes after the restart, Van Dessel wrested the ball from a Spanish player on the left flank and found Onana, whose shot went over. A few seconds later, the Belgian pressing again paid off. Thomas Crols plucked a high ball out of the air and reached a free-standing Thibeau Stockbroekx in the circle. The Antwerp native did not hesitate and struck out hard. The Red Lions thus took a 1-0 lead. Shortly afterwards, Calzado kept Tom Boon's attempt out of goal with his glove. In the 42nd minute the Belgians got their third penalty corner. The inevitable Alexander Hendrickx doubled the lead with an unstoppable ball between the goalkeeper's legs: 2-0. Forty seconds later, Basterra brought Spain back into the match, also via a penalty corner: 2-1.