Fenerbahce or Sopron: Who's going to make EuroLeague Women history?

ISTANBUL (Turkey) - There's only one guarantee for Sunday's EuroLeague Women Final and it's that a fresh page of history will be written as Fenerbahce Safiport and Sopron Basket fight it out for their first ever title.

Both clubs know what it is like to lose the title game and will not want to repeat that feeling, with Sopron previously unsuccessful in 2018 and Fenerbahce having lost in 2013, 2014 and 2017. They also know each other from the Regular Season when Fenerbahce Safiport racked up two huge wins.

So what is the case for each of them picking up their maiden silverware in the competition?

Here's three reasons for both of them as to why they can feel confident of finishing top of this year's podium.

Making the case for Fenerbahce Safiport

Ballers for the clutch

Fenerbahce have some serious clutch performers they can call upon. If you need someone to make big shots in the big moments to ice a game or shift the momentum, then look no further than Alina Iagupova and Kayla McBride.

Both are such tremendous scorers and capable of hitting shots from all over the court. That level of offensive firepower from the backcourt and wings is seriously tough to guard. In the case of Iagupova in particular, she is the kind of clutch performer who is just as likely to make a dazzling assist when it matters most.

Incredible home support

If the roof was indeed almost blown off in the Semi-Finals, you can only imagine how much the arena will be rocking if Fenerbahce get off to a positive opening in the Final. There is every danger for Sopron Basket that they could sink quickly in the white-hot atmosphere of the Ulker Sports Arena if they are not mentally strong.

When the Fenerbahce fans are whistling and jeering at their opponents, it is deafening and can knock them out of their stride. And, when they are supporting their own team, it gives them such an amazing lift. Plus, a crowd of around 10,000 is expected to roar them on towards the silverware.

Bench depth

As demonstrated in the Semi-Final win against ZVVZ USK Praha, it was a bench player in Amanda Zahui that sparked their renaissance with a brilliant performance. Many people might have expected Satou Sabally or Elizabeth Williams to shine in this game, but with so many options, it proved to be Zahui. Her 18 points was a difference-maker. It could be anyone else on Sunday.

Having so many different choices is such a bonus for head coach Victor Lapena. And, that is without even mentioning the rotation wearing teams down because of the fresh bodies, energy and intensity.

Making the case for Sopron Basket

No pressure

The levels of pressure could barely be as different between the big favorites Fenerbahce and Sopron. All the pressure is piled high, in fact - way up into the sky on the host club. Meanwhile Sopron can smile, treat this game as a 'free hit' and know that the only pressure they will have is that which they put on themselves.

Sure, they are ambitious and want to win, but nobody expects them to. And, while they, like Fenerbahce have not won the EuroLeague Women title previously, they have not been chasing and so close and as many times as their opponent. They will also know that if they play well and especially if they start well, their chances of success will increase.

The vets are getting it done

There is no denying that when it comes to experience, there is probably no other club in the competition that has quite as much as Sopron. That veteran know-how is hugely important all of the time, but especially for the biggest games and on the biggest stage.

 We saw in the Semi-Finals how it is also about their production too, with Jelena Brooks on absolute fire with her amazing 27-point performance.  They also take such great care of the ball and that was a key factor in beating Avenida and making the title game.

Defense, hustle and more defense

Linked to the veteran point, there is the added defense and hustle of Zsofia Fegyverneky, Briann January and Nevena Jovanovic who can make it very difficult to break Sopron down. They will certainly have their hands full and will be doing a lot of chasing around the court, but they have the discipline to set the tone. That will be alongside the excellent defensive presence of Gabby Williams who might just have to try and nullify Alina Iagupova - what a matchup that is going to be!

FIBA