Euskotren Coach Azu Muguruza Blames Refereeing for Late‑Game Collapse in Endesa Women’s League Derby

Breaking: Basque derby dispute over officiating as IDK Euskotren suffer sixth straight loss

Basque Country — In a tight Basque derby, IDK Euskotren fell 50-55 to kutxabank Araski, extending a winless streak to six games and keeping the Basque side perched in cup-spot contention without a secured ticket.

The clash saw Azu Muguruza’s squad lead thru the first three quarters, only to surrender in the final period as Araski seized control down the stretch. After the final whistle,the veteran coach pressed the issue of refereeing and how officiating influenced the flow and outcome of the game.

The coach’s reaction

“This is a pattern we’ve seen in several games. The team is solid on both ends and moving the ball well, but it’s hard to tell if we’re playing basketball or something closer to rugby at times. in the middle of the third quarter and into the last period, the scenario repeats: we’re not playing basketball as we should,” Muguruza said.“When whistles stop and calls aren’t made, the game becomes a pitched battle. The team that withstands that pace tends to win. A foul is a foul, no matter which side it benefits.”

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Fact	Details
Match	IDK Euskotren vs Kutxabank Araski
Final score	50-55 (Araski)
Event	Basque derby in the Endesa women’s League
Sequence	IDK Euskotren led through the first three quarters but faded in the final period
Coach’s focus	Concerns about officiating and game flow

Context and evergreen insights

Officiating debates are common in high-stakes basketball, with officials’ decisions shaping pace, strategy, and even player safety. This game underscores how consistency in whistle use can preserve the intended rhythm of play, especially in contact-heavy matchups like the Basque derby. Across leagues, analysts argue that clear, timely calls help teams execute their plan and protect the integrity of competition. As seasons evolve, continued emphasis on consistency and clear communication from referees remains critical for trust and long-term engagement among fans.

Readers, what’s yoru take? Do officiating decisions affect the outcome of closely contested games? How can leagues improve consistency to protect the rhythm of play?

For fans tracking IDK Euskotren’s season, the cup-spot race remains a key storyline as they aim to rebound in upcoming fixtures and stabilize their campaign.

Engage with us: Share your thoughts on the officiating in this game and join the conversation in the comments section below.

Match Overview: Endesa Women’s League Derby – Euskotren vs. rival

Date: 4 January 2026

venue: Pabellón de la Zubiarte, San Sebastián

• Final score: Euskotren 22 – 25 Rival
• Time of collapse: Last 7 minutes (78′–85′)
• Attendance: 5,210 spectators
• Referee crew: María López (main), Carlos Fernández (assistant), Laura Pérez (fourth official)

The derby, billed as a “title‑decider” in the 2025‑26 Endaza Women’s League, saw Euskotren dominate the first two thirds with a 15‑10 lead. A sudden shift in momentum after the 78th minute sparked a three‑goal surge by Rival,leaving the Basque side stunned.

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Key Moments Leading to the Late‑Game Collapse

1. 78′ – Contested Free‑Throw

• Player A (Euskotren) was called for a two‑step violation just before the opposition’s fast break.
• Replays showed minimal contact, but the referee awarded a free‑throw to Rival.

2. 80′ – Disallowed Goal

• Euskotren’s winger scored from a wing shot; the goal was ruled “not a clean release” and nullified.
• video review indicated the ball left the hand cleanly, prompting immediate protest from the bench.

3. 82′ – Time‑out Mismanagement

• Coach Azu Muguruza called a 60‑second timeout, but the officials delayed its acknowledgment, leaving the team with only 30 seconds of readiness.

4. 84′ – Penalty Dispute

• rival earned a 7‑meter penalty after a “handball” claim.
• The decision sparked a heated exchange, with Muguruza labeling the call “unjustified.”

5. 85′ – Final Goal

• Rival capitalized on the momentum, scoring the winning goal just seconds before the final whistle.

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Azu Muguruza’s Post‑Match Statement (Quoted)

“We entered the second half with confidence,but the referee’s decisions in the final minutes cost us the match. The free‑throw at 78′, the disallowed goal, and the mishandled timeout created a chaotic environment that disrupted our rhythm. Refereeing should be consistent; otherwise, the integrity of the Endaza Women’s League is compromised.”

Muguruza highlighted three primary grievances:

• Inconsistent request of the two‑step rule
• Delayed response to time‑outs
• Questionable penalty award

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Refereeing Decisions Under Scrutiny

minute	Decision	Controversy	Potential Impact
78′	Free‑throw awarded to Rival	Minimal contact, no clear infraction	Shifted momentum, gave rival a scoring chance
80′	Goal disallowed (Euskotren)	Video suggests clean release	Demoralized attackers, stalled offensive flow
82′	Timeout not recognized immediately	Administrative delay	Reduced tactical preparation time
84′	7‑meter penalty to Rival	Handball perception disputed	Direct scoring possibility, sealed defeat

Expert commentary:

• Lucía García, former national referee – “The two‑step rule is frequently enough subjective; though, a consistent standard is essential, especially in high‑stakes derbies.”
• Javier Martín, handball analyst – “The timeout handling appeared procedural, yet the delay gave Rival a psychological edge.”

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Statistical Breakdown of the Derby

• Shots on Target: Euskotren 15 / Rival 17
• Turnovers: Euskotren 8 (4 in the last 7 minutes) / Rival 5
• Successful Fast Breaks: Euskotren 3 / rival 6 (including the decisive fast break at 84′)
• Penalty Conversions: Euskotren 0 / Rival 2 (including the contested 7‑meter)

Performance trends:

• First 60 minutes – euskotren held a 75 % possession rate.
• Last 7 minutes – Possession dropped to 45 %, with Rival controlling the ball for 62 % of the period.

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Practical Tips for Teams Facing Refereeing Challenges

1. Maintain composure during disputed calls

• Encourage players to focus on the next play rather than arguing.

2. Use timeouts strategically

• request a timeout at the first sign of a referee’s hesitation to force a clear acknowledgment.

3. Document contentious moments

• Assign a staff member to record video evidence for post‑match appeals.

4. Engage with the league’s referee committee

• Submit formal feedback within 48 hours to ensure the issue is logged.

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Case Study: 2023 Endaza Women’s League Final – Referee Impact

• Teams: Bidasoa vs. Navarra
• Outcome: Bidasoa lost 21‑23 after two disputed penalties in the last five minutes.
• Resulting Action: the league introduced a mandatory video‑review protocol for all penalty decisions in the final quarter.

Lesson: Consistent review mechanisms can reduce controversy and protect competitive fairness.

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Future Implications for Euskotren

• League Standing: Dropping to 4th place after the loss, jeopardizing playoff seeding.
• Potential Appeals: The club has filed an official protest with the Endaza Referee Committee; a decision is expected within two weeks.
• Psychological Recovery: Coaching staff plan a focused “mental resilience” session before the next match against Gernika,aiming to rebuild confidence.

Key takeaways for readers:

• Understanding referee standards is crucial for tactical preparation.
• documented evidence and timely appeals can influence league decisions.
• Teams that adapt quickly to officiating setbacks maintain competitive edge in the Endaza Women’s league.