Impressive since the beginning of the week,  Ale Galán  et  Fede Chingotto  cruised through their quarter-final. But as they approached the semi-finals, the context changed radically: facing them,  Juan Lebrón  et  Leo Augsburg , with whom tensions are not lacking. In Brussels, the sporting and the emotional will intertwine.

A resounding demonstration in the quarterfinals

There was no match. Opposed to  Paquito Navarro  et  Fran Guerrero Galán and Chingotto played an almost perfect game of padel: a swift victory.  6/1, 6/0. 

In the aftermath, the Madrid player was keen to remind everyone of his opponent's level:
“Paquito is always a very complicated player. He fights for every point, he’s excellent. (…) He has all the solutions, on all types of courts. I can guarantee you that all our matches against him have been difficult.”

A measured speech that contrasts sharply with the reality on the ground.  the domination was so clear In this partnership, Chingotto provides security, defends, and covers… allowing Galán to fully express himself in attack. It's been a perfectly oiled machine lately.

Brussels P2: Galán faces his ghosts, a high-tension semi-final

Lebrón and Augsburger in the crosshairs

The scene changes in the semi-final. And not just tactically.

On the other side, Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger, qualified after their victory against  Eduardo Alonso  et  Aimar Goñi 7/5, 6/4. 

This match will inevitably have a special significance for Galán. On one side, his former partner with whom he won everything:  33 titles, several seasons at the top ,  before a separation that was as brutal as it was publicized On the other side, a young Argentinian player  with whom remote exchanges have recently increased tensions. 

Augsburger didn't mince words:
“I don’t really watch Galán, I’m not a big fan. For me, he’s a rival. (…) If he’s there, it’s not a big deal.”

Galán's response was very restrained:
"He's a good boy, but he's been surrounded by the wrong people for a long time."

Much more than a padel match

Galán has often tried to stay out of controversies, but this time, it's difficult to ignore the context. This semi-final goes beyond the purely sporting realm.

On paper, Galán and Chingotto are the favorites. Their current level of play is impressive, their complementarity obvious. But in this type of match, the mental aspect can change everything.

Between past grievances, declarations, and rivalries, the tension will be palpable on the Brussels track. It remains to be seen who will best channel this energy to make the difference.

One thing is certain: this shock will leave no one indifferent.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!