Gstaad Polo Gold Cup Final Set After Two Thrilling Semi-Finals
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The 2026 Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad has produced a closely contested final, with Albinati Aeronautics and Kielder Agro Group securing their places after two semi-finals decided by just one goal.
Albinati Aeronautics defeated Hublot 11-10, while Kielder Agro Group overcame defending champions Gstaad Palace 6-5 after extra time and a golden goal.
With the final set to feature two teams that overcame strong opposition, the championship decider promises to be an exciting contest.
Albinati Aeronautics Edge Hublot
Albinati Aeronautics booked the first place in the final after a dramatic 11-10 victory over Hublot.
The teams were level at 3-3 early in the match before Hublot moved ahead 6-4 in the second chukker. Albinati responded strongly in the third period, scoring four goals to take an 8-7 lead into the final chukker.
The final period remained closely contested. Hublot levelled the score before Adrian Laplacette restored Albinati’s advantage.
Bautista Beguerie quickly responded for Hublot, making it 10-10 with less than two minutes remaining. Facundo Retamar then scored the decisive goal to send Albinati Aeronautics into the final.
Gonzalo Pieres Jr. was Hublot’s standout performer, scoring seven of his team’s 10 goals. Albinati, however, produced a strong team performance to secure the victory.
Fabio Meier praised his teammates for maintaining their focus throughout the match and said the team’s collective effort was an important factor in the result.
Kielder Agro Group Win in Extra Time
The second semi-final between Kielder Agro Group and defending champions Gstaad Palace was equally competitive.
Gstaad Palace made the stronger start, taking a 2-1 lead, but Kielder gradually turned the match around. Kielder moved two goals ahead at 5-3 in the third chukker.
Gstaad Palace responded and eventually levelled the score at 5-5 through Santiago Loza, who scored three goals during the match.
The teams remained level after four chukkers, sending the contest into a fifth period under the golden-goal format.
The decisive moment came when Kielder were awarded a 30-yard penalty. Manuel Fernandez Llorente converted the opportunity to give his team a 6-5 victory and a place in the final.
Fernandez Llorente finished as Kielder’s leading scorer with four goals, while his brother Horacio added two.
Kielder captain Juan Pepa also played an important role with a series of defensive plays and clearances that helped his side deal with Gstaad Palace’s pressure.
Albinati Aeronautics vs Kielder Agro Group in the Final
The final will bring together two teams that have shown strong performances throughout the tournament.
Albinati Aeronautics will enter the final after eliminating Hublot, while Kielder Agro Group reached the championship match by defeating the defending champions in extra time.
With both semi-finals decided by a single goal, the final is expected to be another closely fought contest.
The 2026 edition of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad has already delivered competitive matches, strong performances and an enthusiastic crowd. The final will determine which team lifts the trophy and completes a memorable tournament in Gstaad.
