May 16, 2026 
Just 1.5 points. That’s all that separates the GCL standings from fourth place right now.
Friday’s GCL of Madrid saw one of the tightest team battles of the season. When the dust settled at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, it was the Prague Lions roaring loudest—and an overall leaderboard that left no breathing room whatsoever.
Prague Lions leaned on a trio of cool heads in Niels Bruynseels (Oaky Flandria), Fernando Martinez Sommer (Joep & Lady van de Haarterhoeve), and Thibeau Spits (Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z). Their final tally? A single time fault.
It was a dominating performance from start to finish. The Lions were the only team to post a double clear in Round 1. Martinez Sommer delivered the only double clear of the day in Round 2, clinching the win after Bruynseels picked up a time fault, leaving the door cracked open.
“Getting maximum points here was absolutely crucial,” Martinez Sommer said after. “Everyone delivered when it mattered. The atmosphere between us is just fantastic—real support, real trust, and you feel that in the ring.”
Bruynseels, grinning, added: “I probably didn’t make it easy for Fernando—I kept the pressure on a bit! But when you have teammates like this, it gives you confidence.”
Istanbul Warriors grabbed second on the day and stayed tied for the league lead with Basel Cosmopolitans on 69 points. Prague Lions are just one point behind on 68, squeaking ahead of Valkenswaard United on 67.5.
Istanbul Warrior Abdel Saïd summed it up like a fan would:
“Honestly, that was a proper fight right to the end. My horse gave me everything. You always want the win, but to come away with a podium and leading the championship? Great feeling.”
The GCL rolls to Cannes next, June 4–6, 2026.
