Carlota Ciganda the hero as Europe retain Solheim Cup with dramatic draw against USA

Home favourite Carlota Ciganda played a starring role after Leona Maguire's early point as Europe retained the Solheim Cup following a thrilling 14-14 draw with the United States, the first in the biennial contest's 33-year history.

Trailing 4-0 after the opening foursomes, Suzann Pettersen’s side rallied magnificently at Finca Cortesin and it fittingly fell to Spanish star Ciganda to ensure the trophy would remain in Europe with her fourth win from four matches.

With Ciganda pegged back to all square on the 15th against Nelly Korda, the United States were briefly on course for an outright win due to the status of the remaining matches.

However, Ciganda then hit a stunning approach to the 16th to set up a winning birdie and, after Maja Stark had beaten US Open champion Allisen Corpuz to make it 13-13, repeated the feat on the 17th to ensure Europe would at least retain the trophy.

Emily Pedersen still had an outside chance to halve her match with Lexi Thompson and secure outright victory, but Thompson calmly holed from 10 feet for par on the 17th to close out a 2&1 win.

Cavan woman Maguire had earlier taken her Solheim Cup record to eight points won from ten matches (two halves) after a comprehensive 4&3 victory over rising star Rose Zhang.

"I’m so happy just to do this for Suzann, for Spain, I’m just so proud," Ciganda told Sky Sports.

"When I saw Suzann on 16 she told me a couple of things and I was like, 'I’m just going to do this for her’, because I love her and she deserves this. I love my team, I love Europe, I love Spain, I love Solheim Cups.

"It’s been a great week and I’m just so happy to be here right now."

Europe captain Suzann Pettersen told Sky Sports: "I think it's meant to be – it came down to Carlota in Spain, in