Liga Guerreras Iberdrola is approaching the top third of the competition and candidates for “play-off” positions are already being outlined. Especially after qualifying for the next round of the EHF European Cup, AtticGo CBM Elche would like to get into that car, which is facing the sixth day today, the last day before the break for the European Championship, after an erratic start. received last weekend.
It will not be easy. The team from Elche hosts Costa del Sol Málaga, third in a clash of contrasting dynamics (1:30 pm, Teledeporte). The “Franjiverdes fighters” are trying to support the development of the European team in the League. Led by Joaquín Rocamora, the team was tied in a big draw (61-47 total) against Naisa Nis. The rally of players like Tessa van Zijl and Clara Gascó and the good moments of key players like Danila So Delgado and Zaira Benítez laid the foundations for reversing the dynamics of a team not accompanied by results.
The AtticGo Elche coach is aware that the offensive direction (the second team with the fewest goalscorers) is his biggest challenge. “The most important thing is to find ourselves. We must be an efficient and solid team; and play a great game from then on”, analyzes Rocamora.
The local coach also warns that it will be a very difficult match due to his opponent’s form: “Malaga have the two most different players in the last two leagues, both Silvia Arderius, who manage the offensive rhythm, and Mercedes Castellanos, the best goalkeeper of recent seasons. We have to be 100%.”
Costa del Sol Málaga comes to this conflict with morale through the roof. The victory against the tough Gloria Buzau in the Europa League Second Round was added to the streak of winning three consecutive matches in the League. With the solid block that lifted the Copa de la Reina last year, the Andalusian team’s project is positioned as one of the biggest favorites of the championship, especially after its victory (31-32) against Bera Bera on the first day.
Exactly, both teams repeat the semi-finals of the last Cup, which ended in a 32-24 victory over Malaga, beating the defending cup at the time. That same summer, both teams met three times in friendlies, providing a positive balance for franjiverdes, who won the last two duels 26-23 at Malaga and 20-17 at the Festa d’Elx.
Visiting coach Suso Gallardo expects a complex match, but is confident that his players will surrender before the time-out: “Undoubtedly one of the toughest courts. Elche is playing better than the classification says and they are slowly saving key players.
According to Gallardo, defense will be key in both areas: “We will need to be wary of defense systems that change and put all attacks in trouble. On the other hand, if something is giving us results, it is our defense to counterattack.