A win that AtticGo Elche will dream of in Europe (31-19)
In a commanding display, AtticGo CBM Elche confirmed their place among the top eight teams in the EHF European Cup by overpowering ZORK Jagodina once again in the last 16 second leg. Guided by coach Joaquín Rocamora, the Elche squad absorbed the pressure from the Serbian side and refused to let the visitors dream of a dramatic comeback in the opening game. The home team carried the momentum from the first encounter, stifling Jagodina and controlling the tempo from start to finish.
The opening minutes set the tone. Van Zijl and Moré opened the scoring, while Gascó found the rhythm and produced a sequence of three consecutive goals that widened the gap. The defensive unit remained compact, and Celia Guilabert’s precise finishes extended the margin, sending a message to Jagodina that the contest would demand more than a late surge. The steady performance ensured a secure lead as Esperanza Delay offered reliable gains at the back end of the first half.
Jagodina faced growing pressure and responded with a temporary rally, but Moré and So Delgado steadied the ship, maintaining control until the first timeout. Elche then stretched their advantage, entering the second phase with a strong footing and a clear path to quarterfinal qualification, while adding four more goals to lead 12-9 at the midway point (9-13, min.30). The Serbian side acknowledged the mounting task and kept pace briefly, yet Elche’s discipline saw them retain a comfortable cushion heading into halftime.
The second half reinforced Elche’s status as a side to watch in Europe. Rather than easing off, the team extended the distance to seven goals (14-21, min.41), showcasing a balanced attack and a defense that limited Jagodina’s scoring chances. The final period sealed the outcome with a 24-27 scoreline in this leg, translating to a total aggregate of 43-58 in favor of AtticGo Elche. Wolfs led Jagodina’s scoring with six goals on their home court, but it was not enough to overturn the tie. The result underscored Elche’s thorough approach and their readiness for the next round of continental competition.
Thus, AtticGo Elche advanced to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season in a European campaign that began with a historic mission and now looks to build on recent momentum. Last year’s journey ended in disappointment when Rocasa Gran Canaria halted the triple-green thrust, but this edition leaves room for a deeper progression as Elche eyes a deeper run in Europe. The team’s performance reflected a mix of disciplined defense, precise finishing, and confident leadership from Rocamora’s players, signaling a renewed ambition to push further than ever before in international handball. The objective remains clear: keep delivering high-intensity performances and climb toward a possible final-stage appearance. [Source attribution: match report from the AtticGo CBM Elche organization].
Handball Elche starts its current and future project
In the ongoing narrative of the club, Elche continues to chart a path that blends youth development with seasoned competition. The current campaign has underscored the importance of building depth across the squad, ensuring that the team can sustain high-level performance over a demanding European schedule. The project centers on integrating emerging talents with established players, maintaining a coherent style of play, and cultivating resilience that will sustain the club through future campaigns. This approach aims to translate domestic success into continued European competitiveness, reinforcing Elche’s reputation as a rising force in continental handball. [Source attribution: club press materials].
The match report offers a snapshot of the tactical balance on display. ZORK Jagodina fielded a varied lineup, while AtticGo CBM Elche balanced formation, pace, and force to secure victory across both legs. The players demonstrated versatility in attack, with Guilabert and Gascó among the contributors who consistently found the back of the net. The performance also highlighted the importance of defensive structure and team-wide coordination, elements crucial for advancing through the rounds of a European competition. This evolution reflects the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and to building a competitive identity that resonates with supporters and peers alike. [Source attribution: match analysis notes].
SCORE EVERY 5′: 1-4, 3-6, 5-7, 5-9, 7-12, 9-13 (rest); 10-16, 13-19, 18-22, 21-23, 22-26 and 24-27. Referees: Charalambous and Efstathiou. They excluded Markovic for the home team and Méndez, Bernabé, Oppedal, Zhukova, and Guilabert for the visitors. Venue: Jassa Sports (Jagodina). Global draw: 58-43 in favor of AtticGo Elche. [Source attribution: official match records].