Victory, a strong comeback, and a place in the quarterfinals of the EHF European Cup marked a memorable night for Atticgo Elche. The team, led by coach Joaquín Rocamora, extended its European dream with another convincing display in Esperanza Lag, echoing the dominance shown in the first leg in Funchal. The performance reinforced Elche’s belief that a remarkable season in Europe is within reach.
Atticgo Elche on the Funchal road
David Marine
Two early goals from Elche put the visitors on their back foot, but the hosts answered swiftly. The Portuguese side briefly seized the lead, yet Rocamora’s players regained momentum after a quarter of the hour, pressing with intent and showing sharp ball movement that unsettled the opposition. The Dutch center and the retooled attacking pair in the wings provided a steady threat, keeping the scoreboard tight and the spectators on edge.
From there, Elche’s front line did the damage consistently. So Delgado, Van Zijl, and Bernabé threatened from distance while the team built plays through controlled possession and precise bursts through the middle. A clear six-goal cushion at a crucial juncture turned the draw into a comfortable proposition for Elche, a situation that favored a measured rotation policy as fatigue began to show in the opposing ranks.
Madeira tried to respond as Mitrovic led the scoring surge in the first half, but a shorter rotation compared to Elche began to take its toll on the visitors. The balance shifted in favor of the green and white side as the match wore on, with Elche consolidating its lead and maintaining pressure at both ends of the floor.
Show of solidarity from Elche Handball Club
VL Deltell
Despite a spirited push from the guests, the balance of play remained with Elche as the opening period closed. The visitors clawed back some ground, reducing the difference to a modest margin, and the second half carried the tension forward with the tie still within reach for both sides. The encounter remained open and competitive, with Elche showing resilience when it mattered most.
Flowers sentence
The decisive moment arrived after the break when Flores returned from the locker room and sparked a sequence of key defensive recoveries. Three quick turnovers gave Atticgo Elche a firm lead and a sense of control over the clock, with the scoreline moving to a comfortable 24-14 in the 49th minute. The Portuguese side attempted one last push by packing the goal area, but Elche remained composed and did not permit the gap to close.
The late stages confirmed a domestic victory and left a memorable impression on the fans. Delgado, who finished with eight goals, demonstrated the ability to thrive under pressure, while Wolfs showcased his qualities in attack and Flores anchored the defensive wall with authoritative leadership reminiscent of past triumphs.
The progression to the quarterfinals placed Atticgo Elche among the eight best teams in the third continental women’s handball competition for the second straight season. The path was paved by tough, disciplined opposition, but Elche moved forward with a confident stride while maintaining the club’s characteristic fighting spirit.
Match committee notes
Atticgo Elche: Morales, Carratú; Zhukova, Van Zijl, Oppedal, Méndez, Andreu, So Delgado, Gascó, Flores, Benitez, Carrillo, Wolfs, Bernabé, Make Nascimento and Rosa. Madeira: Gois, Mandic; Nascimento Henrique, Moniz, Barros, Potré, Damascena, Maria Duarte, Mitrovic, Rodrigues, Araújo Joao, Neide Duarte, Souza, Langa, Pinto Maia, Cruz Oliveira. Each five minutes: 2-2, 4-4, 7-7, 10-8, 15-10, 17-13 first half; 22-14, 24-15, 25-17, 27-18, 30-20, 33-22 second half.
Referees: Francesco Simone and Pietro Monitillo. Disciplinary actions affected several players from both sides. The venue was Esperanza Delay.