The Iberdrola Guerreras Handball League resumes play this Friday after the World Team Championship pause, bringing a mix of fortunes for Spanish clubs and sparking renewed rivalry across the league. In the latest clash between the season’s last two finalists, AtticGo Elche faced a tough test against Costa del Sol Málaga, while Elda Prestigio celebrated a crucial win over Motive.co Gijón, signaling a competitive second stretch in the campaign.
AtticGo Elche and Elda Prestigio re-enter the fray with pivotal fixtures.
JA Galvan
AtticGo Elche could not sustain momentum, stumbling against Costa del Sol Málaga in a tough road match hosted at the José Luis Pérez Canca venue. The Franjiverde squad trailed by six goals at halftime, and although they mounted a late push with a 0-4 run to close the gap, it was not enough to secure the win for the visiting side in 2023’s final outing on the road.
The Elche squad, guided by coach Joaquín Rocamora, produced seven post hits and nine attempts in the opening frame, but Málaga’s goalkeeper Merche Castellanos was on point, denying several close-range opportunities. Elche did manage to pull within a pair of goals at 2-5 and briefly tied the game through a rapid four-minute spell, but the match quickly tilted back in Málaga’s favor. A string of shooting inaccuracies and strong defense by the home team allowed Málaga to stretch their lead to four by halftime (12-8).
In the second half, Danila So Delgado continued to contribute offensively for Elche, delivering four goals as the visitors pressed for a comeback. Nicole Morales’ performances between the posts kept Málaga ahead in key moments, and a late 0-4 sequence by the visitors briefly pushed the score to a one-goal gap. A decisive strike by Medeiros finished off any remaining comeback hopes, preserving Málaga’s advantage and ending the night with a 33-26 result from the opening round, a margin that also keeps the season series even between the two clubs.
Amorós and Cantos Secure the Opening Win
On the other side of the standings, Elda Prestigio delivered on the expectation of a refreshed squad under new leadership, posting a decisive home victory over Motive.co Gijón with a 35-30 scoreline. This result marks a meaningful breakthrough for the Alicante side and sets a positive tone as they head into the second phase, where they will strive to solidify their position in the top tier.
Elda Prestigio Returns to Elite Status Through a Strong Start (22-24)
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With Vanesa Amorós directing the team alongside José Miguel Cantos, the Eldense outfit maintained a tightly contested match from start to finish. The opening half saw Lima, Duque, and María Rodríguez lead the attack, helping to establish a narrow lead at the break (17-16).
After the intermission, Elda Prestigio widened their advantage with a commanding 4-0 sequence, riding on the steady guidance of Escribano and the reliable shot-stopping of Lucía Prades. The Asturian squad maintained a comfortable cushion throughout the second half, ensuring they would not surrender the lead as the clock wound down.
Notes from the locker room indicate that the comeback and defensive cohesion were the key factors behind the late surge and the eventual four-goal margin, a result that signals a confident restart for the team as they push toward the season’s closing stages.
In summary, the league’s return featured a narrow, hard-fought loss for AtticGo Elche and a convincing home win for Elda Prestigio, highlighting the depth and competitiveness across the Guerreras league. Analysts will be watching closely as the teams adjust to the post-break rhythm and prepare for subsequent fixtures that will shape the final standings and potential European qualification narratives.
Attribution: Coverage compiled from match reports and post-game summaries from league observers and club communications.