He was driven to dream by a standout performance. AtticGo CBM Elche delivered its best showing of the season as it prepared for a major stake on the European stage, recalling its recent status as Cup and Super Cup champion. A stout defense combined with sharp offensive reads allowed the team led by Joaquín Rocamora to establish a commanding 12-goal cushion, 31-19, over ZORK Jagodina in the first leg of the EHF European Cup knockout round. The tempo quickened as the match unfolded, with momentum leaning decisively toward the Spanish side.
The opening half was a study in contrasts, with two teams locked in a tentative exchange before finding their footing. The Elche women pressed their advantage through Guilabert and Gascó, while the Serbs leaned on the insights and ball-handling of Adzic and Kojcic to keep pace in the early moments.
In the second quarter of the hour-long game, franciverde’s influence grew dominant. The Elche squad moved with purpose, and even after a few missteps following a goalkeeper change for Jagodina, the visitors found a higher plane of play. Morales contributed a few decisive saves as the team stretched its lead to 13-10 by the 25th minute.
AtticGo Elche aims to take the first step toward the quarterfinals in Europe
Revenue reached five goals after the appearance of Alexandra (16-11) and a late finish from Oppedal, who raced against the clock to avenge a prior error by holding the line and overcoming the opponent’s zone. A Serbian goal with a graceful lob added to the drama.
no brake
The second half did not deviate from the established pattern, with the home side extending its control. Delgado was freed from restraint while Van Zijl joined the attack, and the defense, anchored by Zhukova and Flores, kept steady pressure. By the 45th minute the score stood at 26-15, signaling a comfortable lead for Elche.
But the rhythm was punctuated by aggressive defensive play that produced several near-call moments and a handful of player exclusions that briefly halted the surge. Still, Elche’s best form returned, pushing the advantage to 13 points at 31-18 near the 58th minute thanks to a sixth goal from Guilabert, and the match appeared to be tilting further in the Spanish side’s favor as Jagodina faced a demanding road to recovery.
The victory provides a strong foundation for Elche to consider a return to Europe’s quarterfinals, though the team remembers the tension of the previous round where the outcome was decided early and the second leg proved challenging. In the Balkan arena, the green-fringed warriors will need to confirm their advancement among the top eight.
AtticGo Elche endures the European test with resolve
Match attendance and atmosphere reflected a strong belief in the team’s capability to push deep into the competition. The Serbs offered resistance, but Elche’s disciplined play and tactical discipline kept them at bay for the most part, allowing the home side to maintain momentum through the majority of the game.
Match paper and tactical notes from the night captured Elche’s balance of defense and attack, underscoring the team’s effectiveness in transitional play and their ability to convert chances during crucial moments.
AtticGo CBM Elche (16+15): Morales (s), Rodrigues (ps); Zhukova, Van Zijl (5), Oppedal (1), Celia Guilabert (6), Méndez (1), Andreu, Delgado (6), Gascó (3), Flores (2), Benítez, Elena Martínez (1), Wolves (2), Bernabé (1) and Alexandra do Nascimento (3).
ZORK Jagodina (11+8): Hlogyik (s), Radivojevic (ps), Djurasinovic (ps); Adzic (5), Kojcic (4), Simatovic, Pejovic (1), Sukur, Gugac (2), Radevic (3), Markovic, Bojicic, Bogunovic, Stojanovic and Mitrovic (4).
REFEREES: Mattias Fält and Mikael Holm. Players excluded included Alexandra, Flores, Bernabé and Gascó for Elche and Bojicic, Adzic and Pejovic for Jagodina.
PAVILION: Esperanza Lag. EHF European Cup round of 16 first leg.