Atticgo CBM Elche was edged out in the semi finals, marking a tough exit from the European stage. The club entered the EHF European Cup, the continent’s third-largest competition for women’s handball, after a pair of tough draw results against Mecalia Atlético Guardés, a club they had previously defeated in league play.
Atticgo Elche Faces Europe Challenge and Domestic Struggles
Atticgo Elche’s season has been a remarkable journey, featuring a historic European campaign and strong showings in domestic play. In the Iberdrola Guerreras League, the team pressed hard in matches against Granollers and Porriño, losing two hard-fought games within a compact 15-day stretch. The run was intense, fueled by sustained effort and moments of convincing performances that suggested the club could broaden its trophy cabinet.
Under coach Joaquin Rocamora, the first decisive phase of the campaign brought pressure. The European semi-finals demanded peak form and left the squad with questions about whether they could sustain that level through the final stretch of the season. The team aimed to remain a reference point in national handball, hoping to build on its recent achievements.
Loss of So Delgado
Injuries can alter a season, and this squad has seen its fair share. Danila So Delgado sustained a right-hand fracture in late February, requiring surgery and eight weeks of recovery. This setback disrupted attacking rhythm and left a notable gap in the rotation.
With Delgado sidelined, teammates on the bench stepped in, keeping the team competitive but feeling the absence of a key scorer and creator in important moments.
Rocamora faced the challenge of adapting the attack without a central figure who had provided both goals and assists. The early phase showed resilience, yet time revealed a growing longing for the All-Important “10” franciverde to reappear in crucial moments.
If the schedule permits, So Delgado is expected to begin a gradual return in the final phase of the Cup, with one month left. The horizon includes a potential reintroduction of a player capable of scoring goals and creating space in opposing defenses, reinforcing Elche’s options as the season tightens.
Offensive Collapse
Offensive productivity lagged for a couple of weeks, contributing to Europe elimination and affecting the chase for second place in the league. In four fixtures against Granollers, Guardia, Porriño, and others, scoring totals stood at 20, 22, 20, and 18, underscoring a period where finishing efficiency lagged behind expectations. In national play, only a lower-ranked side posted fewer goals, highlighting the challenge in breaking through defenses and converting chances.
The drop in attack production cannot be pinned solely on Delgado’s absence. Defensive effort, poise in transition, and precise finishing were all areas needing improvement. Static attack and balance in fast breaks were recurring issues, and Elche’s offense struggled to sustain momentum.
Exceptions
One clear strength for Atticgo Elche is defensive commitment, a trait that remains reliable even during tough spells. Yet, discipline and control at times drift toward the edge, inviting penalties and exclusions that opponents can exploit.
Ahead of key matches, Elche must manage momentum carefully and minimize exclusions — unintended contact or late hits have proved costly. Keeping discipline on defense will be crucial as rivals sharpen their attacks.
AtticGo Elche: Youth, Competitiveness and Empowerment
During moments of heat and pressure, the team’s youth often shines. When the lead changes or the numerical balance tilts, the squad shows grit and heart, defending with determination and using every possession to press their advantage.
Youth vs Experience
Youth is a defining trait for Atticgo Elche, drawing admiration for its energy and potential. Yet, balance matters, and Guardés benefited from greater experience and steadier overall play, a factor in their run to the continental final.
With a squad featuring several players under the age of 23 and a few seasoned veterans approaching their prime, the club understands that growth is the plan. The aim is to translate youthful boldness into sustained high-level performance as the season progresses.
Patricia Méndez uses the ball in Atticgo Elche’s attack
In a team with a handful of players aged around 30 or slightly older, the focus remains on development. Close results, losses against stronger opponents, and the experience gained from these moments are seen as essential to future success. The path is clear: learn, grow, and prepare to compete at the highest level in the domestic league and in Europe.
Looking ahead, the calendar offers a busy stretch. Elche will assess the Iberdrola Guerreras League with a home match against Grafometal La Rioja and two more fixtures — Motive.co Gijón at home and Gurpea Beti-Onak Azparren Gestión away. A potential cup run adds to the excitement, with a quarterfinals clash against a formidable opponent in the Queen’s Cup. The season’s push for a league title and post-season opportunities remains on the agenda.