AtticGo Elche looks to seal fourth place with a win over Barakaldo
In a Sunday clash, AtticGo Elche pressed forward early and held a 24-17 advantage against Zuazo Barakaldo at the final round of the first phase in the Iberdrola Warrior League. The win kept Elche’s position tight in the standings as they chased a strong finish to the round.
The victory solidified the Franjiverdes Warriors in fourth place, with 19 points sharing a tally with Porriño. The day’s results elsewhere saw Grafometal La Rioja stun Rocasa Canarias 28-26, leaving Elche one point behind Rocasa in the race for a higher finish and a smoother path into the playoffs.
AtticGo Elche’s path toward that fourth spot rested on a disciplined start and a relentless defense, which helped set the tone for the match against Barakaldo. The Basque side entered the game as a wildcard favorite, recovering from a tougher opening round, but Elche dictated the tempo from the opening whistle and never let the momentum slip.
From the opening minutes, Elche controlled the scoreboard, building an early lead and maintaining pressure throughout the first half. The defensive work was pivotal, stifling Barakaldo’s attempts and forcing turnovers that translated into fast-break opportunities. By the 13-8 mark, Elche had created a clear cushion, setting the stage for a strong finish before the halftime break.
In the second half, the match remained competitive at times, yet Elche found higher efficiency in attack. The team’s launching looks improved, though there were moments of misfired finishes that could have yielded a even larger margin. Still, the defense remained steadfast, thwarting Barakaldo’s attempts to close the gap and keeping Elche ahead as the clock wound down.
Barakaldo tried to close in, but Elche’s defensive discipline and quick counterattacks kept the gap intact and propelled the home team toward a secure result. With this win, Elche strengthened its grip on fourth place while aiming to chase down Rocasa Canarias for a possible higher finish in the standings.
There will be no Guerrera-Iberdrola League action next weekend due to international commitments. Rocamora will join the Spanish youth team in Hungary for a preparatory tournament, giving Elche players a brief break after a packed schedule.
The league will resume on March 11 at 6:00 PM, with AtticGo Elche visiting the Costa del Sol Malaga venue. That meeting kicks off a run of decisive fixtures as teams position themselves for the EHF European Cup semifinals against Mecalia Atlético Guardés on March 18 and 25, followed by the Copa de la Reina in April.
DATA SHEET:
ATTICGO ELCHE: Nicole Morales, Pamela Rodrigues, Katia Zhukova (1), Tessa Van Zijl (2), Lisa Oppedal (1), Celia Guilabert (2), Patricia Méndez (2), Nuria Andreu (1), Clara Gascó, María Flores, Zaira Benítez, Elena Martínez (4), Pipy Wolfs, Paola Bernabé (5), Alexandra Do Nascimento (4) and Raquel More (2).
ZUAZO BARAKALDO: Miriem Ezbida, Estíbaliz Velasco, Andrea Zaldua (2), Alba Sánchez (3), Ariadna González, Isabel Fernández-Agustí, Estitxu Berasategi, Garoa Sarrionandia, Paula Molano (2), Sara Moles (1), Nerea Gil (1), Ane Valero (4), Naia Puigbo (1), Maddi Bengoetxea, Izeii Permach (1) and Madalena Fernández-Agustí (2).
A MARKER EVERY 5 MINUTES: 2-2, 4-3, 7-4, 8-5, 11-7, 13-8 (remaining) 11-15, 17-12, 19-14, 21-15, 23-15 and 24-17 (end).
REFEREES: Jorge Rodríguez and Alejandro Núñez.
PAVILLION: Esperanza Lag in front of approximately 500 spectators.
DAY 16 OF THE CLASSIFICATION
1- Bera Bera San Sebastian 29
2- Costa del Sol Malaga 22
3- Rocasa Canarias 20
4- Porriño 19
5- ATTICGO ELCHE 19
6- Rural Fund Class Valladolid 17
7- Motive.co Gijón 16
8- Mecalia Atlético Guardés 15
9- KH-7 Granollers 11
10- Beti Onak Pamplona 11
11- Zuazo Barakaldo 8
12- Grafometal La Rioja 5