Atticgo Handball Elche is marking a historic moment today. Even so, the team has already carved out a place in international competition, pushing toward a difficult but achievable semi-final. The Elche squad faces a tall order to close the gap against Atlético Guardés, and the challenge is set on their home court.
EHF European Cup semi-final action unfolds this Saturday at 19:30, with the live-match atmosphere centered in A Guarda. The return clash pits the Galician side against Elche, a meeting that will decide who advances to the continental final for the first time in the club’s history.
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The Galician squad rides with the narrowest of advantages. After a 22:23 loss in the first leg at the Esperanza Lag arena, Elche looked to defend a three-goal cushion that slipped away in the final minutes as the home team clawed back the deficit.
An Atticgo Elche Falls Short in the First European War (22-23)
david marin
Main Seabra clung to a single-goal lead, a slender edge that kept the dream alive of a continental final appearance for the first time in the club’s history. The Elche fighters, however, vow not to make it easy for the stronger Galician outfit.
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The women of Elche will rely on the unwavering support of Mecalia Atlético Guardés fans and must weather the intense atmosphere at A Sangriña. Aware of the uphill battle, the Elche side under coach Joaquín Rocamora leans on the lessons from the Esperanza Lag encounter, where the crowd’s energy delivered an unforgettable Sunday for female handball fans. Despite the setback, the match already stands as a historic appointment.
Now Atticgo Elche aims to turn the tide on enemy soil and overturn the scoreline. In preparation, Elche had secured two wins in the Iberdrola Guerreras League, both of which offered validation of their capability. The first came at 24:21, and the return at 23:24 on the road at A Sangriña, less than two months prior, underscoring the closeness of the contest.
The winner of the draw will advance to face the victor from the other semi-final pair. That other tie saw Antalya Konyaaltı BSK edge MKS IUVENTA Michalovce 31:24 in the opening leg, signaling a fiercely contested path to the final.
Concentration
One key message Rocamora emphasizes to his players is the importance of sustained focus. The scoreboard will ebb and flow, and resilience in the moment will determine the result. Solid, tight defenses will be essential, and the team is urged to maintain peak concentration to chase its European dream—keeping the door open to the final and the chance to etch a new chapter in Elche handball history.