AtticGo Elche Handball Club Faces a Promising Turnaround
At the start of the season, AtticGo Elche Handball Club approached with cautious optimism, navigating a spate of injuries that tested the squad’s depth. Head coach Joaquín Rocamora set expectations that the strongest version of the team would surface toward the end of December and into January, and the squad began to show the signs of that improvement as the calendar moved forward.
Rocamora: “Until now, the true level of AtticGo Elche has not been seen”
During a midweek clash at Motive.co La Calzada Gijón, the green and white defense faced a venue known for its intensity. The visitors delivered some of their best footballing moments of the season, pushing hard and securing a convincing result. A 21-22 victory kept Elche on pace with the league’s frontrunners, propelling them to fifth place and sustaining a positive run of form. The performance hinted at a brighter horizon for the team, just ahead of the crucial European Cup Round of 16, with the first leg scheduled for Sunday, January 8, in Elche.
AtticGo Elche will play outside Spain for the first time
AtticGo Elche opened with a very complete display from the opening minutes. They seized an early lead, but Gijón rallied to swing the advantage to 8-7 in the 20th minute. The sides went to the break with Elche two goals ahead, 11-13.
As the second half began, the defensive solidity credited to the Rocamora system became evident. Nicole Morales found the net again, helping Elche extend the cushion to three goals with ten minutes remaining.
Victory did not come easily. Gijón boasted one of the league’s strongest squads and did everything possible to tilt the balance in their favor. Asturias refused to concede, aware of their direct competition for European spots and hoping for a late swing as the scoreboard kept them within striking distance. In the end, the decisive result reflected Elche’s resilience: 21-22, a win earned through collective effort and a growing sense of confidence for what lies ahead.
Nicole Morales again delivered a standout performance with her goals, continuing to anchor the team’s attack while the defensive organization under Rocamora’s system steadied play. The match underscored Elche’s intent to push further this season.
A round of high intensity characterized the match, marked by decisive moments and disciplined execution. The squad demonstrated composure and adaptability, traits that will serve them well as the season progresses.
A world champion for AtticGo Elche
Roster additions this season included Dutch players Tessa Van Zijl and Pippy Wolfs, who quickly made their mark with their offensive contributions. Van Zijl led the team with seven goals while Wolfs added five. Danila So Delgado contributed four goals, with Zaira Benítez adding three. The combined impact of these newcomers, along with the established core, amplified the team’s overall performance and provided a morale boost that resonated throughout the club.
Viewed in the context of the standings and team spirit, this victory represented more than three points. It signaled a turning point as Elche closed the gap toward the upper echelon and prepared for the challenges ahead.
DATA SHEET:
MOTIVE.CO LA CALZADA GIJÓN: Zarco (3), Valdivia (1), Faria (3), González (1), Chacheda (4), Palomo, Torreira, Diana, Laguna, Novovic (1), Lucía, Vallina, Alonso, Nayla (1), Arroyo, fortune.
ATTICGO ELCHE: Nicole Morales, Pamela Rodrigues, Katia Zhukova (2), Tessa Van Zijl (7), Lisa Opedal, Celia Guilabert, Patricia Méndez, Nuria Andreu, Danila So Delgado (4), Clara Gascó, María Flores, Zaira Benítez (3), Pippy Wolfs (5), Paola Bernabé (1), Ale Do Nascimento (1) and Raquel More.
A MARKER EVERY 5 MINUTES: 2-4, 3-4, 6-6, 8-7, 9-9, 11-13 (remaining) 12-15, 15-18, 16-19, 18-20, 20-21 and 21-22 ( end).
REFEREES: Rollan and Murillo.