AtticGo Elche advances to the European Cup round of 16 after beating OFN Ionas 33-27
HE PenthouseGo Elche has earned a position in the round of 16 in the EHF European Cup and continues to aim for a meaningful run in the tournament. The Franjiverdes Warriors secured a second win over a French opponent this Thursday, defeating OFN Ionas from Greece 33-27. That result sealed a 60-50 aggregate victory after a 27-23 win on Wednesday.
AtticGo Elche shows resilience in a tougher-than-expected win over Greek OFN Ionas
The Elche squad appeared dominant for long stretches, yet faced a stiffer test than anticipated from a Greek side known for dangerous counterplay and moments of sharp finishing.
AtticGo did not start at their best. The Ionas lineup produced clean attacks in the opening minutes, pressuring the goalkeeper and setting a quick tempo.
A tension rose as the first half progressed, with the game leveling after a 3-7 stretch. This contrasted with the previously held meeting the prior Wednesday.
Elche responded with tighter defense and crisper ball movement, swinging the momentum back in their direction while Ionas battled fatigue as the minutes ticked by.
The home side climbed to a four-goal advantage, 14-10, signaling a potential shift in momentum. Late first-half errors allowed Ionas to close the gap, and the teams went into halftime at 15-13.
A steadier, calmer second half
With the draw and the match secured, Elche settled into a controlled rhythm after the break. The emphasis shifted to disciplined defense, and Ionas showed signs of fatigue that affected accuracy and tempo.
Minutes slipped by with deliberate pace as the coaching staff rotated players, providing rest for key contributors. The approach paid dividends as the Greek side began to surrender more opportunities and commit uncharacteristic errors. Elche’s experience grew more evident as the clock wore on, and the lead widened gradually.
Marisol Carratú made several crucial saves, and the distance grew as AtticGo Elche added eight more goals, extending the margin after a sequence of draws and steady scoring. The final whistle confirmed a 33-27 victory and progression to the next round.
Elche’s squad now reaches the last sixteen in the competition, keeping alive the dream of competing for the title. The clash with Ionas provided a valuable lesson in maintaining focus and intensity to advance further in the tournament.
Rocamora reflects on the European Cup journey
The coach, Rocamora, spoke about the EHF European Cup as a competition that excites him most, underscoring AtticGo Elche’s potential to reach the later rounds.
DATA SHEET:
Atticgo Elche: Nicole Morales, Maarisol Carratú, Katia Zhukova (2), Tessa Van Zijl (3), Lisa Oppedal (1), Celia Guilabert (3), Patricia Méndez (6), Danila So Delgado (6), Clara Gascó (2), María Flores, Zaira Benítez (3), Pipy Wolfs (1), Paola Bernabé (2), Alexandra Do Nascimento (3), Raquel Moré (1) and Kelly Rosa (1).
OFN IONAS: Magdalini Kepesidou, Aliki Makri, Aikaterini Mania, Daria Norocea, Ekaterina Lubiaciaia (1), Tatiana Khmyrova (4), Konstantina Boziou, Natasa Krnic (9), Despoina Fragkou (2), Nikolina Kepesidou, Akikaterini Giannopoulou, Stiyani Ntimtoudi, Saska Davidovic (2), Elaine Gomes (3) and Christa Stougiannidou.
MARKER EVERY 5 MINUTES: 2-3, 3-7, 6-7, 10-8, 11-9, 15-13, 19-13, 22-16, 24-19, 28-23, 30-24 and 33-27.
REFEREES: Radcenko and Persis are from Latvia.
PAVILION: Esperanza Lag, with roughly 300 spectators in attendance.
The win adds momentum to Elche’s European campaign, reinforcing the team’s standing as a rising force in continental competition. The squad now eyes the next round with confidence, understanding that every game will demand focus, discipline, and a consistent level of intensity to keep advancing.