Esperanza Delay Lodge. Sunday noon. HE Atticgo CBM Elche faces a moment that could write a new, golden page in its long story. This time the scene is European level. Ahead stands a 120-minute European Cup semifinal, with 60 minutes inside and 60 outside. The goal is clear: secure the best possible result to travel to Galicia as the leading candidate to reach the final of the competition.
There are no unknowns here. The opponent isn’t from Serbia or Iceland. Atticgo Elche and Atlético Guardés know each other well. This EHF European Cup semi-final shapes up as a straightforward duel that could send a Spanish team to the final. They have already met twice this season, with Franjiverde winning both encounters: 24-21 in September and 23-24 in February.
Led by players such as Joaquin Rocamora, the team aims to rebound from past gains that have put them in a favorable position, while respecting the warning that a misstep could erase the momentum built over recent months. The Elche squad is determined to rise again after a tough midweek setback. Now is the moment to stand up and deliver.
Rocamora, noting the absence of Danila So Delgado and Ivet Monsoon due to injury, emphasizes that only two players will miss action for Elche. The loss of So Delgado, a player with physics and shooting prowess, tests new attacking ideas, building more confidence in options like Zaira, Benítez, Raquel More, or Tessa van Zijl.
The plan to secure the best possible result also centers on the atmosphere and emotional support. The club hopes for a strong ambiance on a day when the squad aims to dedicate a victory to Fernando Ayala, a cherished teammate who passed away during the Elche Half Marathon last week.
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Guardés, at the time
Rocamora warned that a great result is needed to defend on a course as demanding as Guardés, hinting at four or five goals as a small but meaningful cushion. Even so, the Oriolan coach expects a balanced match in the spirit of their usual clashes and recognizes the opponent’s current form, having secured five straight wins.
“They have mobile pivots that are hard to defend, they’re sharp and maintain a strong continuity,” Rocamora said. Elche will have to adjust their attack rhythms. If they can control those pivot positions, they’ll open up more scoring opportunities.
Rocamora: “The draw with Guardés will be determined in detail”
JA Galvanized
Thus, Atticgo Elche approaches a fresh chapter in its history. The prospect of reaching the first European final against a familiar rival is tantalizing. Guardés’ best continental result was the 2021 European Cup semi-finals, where they fell to Málaga. On the way, they eliminated Franjiverdes in round 16 due to a Covid-19 absence. This time, the clash unfolds on the floor.