The people of Elche understood that a strong start would prevent a repeat of the Cup final setback. They showed resilience on both ends of the court, blending solid defense with dynamic offense to pressure their rival from the opening whistle.
The Basques found it difficult to score before their fifth attack, and gradually Joaquín Rocamora activated every component that helped his team gain the upper hand. Morales held the posts, Flores organized the defense, Van Zijl and Wolfs provided the spark in attack, and Bernabé contributed in both zones.
After the second goal, at 12-5 in minute 21, the difference grew to seven as Elche tightened the screws on offense. An empty goal moment underscored the defensive wall denying any crack in front of them.
Rocamora sets AtticGo Elche’s goal as to “compete” against Bera Bera and “enjoy” the match.
The bet paid off for Imanol Álvarez as the Basque side trimmed the gap to four with an early second-half surge and a brief moment when Gascó was sidelined. Yet a central blow from Wolfs allowed Elche to leave halftime with a five-goal cushion, while Méndez converted a seven-meter shot to stretch the lead to 16-11 in minute 30.
Do Nascimento Wolfs and a decisive Dutch effort from Da Silva kept the pressure on as the second half unfolded. Mendez celebrated a first-half tally that underscored Elche’s momentum.
ultimate madness
The tempo stayed high as the match progressed into the second half. AtticGo Elche pushed ahead to eight goals at 24-16 in minute 45, yet a late substitution misstep briefly narrowed the margin. Still, the hosts steadied and kept control, while the visitors found it hard to capitalize on any openings created by mistakes.
In the end, Elche maintained the upper hand, while Bera Bera showed the grit of a champion. The Basques mounted a late 0-5 surge led by Da Silva with ten saves in the second half, and the duel looked certain to extend into overtime after a close finish and a timely goal from Louis’ winger. Yet fate tipped in favor of AtticGo Elche, who responded swiftly to reclaim the lead and seal the first win of the tie. The next challenge awaits in San Sebastián as the team aims to advance further.
match paper
ATTICGO CBM ELCHE: Morales (p, 1), Rodrigues (ps); Zhukova, Van Zijl (6), Oppedal, Guilabert (2), Méndez (2), Andreu (2), So Delgado (1), Gascó, Flores (2), Benítez (3), Wolfs (4), Bernabé (3), Alexandra (2) and More.
SUPER AMARA BERA BERA: Aalla (p), Da Silva (ps); Arrojería (4), Fernandes (2), Louis (7), Menéndez, Boada (2), Hernández (3), Cavo, Echeverría (2), Karsten, Loidi, Arcos (3), Erauskin (2), Gavilan (1) and Polonium (1).
Score every 5: 3-1, 5-2, 8-3, 10-5, 14-8, 16-11 (rest); 17-13, 20-15, 23-16, 25-19, 26-23 and 28-27.
REFEREES: José Carlos Friera and Alberto Murillo.
PAVILION: Esperanza Lag (Elche).