Handball Benidorm has already secured what may be the club’s most historic season, even with one game remaining. The coaching staff led by Fernando Latorre confirmed a fourth-place finish last Saturday, securing a spot in European competition for the next campaign and boosting their points total to 35—the best ever in the Asobal League since the club entered Spain’s top tier.
For a modest club like Benidorm, the season has marked an unprecedented surge. In 2019-2020 they earned a European berth as Cup runners-up, but this time they converted their league campaign into a standout achievement, outperforming teams backed by much larger budgets.
“We can say this stands as a milestone in the sport’s modern history in the country”, commented Latorre. “Although European success was achieved years ago with technician and Calpisa, the landscape today is different. Given our resources, what Benidorm has accomplished is historic and extraordinary.”
Speaking from Alicante, the coach added, “With what we have, we exceeded expectations. We played a great game that earned praise from opponents and colleagues. It was a remarkable prize. Now we face the final match against Bidasoa without pressure, simply with joy.”
Latorre described the season as nearly flawless. He admitted the team always strives for more, yet highlighted the global excellence of the campaign. Benidorm surpassed rivals like Ademar León and Logroño, squads with double their budget, moving past Anaitasuna, Puente Genil, and Huesca. It is fair to say the team has established itself among the world’s best handball outfits.
Fans from Benidorm and the broader Alicante region filled the Palau L’Illa with energy on match days. The coach emphasized the fans’ critical role, noting increasing devotion as a strength of the club. The vibrant atmosphere, fueled in part by the Blue Panda rock segment, contributed to a surge in attendance and spirit. In recent fixtures, Benidorm secured comfortable wins while other matches tightened to narrow margins, with the crowd proving decisive.
With renewed confidence for the coming season, Latorre looks ahead to Europe. He explained that there is a full year to savor the European invitation, acknowledging that two-legged ties present a real challenge. The team must navigate the preliminary round and strive for a prolonged European stay, relying on home fixtures as a pivotal advantage. He urged continued unity with the fans as a cornerstone of the club’s ongoing ascent.
The coach also highlighted the need for more corporate support. He identified Servigroup as the main sponsor and stressed the importance of maintaining that relationship, especially after pandemic-induced sponsorship gaps. As Benidorm’s name travels across Spain and Europe, the club hopes to attract additional backing from businesses and private supporters alike, turning visibility into a sustainable platform for growth. (Source: Benidorm Handball Club attribution)