Benidorm’s handball team stands on the cusp of a historic milestone, with a real shot at qualifying for a European competition next season in the Asobal League. The club achieved a similar feat two seasons ago, not by a long run to the top, but by reaching the King’s Cup final. This time, their journey to the European stage feels like a true adventure, especially after the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the cancellations that interrupted earlier hopes.
With just four days to go, Benidorm is now within striking distance of fourth place. Securing that position would grant a direct berth to Europe next season. Getting fifth place could also be enough if Barcelona wins the Asobal Cup, opening a different path to the continent.
Fernando Latorre’s squad has collected 31 points, two more than Incarlopsa Cuenca, three more than Logroño La Rioja, and five ahead of Ademar León ahead of a crucial clash at Palau L’Illa this Saturday at 6 pm. A victory here would be decisive before Logroño visits La Rioja the following day. The Benidorm squad will close the season with two challenging away games, while Irun Bidassoasecond remains a looming figure and a potential spoiler in the Copa del Rey.
Benidorm’s coach believes a European spot is within reach next season. “This Saturday’s game is very important. Ademar is our direct opponent, five points behind, and beating them would send a clear message. We take it one match at a time, prioritizing Ademar first, then Logroño,” he explained.
The La Marina side’s coach stressed unwavering confidence. “We’re in a great moment and we’re going for everything. Despite injuries and setbacks, there is a rare joy and intensity in the locker room. The players push hard, and the team atmosphere is infectious. We are now in a position to achieve anything, and that reflects the belief we have.”
Latorre urged the players to stay focused on Saturday’s final game against Ademar, as they have done throughout the campaign.
Despite a rocky start to the league season, marked by multiple postponements due to positive Covid results, the Benidorm coach remained convinced they could deliver a strong campaign. “We carried a lot of optimism. I said from the outset that this is the best squad I have ever had at Handball Benidorm. I like this group; I feel a deep connection with them. I’ve coached big names before, but this year’s players share the characteristics I look for in my style of play.”
The only real challenge Latorre saw was the eleven changes the team had undergone. “That required time to adapt. We faced ups and downs, pauses, and that didn’t help our rhythm. By the end of the first round we found our engine. In the second round the national team break paused momentum, but the squad returned with the same drive and momentum, and now we are where we want to be. We are not a team dependent on a single player; everyone contributes and we are heading in the same direction.”
The coach added, “We’re performing at our best, and we will do everything possible to finish in the top five to secure a European berth. We are also one point away from tying the best season total in Benidorm’s Asobal history, which finished with 32 points. We currently have 31 with four games remaining. We want to reach Europe, but we know how tough that road is.”
Inspiring a sense of unity across the province
The club invited teams from the entire province to attend the pivotal match on Saturday, hoping to create a vibrant atmosphere inside the arena.
This handball Benidorm has a real chance to mark a milestone by securing a European berth for next season in the Asobal League. The club achieved something similar two seasons back by reaching the King’s Cup final. This time, the European journey would be a true expedition, shaped by resilience through the Covid era and the complications that followed.
With four days left, Benidorm eyes fourth place as the direct route to Europe, while a fifth-place finish could still pay off if Barcelona captures the Asobal Cup.
Fernando Latorre’s team sits on 31 points, two ahead of Incarlopsa Cuenca, three above Logroño La Rioja, and five clear of Ademar León before Saturday’s showdown at Palau L’Illa (6 pm). A victory could be the decisive moment ahead of Logroño’s visit to La Rioja the very next day. The team will then face two last hurdles in away games, while Irun Bidassoasecond remains a potential decider and a key rival in the Copa del Rey.
Benidorm’s coach believes the European target can be realized next season: “This Saturday is huge. Ademar is close behind, and a win would punish them. We will take it one match at a time, prioritizing Ademar first, then Logroño.”
The La Marina crew exudes confidence. “We’re in a fantastic moment and we’re pursuing everything with vigor. Even with injuries and bruises, the locker room radiates energy and focus. The players are the first to push forward. Being part of this team is a privilege. We are in a position to do anything, and that shows the trust we have in each other.”
Latorre calls on his players to stay locked in on Saturday’s clash with Ademar, as they have throughout the season.
Despite a turbulent league start, filled with postponements caused by Covid, the coach remained convinced they would have a remarkable season. “We carried big hopes. I believed from day one that I had the best squad Handball Benidorm has ever had. I feel a deep connection with this group. I’ve coached great players before, but this year’s squad aligns with my playing style in a way I’ve rarely seen.”
The only real hurdle was the number of changes the squad endured. “That required adaptation. We had ups and downs, pauses, and that affected the early rhythm. By the end of the first round, the momentum started to click. The second round brought a national team break, but the team returned with the momentum intact. Now we are where we want to be. It’s a team effort, with no single hero, and we are all pulling the same way.”
The coach stressed, “We are at our best and will push to finish in the top five so that we can be in Europe. We are just one point away from tying the best league total in Benidorm history with 32, and we still have four games left. The goal is Europe, even as we know how challenging that path remains.”
Invitations for the whole province
The club urged all provincial clubs to attend the crucial match on Saturday and help create an electric atmosphere inside the pavilion.