Tonight at 20:45, TM Benidorm lights up the Palau d’Esport L’Illa with a historic European night. It will be the second time the team competes at a continental level, yet the previous experience was marred by a covid-19-related setback, when a false positive from a staff member cut short the first leg of the first round. Now the atmosphere is different, and Benidorm earned their place in the European arena on merit. The squad, led by Fernando Latorre, will confront Zurich GC Amicitia in the opening leg of the pre-group stage. Benidorm enjoys a bye through the first round, while Zurich advance after a 9-8 aggregate win at home against Zabrze, who had been defeated 8-0 away before the home victory.
Despite a rocky start to the Asobal League with two home wins against Bidasoa and Cangas and two road defeats to Cisne Pontevedra and Sinfín Santander, Latorre remains confident that his squad can rise to the occasion. He notes the unusual pre-season disruptions, including the departure of several key players and an abrupt mid-preparation exit for James Parker, which made assembling a full squad difficult. These events did not help the team launch a smooth season, but they did not erase the potential visible in the roster.
The coach says the team is competitive, even if the roster is younger and still developing. The aim is to maximize opportunities for rising talents while pressing to close the gap to last year’s form. Europe introduces a different kind of challenge, and the path to the group stage requires discipline, belief, and a relentless push for results. Latorre emphasizes that overcoming the draw begins with a strong opener and a clear plan to extend any advantage into the second leg. The focus is on delivering a confident display without assuming an easy return, while keeping the dream of progression alive for as long as possible.
About Zurich, Latorre describes a well-funded team with international experience. The roster includes players with backgrounds from Iceland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, plus several top athletes who elevate the squad. He compares Zurich to a German-styled side: robust, physically imposing, and capable, yet with less pace than Benidorm. The matchup is framed as a clash between a fast, dynamic handball style and a more powerful, physical approach. The expectation is a hard battle that will test Benidorm’s resilience and composure.
The Benidorm coach offers a balanced view of the tie, suggesting the draw sits at about fifty percent. He does not crown Zurich as favorites, even with greater resources, and notes that losses do not dictate the final outcome. The real test lies in the first leg, and the team must maximize its chances by playing a tight, effective game that leaves room to adjust for the second leg. The philosophy is simple: win the night and think about the return leg later, while keeping a realistic approach to goal margins and the strategic use of every opportunity.
Latorre focuses on performance rather than the odds, stressing the importance of a strong home performance. He points to the advantage of Palau d’Esport when the arena is buzzing with support, and he calls on the club to mobilize the academy and fans to create an electric atmosphere. A strong home showing could set the tone for the rest of the tie, making the second leg more manageable and leaving the team with a clear objective: secure the win with the maximum possible margin while maintaining control.
Rubén Santos returns as a stabilizing presence for TM Benidorm, and Lithuanian winger Rolandas Bernatonis adds depth on the wings. The team recently saw the departure of Argentine James Lewis Parker to Zamalek in Egypt, a move that included a substantial transfer payment and a period of adjustment for the Spaniards, including coach Garralda. Edu Calle also left, leaving a gap on the back line that will demand collective effort until December. The squad relies on the improving performances of Argentine Colo Vainstein and Iker Serrano, who are gradually regaining form after injuries. Tonight calls for all players to step forward and demonstrate the depth and grit needed to advance.
In Benidorm’s eyes, the path to success hinges on a disciplined performance, continued resilience, and the unwavering backing of the home crowd. The club hopes the audience will translate passion into momentum, turning Palau d’Esport into a fortress that can propel the team through the draw and into the group stage. With a careful blend of youth and experience, and a focus on closing the gaps that showed up in the early season, Benidorm believes it can rise to the challenge and write a memorable chapter in European competition.