TM Benidorm Handball returns to the European stage this afternoon, a Tuesday, with kickoff around 18:45. The team faces a tough challenge on Swedish soil against Ystads, a game that could define whether their Europa League campaign stays alive or falters. Fernando Latorre has his sights set on a much-needed victory to keep their ambitions viable in the next round of the EHF Europa League.
In the standings, Benidorm sits close to the cut line, occupying a penultimate spot in the group. They hold four points, just one behind Icelandic side Valur, a team currently signaling the playoff threshold. The top four clubs in the group advance, making every remaining match crucial for Benidorm as they chase a spot in the playoffs.
Benidorm’s European campaign started on a rocky note, but recent results have offered a glimmer of resilience. Two wins in the last three matches have helped stabilize their position and keep their dream of progressing alive. Yet, the path remains narrow, with several variables hinging on the outcomes of forthcoming trips and direct confrontations.
Back in the domestic arena, Latorre rejoined the squad after a break and returned to the Asobal League action last Friday with a setback against Bidasoa Irún. The upcoming encounter in Sweden arrives amid concerns for the squad: Edu Calle is still dealing with the aftereffects of knee surgery, while Carlos Grau cannot travel. Iván Rodríguez is listed with muscle issues that may influence lineup choices for the visit to Ystads.
Ystads, by contrast, presents a physically imposing challenge. The Swedish side showed their strength in the group’s first round, a match held at Palau d’Esports L’Illam where they defeated Benidorm 27-29. In that game, the Nordic team dictated the tempo, leveraging their physicality to control the pace and pressure throughout the 60 minutes. The result left Benidorm reflecting on what adjustments will be needed for this return fixture on neutral soil.
Match dynamics are likely to hinge on Benidorm’s ability to neutralize Ystads’ physical play and exploit any moments of hesitation in the Swedish side. The visiting team will want to seize momentum early and build a margin that could relieve pressure in the later stages of the game. For Benidorm, consistency will be key: defensive solidity, quick transitions, and efficient finishing in attack could make the difference in a tightly contested group stage.
TM Benidorm Faces a Narrow Path to Advancement in Europe
Benidorm’s mission remains clear despite the uphill climb: cling to every mathematical chance to push deeper into Europe and extend their continental journey. The current campaign demands focus and grit, capitalizing on every opportunity to move up the table and keep the dream alive for as long as possible.
As the landscape of European handball evolves, Benidorm continues to showcase resilience and a fighting spirit that keeps fans hopeful. The team will need to convert chances, defend with discipline, and stay compact in the back to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities. The coming days will test the squad’s character, tactical execution, and depth, especially with the added challenge of travel and the injuries that have shaped their recent fixture list.
Source: EFE