Atticgo and Elda Prestigio, the two most prestigious women’s handball clubs in the province, face off this Saturday afternoon at the Esperanza Lag pavilion (18:00) for the tenth round of the Iberdrola Guerreras League. The anticipated derby returns under markedly different circumstances for each team. Elche women aim to preserve their place at the top of the standings after drawing with Bera Bera and Málaga, having only suffered a single setback so far. Elda Prestigio, meanwhile, is fighting to climb away from the relegation zone, having won only one match this season. The clash promises drama, rivalry, and a showcase of the region’s young talent in a venue buzzing with local support. In the buildup to kickoff, expectations are high for a high-intensity encounter that could tilt the balance in the table and set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
AtticGo prevailed at Elche Granollers, while Elda Prestigio faced a home defeat
JA Galvan
The mood surrounding the derby has shifted noticeably, as Atticgo’s coach, Joaquín Rocamora, noted yesterday. He described the match as very important and special because the history between these clubs has evolved. Historically, Elda was the stronger side while Elche relied on a younger cohort and players developed within the local environment. The current setup is reversing that trend: Elche has grown into a more ambitious project without losing the youth backbone, while Elda has intensified its competitiveness. The coach expressed hope that a victory would confirm this new dynamic, recognizing that the challenge will not be easy given Elda’s recent performances against Málaga and Bera Bera. The team also anticipates a lively atmosphere with strong fan turnout in both venues, adding a tangible derby edge to the encounter.
Elche’s run of form continues
Atticgo Elche arrives at the derby in excellent spirits after a convincing midweek win. The schedule presses on, with a third game in seven days, yet the team remains focused and energized. The coach emphasized the desire to deliver a strong derby performance, even after such a tight turnaround. The key, he said, lies in solid defensive work, forcing turnovers, and converting simple scoring opportunities into points. Lucía Prats, Elda’s top scorer this season with high shooting percentages, will be a significant target for Elche’s defense. The plan includes limiting the different defensive systems Elda can deploy and exploiting any creases the visitors might show.
Favorites and expectations
The Atticgo Elche mentor is clear about his team’s status as the favorite for this match and for the season as a whole. When asked whether it was premature to discuss ending the campaign on top, he dismissed the doubt. He noted that expectations were high from the outset from observers who identified Elche, Bera Bera, and Málaga as the leading contenders. He added that while the current pace might not be sustained for ten months, the early momentum has earned them the chance to pursue the Queen’s Cup final, the last three European qualifiers, and a strong position in the league playoffs. The objective remains to capitalize on the early-season energy and translate it into consistent performances across the league.
There you go, another one on the calendar
Elda Prestigio’s coach, Chema Vives, has chosen to ease pressure on his squad ahead of the big derby. Aware of the challenge posed by a stronger opponent, Vives described the match as just another game to be played with focus and energy. He reminded the team not to dwell on the next week but to concentrate on delivering their best performance this Saturday. The Navarrese tactician spoke with Ser to underline the approach: compete with everything on the line and give the best version of the team on the day. The derby marks the renewal of a classic in the Vinalopó region, coming eleven years after the last meeting between these two city outfits.
This regional spectacle combines pedigree and youth, offering a rare chance to measure how far each program has progressed since the last showdown. The fans, the coaching staff, and the players are all keenly aware that the result may set the tone for the remainder of the season in the local arena.