As the Liga Guerreras Iberdrola moves into the upper third of the standings, contenders for the playoff spots are already emerging. AtticGo CBM Elche, fresh from qualifying for the next round of the EHF European Cup, aims to climb into that elite group. The team meets a pivotal sixth round today, the final match before the European Championship break, following a mixed run of results last weekend.
The challenge ahead is steep. Elche hosts Costa del Sol Málaga, a side showing a contrasting run of form and currently positioned in third place. The match is scheduled for 1:30 pm and will be shown on Teledeporte. The Franjiverdes are determined to support the growth of their European squad within the league. Under the guidance of Joaquín Rocamora, Elche entered a hard-fought draw, finishing 61-47 on aggregate, with a late rally from players such as Tessa van Zijl and Clara Gascó, combined with standout moments from Danila So Delgado and Zaira Benítez, laying the groundwork to alter a recent trend that has not fully rewarded their effort.
AtticGo Elche takes on the EHF European Cup, December 24-28
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The Elche coach is candid about the day’s biggest challenge: the club’s offense remains the second-worst in terms of scoring, a hurdle the team must overcome. Rocamora emphasizes the priority: find their identity, play with efficiency, stay solid, and execute a strong game plan from the opening whistle.
The coach also cautions that Málaga arrives with momentum, highlighting two standout players who drive the offense and set the pace. Silvia Arderius directs the rhythm on attack, while Mercedes Castellanos has emerged as a premier goalkeeper in recent seasons. The Elche crew must be at full strength and ready for a tough test.
Costa del Sol Málaga arrives with confidence after beating Gloria Buzau in the Europa League Second Round, part of a three-match league winning streak. Backed by a sturdy block that helped them win the Cop de la Reina last season, the Andalusian project is viewed as one of the title favorites, especially after an opening day 31-32 victory against Bera Bera. The teams also reached the semifinals of the last Cup, a 32-24 win by Málaga, who were the defending cup holders at the time. Earlier that summer, the clubs met three times in friendly matches, with Elche claiming the latest two wins, 26-23 in Málaga and 20-17 in Elx at the Festa d’Elx festival.
AtticGo Elche secures the first win of the pre-season in Málaga
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The visiting coach, Suso Gallardo, acknowledges a challenging court but remains confident in his group’s ability to respond quickly. He notes that Elche has been improving and is gradually preserving key players who may be pivotal in the match.
Gallardo stresses that defense will be decisive on both ends of the floor. The priority is to stay disciplined against changing defensive schemes that can disrupt opponent attacks. At the same time, any successful counterattack will hinge on solid defensive organization and precise transitions.