The day’s marquee clash featured Costa del Sol Málaga facing AtticGo CBM Elche in a high-octane duel. Two teams with championship ambitions, pressed by the iron grip of Bera Bera atop the Ibedrola Guerreras League, collided in a battle that tested both sides’ mettle. From the opening whistle, the pace refused to slow, delivering relentless transitions, brave saves, and a string of turnovers that kept the scoreboard tightly contested throughout.
In the duel between Elche, nicknamed the Warriors, and Málaga, known as the Panthers, the green fringe emerged victorious thanks to disciplined coaching and unwavering determination. The game plan leaned into speed and movement, pushing numbers forward and pressing early. The opening exchanges saw Madrid-born coach Joaquin Rocamora orchestrate fast breaks and purposeful possessions as the visitors from Málaga absorbed pressure and answered with precise counterattacks that kept the game close.
AtticGo Elche leaned on youthful energy, competitive grit, and a sense of empowerment. They aimed to run from the opening whistle, trusting a high tempo to unsettle the Málaga defense. Rocamora adjusted on the fly, alternating from a 1-3 zone to quick bursts that spurred pace and forced defensive lapses. Rapid exchanges produced stretches where Málaga struggled to contain the surge, while Nicole Morales stood tall with crucial stops that kept the frame tight.
On Málaga’s side, veteran Merche Castellanos endured repeated tests as Elche stretched the floor and quickened the tempo. The Málaga coaching staff responded with timely timeouts to interrupt flows and push for a steadier pace while minimizing costly turnovers. Even as Málaga controlled portions of the first half, Elche seized opportunities to swing momentum, ensuring a responsive, tight contest at the break.
Early in the game, Málaga’s energy met Elche’s defensive discipline. A back-and-forth sequence around the 25th minute trimmed the gap to a single basket. Halftime left the teams knotted, each seeking to establish an edge as the third period began.
Great second half for the Franjiverde
Opening the third quarter, Elche faced a minor setback but quickly regained footing. A strike on the right by Gascó leveled the score and ignited a stretch where the Franjiverde looked to seize control. Guilabert challenged Castellanos repeatedly, and the teams traded blows as the pace surged. Even after a missed opportunity, Elche’s offense found a way to create separation late in the period, reaching a three-goal margin at 45 minutes. That moment sparked a string of defensive stops that kept Málaga from recapturing the lead.
As the final period unfolded, pace stayed brisk and the balance began to tilt in favor of the visitors. Zaira Benítez stepped up with decisive shooting that halted any Málaga comeback. Van Zijl added another burst, while Morales patrolled the cage with a steady stream of saves that frustrated the home side. Lockdown defense, improved transition play, and reliable shot-making allowed AtticGo Elche to extend their lead and control the late stages.
With the clock winding down, arena energy reflected a clear message: Elche had engineered a strong finish. Their approach underscored the value of high tempo paired with disciplined defense. The victory moved AtticGo Elche up the standings and suggested a late-season push as they pursue a higher league finish. The performance highlighted the depth and cohesion of a united squad, showing how a collective effort can outweigh a single star in a tight matchup.
In the closing sequences, Benítez remained a focal point for Elche, delivering timely goals to seal the result. Málaga pressed late, but Elche’s defense held firm, aided by composed rotations and a touch of luck that favored the visitors. The night stood as a testament to a well-executed game plan that balanced pace, defense, and efficient execution in front of a supportive crowd.
Match details and performance notes underscore how AtticGo Elche capitalized on pivotal moments and turned them into a deserved win. The team demonstrated that a younger roster, backed by a thoughtful coaching philosophy, can compete with stronger foes late in the season. This performance reinforces the belief that Elche possesses the resilience and talent needed to challenge for higher honors in the league this year. [Citation: league match report]
Final notes: AtticGo Elche’s disciplined execution, coupled with late-game composure, signaled a turning point in their campaign and offered fans a glimpse of what the team can achieve when momentum aligns with strategy. The night belonged to the Franjiverdes, who closed the game with a flurry of decisive plays and a defense that refused to yield under pressure.
Score details and player contributions were: COSTA DEL SOL MALAGA: Castellanos (p, 1), Garre (ps); Doiro (1), Arderius (6), Bravo (2), Cuadrado (3), Campigli (1), Pérez, Gutiérrez (2), López (3), Sánchez (1), Azcune, Medeiros (4), Pessoa (1) and Reds (1).
ATTICGO CBM ELCHE: Morales (s), Rodrigues (ps); Zhukova, Van Zijl (2), Oppedal, Guilabert (3), Méndez (1), Andreu, Gascó (2), Flores (1), Benítez (2), Martínez (5), Wolfs (4), Bernabé (1), Nascimento (6) and More (1).
Score progression: 2-3, 6-6, 8-7, 10-8, 10-10, 12-11 (rest); 13-13, 16-16, 17-19, 21-22, 24-24, 26-28.
Referees: Oriol Álvarez and Raúl Escoda.
Pavilion: Carranque Sports City.