Elda Prestigio makes a triumphant return to the top tier after a dramatic finish against Morvedre. The Valencian club began the season leaning on a Barbosa-based strategy, a topic of local debate as it met with foreign preparations. Elda started strong, using individual moves and pivotal plays to edge ahead with a 6-5 balance before Morvedre surged back, catching momentum and pulling ahead by four goals. As the clock wound down, the momentum shifted again. When a wrist tremor surfaced during a tense stretch, Elda pressed with relentless offense, while Morvedre, after neutralizing Barbosa’s options, regained control and moved in front before a timeout, adding a decisive penalty as time dwindled and the score read 10-14.
Elda Prestigio aims to return to the highest category this weekend
Even as Morvedre threatened a late surge, the home side refused to back down and maintained pressure from the opening whistle. The local squad played with clear intent, steadily eroding the deficit and nudging the scoreboard toward a dramatic equalizer. The match evolved into a seesaw battle, with both teams showing why this clash mattered for rejoining elite competition. In a display of poise and resilience, Elda built each attack with care, matching Morvedre’s urgency and keeping the contest within reach as the minutes ticked away. The second arc of the game highlighted Lucia Prades standing tall in front of the goal, repelling Morvedre’s advances and guiding the late sequence with calm, precise finishes. Her leadership culminated in a decisive finale that sealed the Alicante team’s return to the top division after eleven seasons, a moment that felt like closure for the club. Antonio Mateo steered the team back to the highest level of women’s handball, completing a significant chapter in Elda’s history.
Data sheet:
Elda Prestige CBF (23): Lucia Prades (1) and Ocampos (ps), Maria Duque (3), Escribano (1), Andrea Roda (2), Agda Rafaela (10), Claramonte (3) and Claudia Martínez (1) – starting from seven – Mulet, Lucía García, Maria Rodríguez (2), Cardona, Lluch, Cristina García, Aitana Pastor and Clara Poo. Coach: Antonio Mateo.
Morvedre CBM (21): Solano and Elena Rodríguez (ps), San Isidro, Andrea González (5), Shandy Cabral (6), Mazza (3), Lucía Gamez (3) and Esther Lacueva (1) – starting from seven – Chumillas, Carla Zalvez, Elena Rodríguez, Heilmann, Ángela López, Gabriela Romero, Claudia Huerta (1) and Helena Martín (1). Coach: Manuel Etayo.
Partial: 0-2, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 9-11, 10-14 -rest- 14-14, 17-17, 18-18, 20-19, 20-20 and 23-21 – end-
Referees: Garcia del Salto and Huertas Herrador. Duque, Claramonte, Maria Rodríguez (2) and Escribano were ejected by two minutes for the locals, and San Isidro, Lacueva, Romero (2), Gamez and Helena Martín were sent off for the visitors. .