The race for the lead is on again as two points could lift the team back to the summit. EÓN Horneo Alicante faces Balonmano Alcobendas this Saturday at 19:30, hosted at the Felicísimo Ruiz Pavilion, a venue steeped in spirited battles and late rallies. The arena will be buzzing as fans anticipate a hard-fought battle that could shape the standings in the league’s tight middle pack.
To secure the win, Alicante must outscore a Madrid side that sits 11th in the table with 14 points. Alcobendas came off a home victory over Handbol Mallorca, 23-21, in their latest outing. Their away record reads five losses, two draws, and one win, a trend that has seen them travel to Zamora and finish 22-26, followed by a recent 23-23 stalemate in Ibiza. Coached by Fernando Latorre, the Madrid team is recognized for posing persistent challenges and for quick counter-attacking transitions that demand disciplined defense from their opponents. Jorge Broto emphasizes the need for a stingy defense and effective counter-attacks, noting that control of the ball and swift finishes in transition will be the key to breaking through Alcobendas’ resilience.
For Alicante, the match comes on the heels of two setbacks against Tubos Aranda Villa de Aranda, with the most recent result a 29-22 defeat. Broto described the recent run as painful for the squad, while Latorre expressed hope that the poor spell could be halted this Saturday, with a victory restoring confidence and steadying the club’s momentum as the campaign progresses. The team will likely lean on a balanced approach—tight defense, disciplined positioning, and efficient finishing—to counter Alcobendas’ pace and counter-attacking threat. The coaching staff is focusing on maintaining composure, exploiting transitional moments, and sustaining intensity throughout both halves to avoid letting the opposition gain a rhythm.
In the first meeting between the two clubs, Alcobendas emerged with a 28-26 win, a reminder of the visiting team’s capability. When they clashed again at Felicísimo Ruiz, the sides finished level with 29 points apiece, underscoring how evenly matched both teams can be on a given day and how small margins decide the outcome.
Remembrance Day
This weekend’s game is dedicated to the Spanish Association Against Cancer in recognition of World Cancer Day, which falls on Sunday. Members of the association will begin the day in Alicante, followed by a commemorative photo with both squads. A visible banner will symbolize the partnership and shared resolve.
Additionally, both Eón Horneo Alicante and BM Alcobendas will participate in the ‘hope bracelets’ initiative, wearing green bracelets during the match to highlight support for cancer research. The Saturday contest will also feature a MVP honoree bearing the association’s name, adding a personal touch to the on-court spectacle and reinforcing the message of solidarity with those affected by the disease.