Background and Stakes for EÓN Horneo Alicante vs BM Guadalajara
The eighth day brings a high profile clash as EÓN Horneo Alicante faces BM Guadalajara with a clear objective: to cling to playoff positions. To achieve this, the Alicante side must topple one of the league’s strongest outfits, a team that has collected every available point so far this season.
BM Guadalajara sits in second place, level on points with the surprising 14-year-old squad from ID Energy Caserío de Ciudad Real. Yet Guadalajara edge them on goal difference, holding the advantage in the standings. The team from Guadalajara was relegated from ASOBAL previously and had earned promotion just two seasons earlier. The current campaign has seen EÓN Horneo Alicante in the battle for promotion play-offs. The team coached by Juan Carlos Requena came from a tight battle against Handbol Mallorca, narrowly prevailing 31 to 30. In their most recent home match, Trasmapi UD Ibiza picked up two points with a 29-23 win over HC Eivissa.
Latorre’s squad showed form with a 31-25 victory over Dólmenes Antequera at the Felicisimo Ruiz arena. In their most recent meeting about a month prior, on October 14, EÓN Horneo Alicante defeated Handbol Mallorca in a high scoring game that finished 39 to 34.
Background
The last time the two sides met was in the promotion group at Felisicimo Ruiz in March 2022. EÓN Horneo Alicante came away with a commanding 37-27 win, though the opening fixture at Santamaría finished by a slim one point margin in favor of the locals, 28-27.
Apart from the on pitch rivalry, this encounter carries personal significance for Marco Krimer. The Argentinian EÓN goalkeeper has guarded that shield in the last two seasons. He reflects on his journey, saying it was a crucial stage for him because he earned promotion to ASOBAL with the club and had the chance to compete at the highest level of handball in Spain.
We are assertive
The EÓN keeper recognizes the challenge ahead. He describes the opponent as a team on a winning run that plays with relentless energy. They are a squad of seasoned players who fight for every ball and push hard in each phase of the game. Fernando Latorre adds depth to that assessment, calling them an experienced, well-functioning unit and acknowledging that the game will be difficult. Yet he emphasizes confidence and unity within his own side. The message from the camp is clear: the team is in good form and feels ready to deliver. They approach the fixture with steady belief and a strong belief in their own capabilities. The players know this is a meaningful moment in their season and are prepared to back their pace with disciplined defense and sharp attack. A balanced mix of patience and intensity will be required as they look to translate preparation into results on the court. The sense around the club is that the moment is right to push higher up the table and maintain momentum heading into the critical stretch of the campaign.