VL Deltell
Elche Handball Club and its supporters at the Esperanza Lag venue prepared for a decisive challenge in the round of 16 of the EHF Europa League, a game set for this Saturday at 19:00 against Madeira. The clash marks a chance to push into the quarterfinals and continues a storyline built over more than six decades of work by the club and its coaches.
AtticGo Elche aims to turn Esperanza Lag into a pressure cooker to beat Madeira
JA Galvan
Elche heads into the second leg as determined contenders. They must overturn a one-goal deficit from the first encounter to advance, a task that won’t be easy. Madeira arrives with strong form, having lost only one match this season and saving one of their key players, Araujo, for the occasion. Oriolano coach explains that Madeira remains a formidable opponent with significant depth and potential. He notes that Elche managed to recover from early concessions in the first match, but anticipates a tougher test this time and believes Madeira will present a stronger challenge.
Key strategies
There will be several decisive factors in this tie. The Elche coach highlighted the importance of riding moments of quality and limiting lapses on both sides of the court. The emphasis is on efficient shooting, solid goalkeeping, quick anticipation, and the ability to adapt as the match evolves. A core idea is to stretch the game across 120 minutes, using a draw as a measuring stick for endurance. The coaching staff acknowledges that the first half may not decide the result, and the focus should stay sharp through the second half and possible extra time. The aim is to play with confidence, accepting the need to push late in the game while maintaining discipline throughout the minutes on court.
Live to the limit
The AtticGo Elche versus Madeira Andebol clash in Portugal is more than a single game. It stands as a milestone comparable to the club’s best league moments from the prior season, a chapter the players hope to inscribe in the club’s history with victory. The head coach stresses that while finals may feel familiar, this match ranks among the most significant the club has seen. Fans are urged to fill the Esperanza Lag venue to back the team, turning the atmosphere into a genuine home advantage. The coach adds that the club has nurtured this opportunity for many years and that everyone involved should soak in the moment and enjoy the experience; the journey continues because the organization earned the chance to compete at this level for more than sixty years of dedication.
In closing remarks, the coach reiterates the club’s long pursuit of reaching this stage and the collective effort that brought them here. The players are prepared to leave everything on the court, and the community is invited to rally behind them as they pursue a place in the quarterfinals.