The Spanish men’s handball team claimed victory at the Spanish International Tournament in Benidorm, defeating Argentina 31-20. The win showcased a fresh offensive approach and a solid defensive setup that held strong for the initial 25 minutes before the visitors found a reply, highlighting Spain’s growing balance on both ends of the court.
With this result, Jordi Ribera’s squad closed the World Cup warmups in Poland and Sweden with an undefeated record and confident performances, especially in defense. Argentina, on the other hand, dropped two of the three matches in the series, leaving them with a mixed but instructive set of results to digest.
The Albiceleste caused early discomfort for Spain, pressing hard in the opening 15 minutes. The host team responded by stabilizing emotionally and recovering from a recent setback against Romania, then pressing forward to regain control of the tempo and rhythm on the court.
Victory parade at the premiere of Hispanics in Benidorm (42-29)
JA Galvanized
Shots from Parker, a former Benidorm player, and penetrations from Vainstein, an Alicante native, unsettled a Spain that began Ribera’s seven-on-six variation with some disarray. Pérez de Vargas showed a solid partial contribution (16 minutes with 6 saves and 8 goals saved) as Argentina briefly took the lead and forced Spain to adjust their defensive structure, packing more weight and reach to counter the visitors’ lift off the flank.
Spain then steadied as defense tightened around Parker and Pablo Simonet. Dujshebaev was instrumental, guiding teammates and finishing with a productive scoring output that helped restore momentum for the home side.
Spain makes history by visiting Benidorm for the first time
JA Galvanized
After Argentina called a timeout, Spain surged on a 7-1 run, building a comfortable six-goal cushion at 16-10. The second period began with a slow start for Spain as the center faced steady pressure from the Argentine attack, prompting a brief dip in performance. The Americans, evaluating the moment well, narrowed the gap to three goals at 16-13.
Casado sparked a quick rebound with the first Spanish score after a drought, and stronger defense against Simonet and Corrales helped blunt Argentina’s comeback threat. Parker continued to shoot at nine meters but with less precision, while Spain found rhythm through the Dujshebaev brothers and late scores from Daniel Fernández and Odriozola, preserving control of the game.
Midway through the second half, Milan attempted to slow the Spanish surge with a timeout at 23-15, yet Spain remained relentless. As the match wore on, Argentina rested several players while Spain rotated deep into their squad, extending the lead beyond ten goals and sealing the win with a dominant finish.
Dujshebaev’s effort stood out as he challenged the defense and contributed important goals. The match, played in front of around 2,200 spectators at the Palau d’esports L’Illa in Benidorm, underscored Spain’s growing depth and consistency in this phase of the season.
Data sheet
31 – Spain (16+15): Perez de Vargas; Peciña, Ángel Fernández (1), Figueras, Solé (5, 3p), Garciandia (2) and Terrafeta (1) – starting with seven – Maqueda (3), Álex Dujshebaev (4), Corrales (ps), Serdio (1), Casado (4), Guardiola, Sánchez-Migallón, Dani Dujsheev (5), Odriozola (3, 1p) and Daniel Fernández (2).
20 – Argentina (10+10): Leo Maciel (1); Vainstein (1), Nacho Pizarro (3), Moscariello, Pedro Martínez (3), Parker (5) and Ramiro Martínez – starting with seven – Fede Pizarro, Pablo Simonet (2, 2p), Gavidia, Lombardi (2), Carró (1), Aizen, Cangiani, Barceló, Casanova (2), Bonnano, Bar (ps) and Wermbter (ps).
Score every five minutes: 2-1, 4-3, 6-7, 8-9, 12-9, 16-10 -rest-; 16-13, 19-14, 22-15, 25-16, 27-18 and 31-20.
Referees: Vladimir Yovandic and Marko Sekulic (Serbia). Two-minute suspensions were issued to Ramiro Martínez and Gavidia of Argentina, and to Peciña of Spain.
Events: The second match of the third day of the forty-seventh Domingo Bárcenas Memorial International Tournament in Spain (TIE) was played in front of approximately 2,200 spectators at the Palau d’Esports L’Illa in Benidorm.