TM Benidorm’s European adventure wrapped up on a Tuesday with a tough end in the EHF Europa League group stage, falling 39-29 to PAUC of France while still hoping for a miracle in qualification.
Fernando Latorre’s squad entered the final match knowing that a spot in the championship qualifiers was out of reach after last week’s home loss to Ferencvaros from Hungary.
TM Benidorm finished the campaign with two wins from their group outings, a hopeful note amid the challenge of facing some of Europe’s strongest clubs. The team earned respect for lining up against elite opponents and testing themselves against high-caliber competition.
Injuries and a very young roster weighed on Latorre’s side, making a deep run unlikely but not dull. The experience offered learning moments for players and staff alike as they evaluated progress and prepared for the next season.
Held at Arena Du Pays d’Aix in the south of France, the match boasted a lively atmosphere and clear enthusiasm from the home crowd. PAUC needed a victory to maintain their hopes of advancing to the next round and they asserted themselves from the start. Benidorm fought bravely and stayed within striking distance at halftime, trailing 17-14 as the teams changed ends. In the second half PAUC’s greater physical depth and sustained momentum pushed the score further ahead, culminating in a 39-29 result that sealed Benidorm’s European run for this campaign.