Benidorm hosts Ferencvaros this Tuesday at 20:45, inside Palau d’Esports L’Illafor, in the penultimate round of the EHF Europa League group stage. Fernando Latorre has to guide his squad to victory to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the next round.
The Hungarian side arrives as a direct rival who has shaken Benidorm’s confidence, winning by a narrow two-point margin when they met earlier. Benidorm earned a hard-fought, memorable win in the first leg, a result that set the tone for the group. The match also marked the debut of some of the group-stage scorers who have since become central figures for their teams.
Ferencvaros has built a reputation for speed and lethal counterattacks, emerging as one of the tournament’s top-scoring outfits. This clash promises to test Benidorm’s defensive discipline as the locals look to add crucial points that could secure European progress for another season.
After a period of uncertainty, Latorre will be able to field his preferred lineup, though some players might be rotated during the post-match interview window. Benidorm arrives on the back of a draw from last Saturday’s Asobal League action, lingering on the edge of the playoff spots with Cangas del Morra lurking in the standings and offering a late path to victory in the final moments.
Javi Díaz, time expired from TM Benidorm’s draw (27-27)
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The team knows that European competition is unforgiving and a few bad minutes can cost everything. The setback from last Tuesday’s game still stings, a reminder that in continental play every possession matters and one lapse can erase a whole week of hard work. The Icelandic contingent, led by experienced coaches and players, remains a factor to be watched as the knockout phase approaches.
TM Benidorm on the verge of elimination in Iceland
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Fernando Latorre emphasized the need for better closing of games: “We played a great first-round match and had a chance to win by controlling the final minutes. Ferencvaros travels with solid results from their latest encounter in Sweden, so the upcoming match will be extremely challenging. If we want to advance, we must seize every opportunity and finish with conviction.” [Source: EHF match report]