Two days from the conclusion of the group stage in the EHF Europa League, TM Benidorm faced a near-elimination scenario on Valur’s home floor. The Spanish side suffered a tough defeat in Iceland, failing to turn the first half into a platform for a comeback against the locals. After a blazing start, Benidorm struggled defensively and in goal, and the visitors could not capitalize on a seven-on-six attacking moment to swing the score in their favor.
Mistakes, turnovers, and untimely penalties allowed Valur to settle in, building confidence and padding the scoreboard with several easy finishes into an open goal as Benidorm’s mood sagged and their momentum vanished.
TM Benidorm exits Europe
Valur seized the initiative early and never relinquished it, despite the Spaniards showing flashes of resilience. The Icelandic side managed to stay a step ahead, pressing when Benidorm attempted to push forward and forcing errors in transition that kept the deficit from shrinking.
The game began with a striking response from Fernando Latorre’s squad. Roberto Rodríguez stood tall in goal, and Ramiro Martínez found teammates with precise launches that gave TM Benidorm the initial lead on the scoreboard.
The Icelandic coach signaled a 3-7 timeout as Valur could not dissect Benidorm’s forward press, which often trapped the opponent in its own half and forced hurried decisions on offense.
Benidorm caused surprise with its early discipline, yet once the goal was cleared, a few offensive errors allowed Valur to regain its footing and pull ahead, rebuilding confidence as the clock ticked on.
Time for a pause
Latorre called for a timeout to steady the team, but even with numerical superiority in several offensive sequences and a standout performance from goalkeeper Gustavsson, Valur’s defense held firm.
As the first half wore on, Valur tightened its grip and surged in front during the late stages of the period.
With Magnusson driving their plays, the Scandinavian side exploited Benidorm’s mistakes, counterattacks and opportunistic finishes ensuring a two-goal advantage at the interval (17-15).
Benidorm tried to resume control after the break, leaning into a high-tempo offense in an attempt to close the gap, but Valur remained stubborn, answering every push with measured attacks and solid defending.
As the game unfolded, Benidorm’s precision faded and Valur’s organized defense stifled several promising moves. The scoreboard reflected the growing gap, left unchecked by a steady Icelandic offense that remained calm even when Benidorm pressed with a seven-on-six setup late in the middle period.
Benidorm persisted, hoping for a late surge, but Valur’s lead persisted through the middle and into the final stretch, with the home team resisting and Benidorm unable to overturn the two-goal margin.
Data sheet:
35 – Value (17+18): Gustavsson (2); Benedikt Oskarsson (7, 1p), Magnusson (9), Valencia, Arnor Oskarsson (1), Gislason (2) and Vignir Stefansson (5) – starting with seven – Juluisson, Finnur Stefansson (5), Palsson (1), Svolu Baldursson (2), Jonsson (1), Valdimarsson and Sakay (ps).
29 – TM Benidorm (15+14): Roberto Rodríguez; Sempere, Barceló (3), Iker Serrano (5), Ramiro Martínez (8), Lignieres (3) and Vujovic (2) – starting with seven – Vainstein, Soljic (1), Edu Calle (2), Nikcevic (1), Bernatonis, Rubén Santos (4), Adrián Sánchez and Samu Ibáñez (ps).
Referees: Eskil Braseth and Leif Andre Sudet (Norway). Vujovic (2) and Barceló from TM Benidorm and Valencia, Arnor Oskarsson and Magnusson from Valur were sent off for two minutes. Juluisson was sent off with a direct red card at 20:41.
The scoreboard progression every five minutes: 1-3, 3-6, 4-8, 9-9, 12-12, 17-15 -rest- 21-19, 24-19, 27-21, 31-23, 35-25 and 35-29.
Event details: The EHF Europa League group-stage match of the eighth day, Origo Höllin, drew 1623 spectators at Reykjavik Stadium.