TM Benidorm will clash with Cívitas Balonmano Guadalajara in Copa del Rey second qualifying round
TM Benidorm is set to face Cívitas Balonmano Guadalajara in the second qualifying round of the Spanish King’s Cup, a single-elimination match scheduled for 9 November. The venue will be Alcarreño’s home ground, following the official draw held on Thursday in Madrid. This meeting marks a significant moment in the cup campaign as both teams aim to advance through a tough bracket gaze and keep their momentum alive in domestic competition. The single-match format heightens the stakes, turning the clash into a decisive battle where every possession matters and a win opens the door to the next round.
The upcoming duel occurs a week ahead of the teams’ next encounter in the Asobal League, but this time the setting shifts to Benidorm. Fernando Latorre’s squad will be looking to leverage home advantage and deliver a strong test while also balancing the broader schedule, which includes Europa League group-stage commitments. The contrast between a compact, high-intensity cup tie and the longer league format will influence tactical decisions, squad rotation, and recovery planning as both clubs push toward multiple national and regional objectives. The upcoming match therefore serves as a critical mid-season milestone for both sides, offering a chance to gain confidence and secure progression in a knockout format.
Following the draw, Latorre recalled the Copa del Rey run from two seasons ago, when TM Benidorm reached the final. That memory underscores the club’s history of competitive performances in cups and the continued ambition to translate cup runs into tangible success. He emphasized that the cup offers an opportunity to showcase the team’s quality and fighting spirit, even when the schedule is demanding. The sense of anticipation around the fixture reflects the club’s desire to maximize every competitive avenue available to them, regardless of the opponent or the travel demands involved.
In assessing Guadalajara, Latorre described the visitors as a very young and resilient unit that can pose problems for any opponent. He highlighted their gritty approach, speed in transition, and willingness to challenge stronger teams, noting that Guadalajara possesses the potential to disrupt plans through relentless pressure and disciplined defense. Such characteristics make the clash a compelling test for Benidorm, one that will require focus, smart game management, and precise execution in both defense and attack. The forward-looking sentiment centers on exploiting strengths while carefully managing potential vulnerabilities that may surface under cup pressure.
For the coach at Benidorm, the immediate priority is to ensure the team travels in good condition and arrives ready to compete at a high level. He pointed to the relevance of a smooth, short trip as a possible edge, helping players conserve energy and maintain sharpness for a match that could determine the next round’s lineup and strategy. The balance between bold, attacking play and careful, controlled defense will be key in translating preparation into on-court results. The Alicante squad is expected to approach the tie with a clear plan, aiming to execute their game plan with consistency and composure across all 60 minutes of regulation time and, if needed, extra time.
Acknowledging the broader context, the Madrid draw has placed Benidorm in a position where cup progress could intersect with European competition objectives. The team’s leadership remains focused on maximizing opportunities, showing resilience when fixtures pile up and maintaining alignment with long-term goals. The upcoming match against Guadalajara is not just another cup tie; it is a test of depth, character, and adaptability under pressure—a situation that can define a season as teams jostle for positions in national contention and European qualification avenues. Source: Liga ASOBAL and official Copa del Rey communications.