- BM Elda-CEE edged out Mare Nostrum Torrevieja 32-31 in a nail-biting season opener of the Primera Nacional.
- Javi Carrasco scored the winning goal with just 12 seconds left on the clock.
- Both teams showed strong offensive moments but also defensive lapses, leading to a back-and-forth contest.
- BM Elda’s coach shifted from a 6:0 to a 5:1 defensive formation to stabilize the team during the match.
- Next fixture: BM Elda-CEE visits Levante UD Marni,who also won their first match.
BM Elda-CEE Kicks Off Primera Nacional Season with Edge-of-Seat Victory
the 2025/2026 Primera Nacional handball season has started in thrilling fashion for BM Elda-CEE. The home team triumphed 32-31 over Mare Nostrum Torrevieja in an electrifying match held at the Pabellón Rafael Tapia Valdés. The deciding moment came in the dying seconds, with Javi Carrasco netting the winning goal with just 12 seconds left.
Match Recap: A Battle of Precision and Nerves
From the get-go, the match displayed a high tempo but also many inaccuracies, especially from the home side. These early mistakes gave the visiting Mare Nostrum Torrevieja chances to launch swift counterattacks and capitalize on outside shots and solid pivots.
Coach Gedeón Guardiola reacted by switching BM Elda’s defense from a traditional 6:0 formation to a more aggressive 5:1 setup. This shift helped strengthen their defense, though consistency remained elusive throughout the game.
| Match Period | Score Progression (BM Elda – Torrevieja) |
|---|---|
| Start | 2-4 |
| 15 min | 8-9 |
| Halftime | 15-15 |
| second Half (early) | 17-16 to 20-20 |
| Final Minutes | 29-30 to 32-31 |
Key Players and Highlights
- Javi Carrasco was the hero of the day with two crucial goals, including the match-winner in the final seconds.
- Mikita Liavonau contributed an impressive 7 goals, including 3 penalties.
- Dani Vázquez and José Vicent guarded the net for BM Elda,making vital saves.
- for the visitors, Rubén Ruiz scored 7 goals and Dani Payá added 6, showing strong offensive firepower.
defensive Struggles and Tactical Adjustments
Despite glimpses of solid defense, BM Elda-CEE struggled to maintain consistency and committed several errors. Simultaneously occurring, the goalkeepers shone in the second half, especially during a tense six-minute stretch with only a single goal scored. The home team’s defensive switch was critical for stabilizing the match and applying pressure on Torrevieja.
What’s next for BM Elda-CEE?
This win sets a positive tone for BM Elda-CEE’s campaign in the Primera Nacional’s Group E. Their next challenge comes this Saturday at 20:00 hours when they face Levante UD Marni, another strong side who claimed a narrow 29-28 victory over Maristas Algemesí in their opener.
Player Performance Summary
| BM Elda-CEE | Goals Scored | Mare Nostrum Torrevieja | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mikita Liavonau | 7 (3 penalties) | Rubén Ruiz | 7 |
| Darío Martínez | 7 | Dani Payá | 6 (4 penalties) |
| Faust Talens | 5 | Ramón Mazón | 4 |
| Marcos cerdá | 3 | Iván Ruiz | 3 |
| javi Carrasco | 2 | Antonio Caño | 4 |
final thoughts
The opening fixture in the 2025 Primera Nacional was a reminder of why handball fans love the sport: fast-paced,unpredictable,and decided in the last moments. BM Elda-CEE’s resilience and tactical adaptability proved decisive, and with the season just beginning, fans will be eagerly watching to see if they can keep this momentum going.
Don’t miss out on upcoming match updates and in-depth analysis as the Primera Nacional season unfolds.
Credits: Article based on the match report from Cadena SER.
Source: Cadena SER – BM Elda-CEE vs Mare Nostrum Torrevieja Match Report