Elezkano II and Zabaleta remain firm

Without fissures. Elezkano II and Zabaleta are a compact combination after seven days. Not only in attack, but also in defense. Those of Aspe closed the first round of the Couples yesterday with another convincing victory that ratifies them in the first place of the classification. They have only had a scare that was settled without consequences, and they are practically classified for the play-off. They can already start thinking about securing one of the first two places that give direct access to the semifinals.

The colorados surpassed Jaka and Aretxabaleta, a last-minute substitute for Salaverri II, down due to Covid-19, who was going to take the place of the injured Mariezkurrena II. They started out as clear favorites and there was little to wait for them to get the fight back on track. Baiko’s men held out in the opening bars, but the moment their rivals warmed up, it was impossible for them to hold onto the punch of the Etxarren defender and the regularity of the Biscayan.

Jaka tried to move them to make them uncomfortable, but only succeeded in moments. Aretxabaleta held back and the scoreboard reflected a tie at four after 129 balls in which there was work. It was from then on when the colorados reflected the superiority that is assumed to them. Each one is very clear about their role and the gap they have to fill when they are badly given, so the efforts of the Blues to create doubts were unsuccessful. A two-sided from Navarre after a somewhat moved opened the strike of eleven goals with which they broke the game.

The rest requested by his rivals to try to cut the streak was useless. Jaka risked to put rhythm but things did not go to him as he was forced, and Zaratamo’s adjusted the crosshairs with the hook.

Tomorrow in Eibar

With 15-4 in the light, it seemed that Aspe’s men did not want to force the machine either. But they were comfortable on the court and inertia did the rest. Lizartza’s and Markina’s found some loophole, especially at the end of the match, which allowed them to make up the result. In the Couples of Promotion duel that opened the festival, Zubizarreta and Eskiroz beat Zabala and Oier Etxebarria (19-22).

Astelena de Eibar hosts tomorrow (5:00 pm) the second game of the day. Altuna III and Martija will face Laso and Imaz in a duel that has aroused great expectations despite the limited capacity. Both combinations want a victory that allows them to be in the fight for the second place in the classification.