Bera Earns Three-Goal Advantage in European League Qualifier
Super Amara Bera secured a significant three-goal victory over Rocasa Gran Canaria (30-27) in the first leg of their EHF European League qualifying playoff, placing themselves in a strong position for the next round. The match, held at the Pabellón Antonio Moreno in Gran Canaria, saw the Basque side demonstrate superior firepower late in the game, led by a standout performance from top scorer Carmen Arroyo, according to a report from Diario Vasco.
The result gives Bera a clear advantage heading into the second leg, which will be played this Sunday, November 15, at 18:00 local time (17:00 UTC) at the Gasca in Donostia-San Sebastián. While they celebrated the win, they are fully aware of Rocasa’s potential, having been defeated by the Canarian side in both the domestic league and the Supercopa this season.
Both teams have a history of intense competition, and this match was no different. The game was marked by physical play, numerous exclusions, and momentum swings. Bera played with the energy of a team hoping to erase a bitter memory from the previous season, when they were eliminated from this very competition in a devastating penalty shootout.
Arroyo and Álvarez Lead Bera’s Offensive Charge
It would be impossible to explain the outcome of the match without highlighting the exceptional performance of Carmen Arroyo. The Spanish international right back was the factor that made the difference, scoring nine goals and dictating the pace of the game in crucial moments.
Arroyo was not alone in leading the attack. Elba Álvarez, director of operations, also had a major impact with six goals. Other contributors included Elena Fresco, who added three goals, and Lisanne Kruijswijk, the Dutch player who emerged as a key figure in the final moments of the match to help secure the three-goal lead.
For Rocasa, María Zaldua was a standout in the early stages. The Orioco pivot scored two of the team’s first three goals and provided an assist, helping to establish an early presence. The Canarian side also received strong performances from Alba Tort, who scored five goals, and Uxue Morentín, who was effective from the wing position. Rocasa’s goalkeeper, Palomino, also made three crucial saves in a row at one point to keep her team in the game.
Game Flows with Injuries, Exclusions, and Power Outages
The match began in a balanced fashion, with attacks gradually overpowering defenses. However, an early setback for Bera occurred in the second minute when player Marie Louis had to leave the court due to a calf muscle injury (sóleo).
The first half was a story of momentum shifts. Bera built a 10-7 lead, but three exclusions against them allowed Rocasa to claw back and even take a three-goal advantage. Bera managed to stabilize before halftime, with Arroyo and Álvarez combining to tie the score at 15-15 at the break.
Rocasa, led by the scoring of Alba Tort, kept the pressure on. The game’s intensity was so high that it had to be temporarily stopped when the arena’s lights began to flicker, causing a delay.
It was during this period of uncertainty that Bera found its final gear. As the lights in the Pabellón Antonio Moreno stabilized, so did Bera’s attack. The team, led by Arroyo’s three quick goals and Fresco’s two, regained control. The appearance of Kruijswijk further energized the offense, allowing Bera to pull away and secure the final three-goal margin.
What’s Next: A Decisive Return Leg in San Sebastián
The stage is now set for a decisive second leg. Bera travels home with a comfortable 30-27 aggregate lead, but the team knows that in this rivalry, nothing is guaranteed. The return match is scheduled for 18:00 local time (CET) this Sunday at the Gasca in Donostia-San Sebastián.
For Bera, the task is to close out the tie and secure a place in the European League group stage, a goal that has eluded them since last season’s defeat.
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