EÓN Alicante Left Heartbroken in Copa del Rey

EÓN Horneo Alicante was eliminated in the third round of the Copa del Rey 2025 after a closely contested match that went to penalties. Despite the coin not falling in favour of the Alicante team, they provided fans with a thrilling display of handball, determination, and pride.

The match did not start as expected, with a poor beginning allowing the visitors to take a 3-7 lead before the second period was even underway. Despite the deficit, EÓN tried to fight back but faced a formidable Huesca defence. Latorre's side struggled offensively, which allowed Bada Huesca to capitalise on every opportunity.

EÓN came out strong in the second half, levelling the score with goals from James and Ander. As anticipated, Huesca responded, and EÓN managed to take the lead by the 40th minute.

Latorre's team finally found gaps in the opponent's defence. However, despite creating chances, attacking errors began to surface, preventing them from extending their lead in just two minutes.

With two minutes remaining, the score was tied at 32-32. A penalty for Huesca made it 33-32, but they equalised with 40 seconds left. With 4 seconds remaining, EÓN had a penalty, which the goalkeeper saved, sending the match to a final draw.

At 33-33, the tie went into a two-part, 5-minute overtime. EÓN pushed hard and went into the break with a slight 37-36 advantage. However, Huesca was not done and equalised at 38-38 with 2 minutes left. Each time EÓN took the lead, Huesca equalised with 27 seconds to go.

With 2 seconds left and a 40-39 scoreline, Huesca was awarded a penalty, sending the match to a penalty shootout (5 shots each). The shootout was equally tense, with both teams scoring 3 out of 5, leading to sudden death, where BM Bada Huesca won the tie.

Thus, Horneo EÓN Alicante misses out on the chance to compete in the Copa del Rey 2025 Final Phase but gains something more significant: the pride of a city that supported and cheered for the team until the end, witnessing their tremendous effort and hard work.

Despite the result, this team's spirit is made of something special, fighting until the last second of every match and never conceding defeat.

Horneo EÓN Alicante (43): Karlos Rubio (2), Ander Torriko (5), Gabriel Navarro, Lorenzo Poyato, James Parker (7), Carlos Fernández (1), Julen Urruzola, Xabi Barreto (1), Alberto González, Didac Talens, Diego Vera (3), Josu Arzoz (3), Agustín Forlino, Aarón Gutiérrez (10), Darko Dimitrievski (3), Cauê Martins (1).

BADA HUESCA (44): Javier Borragán (6), Óscar García (2), Adriá Pérez, Fabricio de Souza (2), Ian Moya (4), Ignacio Suárez (3), Rafael Paulo (3), Carlos Pérez (1), Frank Enrique (3), Artur Parera (2), Miguel Malo (6), Decsi Gabor, Samuel Cordies, Daniel Arguillas.