BM Granollers vs Abanca Ademar Leon on 13 February
The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown on February 13th, as two of Liga ASOBAL's titans, BM Granollers and Abanca Ademar Leon, lock horns at the Palau d'Esports in Granollers. With both teams desperate to climb the table and secure European spots, this encounter promises to be a high-octane display of tactical brilliance, physical prowess, and handballing mastery. At stake is not only league positioning but the mental edge heading into the business end of the season. BM Granollers will be looking to capitalize on home advantage, while Abanca Ademar Leon seeks to continue its pursuit of a spot in European competition. Both teams have something to prove – let’s delve into the dynamics that will define this crucial clash.
BM Granollers: Tactical Approach and Current Form
BM Granollers enter this match riding a mixed wave of form, with 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 outings. Despite the inconsistent results, their defensive structure remains one of the best in the league, with an average of just 27 goals conceded per match. Their 6-0 defense is aggressive, designed to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm by forcing errors and preventing fast breaks. A critical cog in this system is their goalkeeper, Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas, whose exceptional shot-stopping ability often keeps them competitive even when their attacking unit struggles to find rhythm. His save percentage stands at an impressive 40%, a reflection of his consistency between the posts.
Offensively, Granollers operates with a dynamic 7-against-6 system, frequently using their fast wingers, Adrià Figueras and Javi Rodríguez, to stretch the opposition’s defense. This has been their key to breaking down more compact defensive teams. However, their attack tends to slow down when relying too heavily on set plays, which leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks. A balanced approach, mixing fast breaks with controlled build-up play, will be essential against Ademar, who can quickly exploit such weaknesses.
Granollers will also look to their key player, left-back Imanol Álvarez, whose vision and ability to create openings for both himself and teammates has been central to their offensive setups. Álvarez’s scoring ability (averaging 5 goals per game) alongside his playmaking (with 4 assists per match) will be vital in unlocking the Ademar defense. The team’s biggest concern heading into the game is the absence of influential playmaker Alex Dujshebaev, who will be sorely missed due to injury. His absence creates a vacuum in the team’s transition game, forcing Álvarez and Figueras to carry a heavier burden.
Abanca Ademar Leon: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Abanca Ademar Leon arrives in Granollers with an impressive 4-1 record in their last 5 matches. Their form has been bolstered by a consistent attack, averaging 31 goals per match, and their capacity to exploit the fast break has been a hallmark of their success. Leon thrives in open play, using the counter-attack as a primary weapon. They will look to their key right-winger, Eduardo Gurbindo, who has been in excellent form, scoring 6.5 goals per game. Gurbindo’s pace on the counter is a lethal weapon, and Granollers’ defense will have to be disciplined to avoid being caught out.
Leon’s formation is based on a solid 6-0 defense, often switching to a more aggressive 5-1 when trying to disrupt the opponent's build-up. This system allows them to isolate ball carriers and force turnovers, transitioning quickly into offense. Their central defender, José Javier Hombrados, plays a crucial role in dictating the tempo from defense into attack, using his tactical awareness to nullify opposing offensive plays and direct the transition. When they’re at their best, Leon can be incredibly difficult to break down, but when forced into a slower pace, their attack can sometimes lack the cutting edge needed to break down top defenses.
The big question mark for Leon will be their injury concerns. With both pivot César Pérez and defensive stalwart Andrés Sarmiento sidelined, the team's defensive solidity could be weakened. Their absence may force Leon to adapt their defensive approach, relying more on individual brilliance than team coordination. This shift could give Granollers a potential opening to expose the gaps left by these key absences.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Looking back at the past five encounters between BM Granollers and Abanca Ademar Leon, the matches have been fiercely contested, with a near equal split of wins. Granollers has the slight upper hand, winning 3 of the last 5, but these victories have rarely come easily. In their last meeting earlier this season, Granollers edged Leon 32-30 in a thrilling encounter where both teams showcased their attacking brilliance. However, it’s the mental edge that could decide this one. Granollers, playing at home, will be buoyed by their passionate crowd, while Leon has struggled historically on the road in high-pressure matches. The psychological factor of playing at home in a tight contest might be the difference.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the key matchups to watch is the battle between BM Granollers’ goalkeeper, Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas, and Abanca Ademar Leon’s backcourt players, especially the ever-dangerous Eduardo Gurbindo. If Granollers can stifle Gurbindo’s impact on the fast break and prevent him from finding space on the wing, it will go a long way to limiting Leon’s offensive potency. On the other hand, if Pérez de Vargas is on top of his game, it could frustrate Leon’s attempts to get quick, easy goals from their transition game.
The battle between Granollers’ left-back Imanol Álvarez and Leon’s defense, specifically their pivot defender José Javier Hombrados, will also be crucial. Álvarez has the ability to break down any defense with his creativity and shooting range, but Hombrados is a seasoned defender who knows how to read plays. How well these two players neutralize each other will be key to how both teams function offensively.
Finally, the pace of the match will likely be dictated by the center position. If Granollers can control the center through quick ball movement and patience, they will create space for their wingers to attack Leon’s flanks. However, if Leon can impose their aggressive defense and slow down the tempo, they’ll force Granollers into a tactical battle of wills that plays into their favor.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Looking at both teams’ form and tactical setups, the most likely scenario is one where BM Granollers will attempt to control the tempo and avoid falling into Leon’s high-speed transitions. They’ll need to set the pace and rely on their strong defense to stifle Leon’s counter-attacks. However, Leon has the firepower to expose any lapses in concentration, especially in fast-break situations, so Granollers will need to be vigilant. The absence of Dujshebaev and Leon’s defensive injuries could leave both teams vulnerable, but Granollers will have the upper hand in terms of team coordination and experience. Expect a close, hard-fought game, but Granollers should edge it 31-29, with a decisive moment coming in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Final Thoughts
This match will answer critical questions about both teams: Can Granollers compensate for Dujshebaev’s absence and continue their defensive dominance? Will Leon be able to overcome their injuries and execute their counter-attacking game plan effectively? With so much on the line, the winner of this clash will not only gain precious points but also the psychological advantage going into the final stretch of the Liga ASOBAL season.
