Fernandez: "Itxako are writing history"

Itxako Reyno de Navarra are not a surprise team anymore. After having beaten RK Krim Mercator (SLO), Budućnost Podgorica (MNE) and CS Oltchim Rm. Vâlcea (ROU) in the Main Round, the Spanish champions will play in the EHF Women’s Champions League semi-finals for the first time.

The team from Navarra has made their dream come true. Line player Begoña Fernandez has opined to ehfCL.com about the great challenge got by Itxako.

ehfCL.com: How do you feel after a historic moment for your club?

Begoña Fernandez: We are incredibly happy! We are currently writing the history of Itxako, so I cannot describe that great feeling. As I have never played a semi-final in the EHF Women’s Champions League, it will be a very special moment. We have worked very hard to get to this objective and we deserved it.

ehfCL.com: Might this even be the happiest moment of your career?

Begoña Fernandez: Probably, that is possible. Sometimes I feel exhausted but this kind of victories give you power to overcome the difficult moments and keep on playing on this high level.

ehfCL.com: Does Itxako expect a difficult challenge in the semis?

Begoña Fernandez: Of course, but the dream continues. We can be happy but should be careful not to be too euphoric. Now that we were able to get through this stage, we can look for new challenges. However, this is the time to enjoy the beautiful instant.

ehfCL.com: Players of your opponents describe Itxako as a dangerous team because you have no pressure. Do you agree?

Begoña Fernandez: We believe in ourselves. That fact might be the most important improvement for this season. We are fully aware of our capabilities and I believe that is decisive for us. We can look our opponents into the eyes, respecting them but knowing that we are able to beat them. However, we also know that are a humble team and need to work very hard, too.

ehfCL.com: Has learnt Itxako from past defeats?

Begoña Fernandez: Experience is one of the most important factors in this competition. In past games we made mistakes in the decisive minutes, but we learnt of those bad moments. So yes, we have improved after these mistakes, but we still need to get more experience.

ehfCL.com: How important is this semi-final qualification for Spanish handball?

Begoña Fernandez: Our sport is growing in Spain and we are really proud for that. We are a lot people working hard for the sport, and this victory supports us in this labour.

Begoña Fernandez and Itxako will try to defend place one in Group 1 against the Montenegrin runners-up Budućnost. The decisive battle for group victory will be broadcast as a free-of-charge live web stream on ehfTV.com.

EHF Women’s Champions League, Main Round, Round 6
Sunday 20 March 2011, 19:30 hrs (local time)
Budućnost Podgorica (MNE) vs. Itxako Reyno De Navarra (ESP)

ehfTV.com is the official Internet TV platform of the European Handball Federation and offers free live streaming as well as a video on demand service.