Carmen Martín: "Defence is the key!"

Despite being without a victory after five rounds and lying in last place in the group, last year´s finalists Itxako still have a chance to earn a semi-final berth in the EHF Women's Champions League.

Carmen Martín talks about last weekend´s match against group winner Győri Audi ETO and the fluctuations in Itxako´s game. She also points out the key elements that might lead to a possible Spanish success over FC Midtjylland.

ehfCL.com: Your team tied in Győr after an exciting match and you were the top-scorer with eight goals. How do you reflect on that game against the Hungarian champions, and are you pleased with the one point?

Carmen Martín: At this time, there is Győri Audi ETO, and the other contenders. So, it’s a case of which of the teams can gain more benefit from their games. The fact that we were able to score a point at their home is a very good reward for us, as we still have opportunities to go on to the semi-final of the EHF Women's Champions League.

ehfCL.com: It´s your third draw in the Main Round, and you’re without a victory so far. How do you feel about the situation right now in the group, and can you and your team-mates cope with the pressure of not winning for several weeks?

Carmen Martín: I honestly don’t know if a team ever had a situation like this before. Our team is working with great intensity as we approach the game this weekend. We are struggling a bit, and feeling the pressure, but everyone is eagerly looking forward to the day when we play FC Midtjylland.

ehfCL.com: Itxako are missing Nerea Pena due to a serious injury and against the Hungarian champions, Macarena Aguilar was also unable to play. How is Macarena doing, and what are the chances of her playing in the game against FC Midtjylland?

Carmen Martín: It´ll be uncertain until the last minute whether she can go on court or not.

ehfCL.com: Despite being the bottom team in the group right now, with a victory over FC Midtjylland and with Győr´s help in beating Larvik, Itxako could advance to the semi-final. What would another semi-final participation mean to you and the team?

Carmen Martín: It would mean the chance to try and get the same result as we did last year, by reaching the final.

ehfCL.com: FCM beat you 23:22 in the third round of games at this stage. What went wrong in that game, and what tactics will you need to win this time?

Carmen Martín: On that day the Danes were very successful in executing their chances. We will have to be fully aware and focused to stop their fast breaks. We also have to be very active and work well with the final details of our defence. This really is the key, and could give us the victory.

ehfCL.com: This season Itxako are having fluctuations and errors towards the end of games, when their opponents show more strength. How do you feel about it?

Carmen Martín: The final minutes of a game are very important and transcendental, but the games are not only resolved by last minute actions. Everything is important, from the first minute to the last.

ehfCL.com: Tell us about your 7m executions, as you rarely miss. What do you think about when you are standing in front of the opposing goalkeeper?

Carmen Martín: I don’t think about anything! I just try to look good and find the best possible scoring opportunity and direction from the 7m line.