MANRESA, Spain (Interstat) — A pivotal mid-table clash in Spain’s Liga Femenina tips off Sunday when CBF Manresa hosts Mataro, with both teams looking to solidify their playoff positioning.

The matchup at Pavelló Nou Congost features two teams separated by just one game in the standings. Mataro (11-9) arrives looking to snap a two-game skid, while Manresa (9-9) seeks to build momentum from a convincing road win last weekend.

All eyes will be on the guards. Mataro’s Helena Lopez is coming off a standout 19-point performance in a loss to Ausarta on Feb. 22, showcasing her scoring ability despite the team’s recent offensive struggles. Lopez averages 13.3 points over her last four games and will be the focal point of Mataro’s attack.

For the hosts, forward Mariona Teixido has been a consistent force, nearly averaging a double-double in her last two outings. She posted 14 points and nine rebounds in Manresa’s 71-53 victory at Pontevedra on Feb. 21, following a 12-rebound effort the game before. Her interior battle with Mataro’s Paula Casadevall, who grabbed seven rebounds in the last meeting, will be key.

History favors Manresa, which won the season’s first head-to-head meeting 54-49 on Nov. 15. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Manresa enters with a 67.6% probability to win, likely buoyed by home court and more recent form.

Mataro has lost three of its last four, with its only win in that span coming on the road. Manresa has won two straight, including that dominant performance at Pontevedra where Eva Almasque and Queralt Ribera combined for 21 points.

A Manresa victory would level both teams’ records and could prove crucial in a tight league race. For Mataro, avoiding a third consecutive loss is imperative to stay above .500 and in the postseason hunt.