Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto ran out of steam before the end

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto were defeated 30–34 by AX Puente Genil in a match they led 20–25, but in which they suffered from absences and, for that matter, the refereeing of the Andalusian officials. The match was highly intense despite there being little at stake for either side, with survival already secured. For the red-and-whites, Malasinskas directed operations, while on the Puente Genil side, two former red-and-whites scored with ease: Chispi and Moya. With both teams experiencing ups and downs, the sides reached a tight 16–15, leaving everything to play for in the final sixty minutes of the season. In the second half, things were going well for the Valencians, with an outstanding Nebot accompanying another recital from the Lithuanian, while Pocholo’s man-marking of Chispi kept the Puente Genil side at bay until the home team led 24–20 with 15 minutes remaining. But the Andalusian referees’ strictness then became excessive, especially with two contradictory standards. A succession of highly dubious attacking fouls and successive exclusions only on the red-and-white side led to the third exclusion for an excellent Tarrasó. This, together with Plaza and Malansiskas tiring after playing all 60 minutes, caused the lead to disappear, with the score level at 26–26 with nine minutes left. Fertiberia failed to manage the new game that was unfolding and, with Sasa Dukic having an off day, lost several balls which put the visitors ahead on the counter-attack. In the final minutes, a superb Baena knew how to exploit the open defences proposed by Pachi, finally ending the home side’s hopes of victory. They tried, but did not have enough fuel to finish off the good work they had done. The season ends with the confirmed departures of Malasinkas, Plaza and Álvarez. It is now time for budgets, signings and renewals ahead of the Valencian red-and-whites’ sixth season in Liga Asobal.

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Sebastiá, Bruixola, Porras, Malasinskas (9), Sladic (2), Moriñigo (5), Tarrasó (2), Plaza (5), Nebot (5), Fernández, Dukic (2), Piró and Sariò.

AX Puente Genil: De Hita and Chirosa. Olea, Cabello, Laliga, Morales, Moya (8), Cuenca (10), Muñoz, De la Sierra (2), Melgar (1), Chispi (5), Baena (6) and Porras (2).

Referees: Casado and Vera (Andalusian Territorial Federation). They excluded Tarrasó (3), Plaza (2), Sasa and Angel (2) for Fertiberia, and Moya, Cuenca, Melgar and Baena for AX Puente Genil.

Score at five-minute intervals: 2–4, 6–8, 7–10, 9–12, 13–13, 16–15 half-time; 18–15, 20–18, 24–20, 25–25, 27–30, 30–34 final. Municipal Indoor Sports Centre “Ovni”. 1,500 spectators.

Incidents: Before the match, the Peña Marea Rojiblanco presented its award for the best player of the season, which went to the Lithuanian centre-back Aidenas Malasinskas.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.