Sixty minutes from the objective

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto fight back to beat Anaitasuna 28-24 in the first semi-final of the División de Honor Plata promotion tournament for a place in the Nexus Energía ASOBAL League at the Port de Sagunt Arena.

The match began with an aggressive Pamplona defence alternating between 5:1 and 3:3, delaying the first red-and-white goal until almost the fourth minute, when Antonio Capitán scored. The visitors established the first leads of two (1-3 and 2-4), three (2-5) and four goals (2-6).

The hosts quickly responded during a numerical advantage to make it 4-6. They attacked with four backcourt players and no pivot, before two consecutive Alberto Serradilla goals restored parity at 7-7 in the 16th minute.

The coaches’ tactical battle raised the tempo and levelled the contest, producing several consecutive ties. Carlos Martín from the left wing and Francisco Ruiz from seven metres came into play.

Nacho Moyano’s first timeout in the 26th minute helped his players regain a two-goal lead at 12-14. The Valencians’ new seven-against-six attacking approach did not work and half-time arrived at 13-15.

After the break, the hosts moved within one at 15-16, 16-17 and 17-18. They drew level at 18-18 in the 37th minute, largely thanks to more saves from Juani Villarreal, prompting another Moyano timeout.

Ignacio Vergara responded in the opposite goal and Anaitasuna regained a two-goal advantage at 18-20. Villarreal kept his side alive by saving José Paulo Silva’s seven-metre throw, and the score was tied again at 21-21 just before the midpoint of the half.

Two-minute suspensions for Matheus de Novais and Nicolás Zungri hampered the red-and-whites. Despite that, Arnau Fernández put Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto ahead for the first time at 23-22 in the 49th minute.

Anaitasuna tried attacking without a goalkeeper late on, but it did not have the desired effect. Another Francisco Ruiz goal gave the Port side their first two-goal lead, 25-23, with five minutes remaining and led to another visiting timeout.

The red-and-whites passed up one chance to establish a near-decisive three-goal lead, but not a second. Their defence then forced numerous errors and secured a 28-24 final score.

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto will contest tomorrow’s 12.30 pm final against the winner of UBU San Pablo Burgos versus Fundación Agustinos Alicante.

Victory would return them to Spanish handball’s top tier; defeat would mean a play-out against the 14th-placed Nexus Energía ASOBAL League side.

MATCH DETAILS:

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto (28): Juani Villarreal (-), Olivares (1), Paco Ruiz (3), Jakob Pelko (1), Dani Martínez (-), Pozzer (1), Arnau Fernández (1), Julen Urruzola (-), Gonzalo (-), David García (-), Matheus de Novais (2), Serradilla (5), Capitán (2), Zungri (2), Carlos Martín (9), Teixidor (1).

Anaitasuna (24): Nikola Malivojevic (1), Iker Eola (2), Imanol Nuin (2), Ander Martín (-), Andoni Beraza (1), Mikel Redondo (1), Teo Marchesino (1), Unai Elizondo (-), Adrián Ortiz (1), Oleg Kisselev (1), Julen Elustondo (5), Ignacio Vergara (-), Marco Moreno (4), Iker Aguilera (3), Ibai Etxarte (-), José Paulo Silva (2).

Officials: Cristian Da Silva Barbadaes and Tomás Luis García Álvarez (Castile and León). Suspensions: Alex Pozzer (2), Matheus de Novais, Alberto Serradilla, Nicolás Zungri, Teo Marchesino, Oleg Kisselev (2) and Ibai Etxarte. Yellow card: Manu Etayo.

Scores: 3-4, 5-6, 9-12, 11-13, 12-14, 13-15 (half-time); 16-18, 18-20, 21-22, 23-23, 24-23 and 28-24 (full-time).

Event: First División de Honor Plata promotion semi-final for a place in the Nexus Energía ASOBAL League, played at the Port de Sagunt Arena in front of approximately 2,000 spectators.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.