Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto let victory slip away in the final seconds

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto drew 24–24 against GlobalCaja Ciudad Encantada, a team seeking a win to secure participation in the Copa ASOBAL. Fertiberia began the match determined to take both points and round off a dream first half of the season. The opening minutes were evenly contested, with the red-and-white attack directed by Latorre, who distributed assists to his team-mates and gave his side the lead at 5–4 after 15 minutes. From the 20th minute onwards, the Cuenca side moved ahead by exploiting gaps in the red-and-white defence and benefiting from a good performance by their goalkeeper Moyano. The final five minutes were an intense exchange of blows, and after a timeout the red-and-whites reduced the deficit and forced Federico’s suspension, going into half-time two goals behind at 9–11 but with a numerical advantage at the start of the second half.

The start of the second half was highly entertaining. The red-and-whites returned to the court convinced of their ability and closed the gap with a 0–2 run to draw level at 11–11. From the 15th minute onwards, the red-and-whites moved ahead at 19–17 thanks to great precision in attack, good pass selection and yet another excellent performance from Bruixola. The Cuenca side, meanwhile, could not find a way through the red-and-white goal, and Zupo called a timeout to organise his players on court. From the 25th minute onwards, the match was level again at 22–22. Both sides were tiring, and the visiting defence focused on stopping Latorre, the main red-and-white threat. This caused a slight blockage in Fertiberia’s attack, and the final score of 24–24 was eventually displayed on the scoreboard.

First, it is worth highlighting the participation in a friendly match during half-time by the Cervantes school team, coached by Ferran and Alberto, who provided ten minutes of entertaining action. Secondly, the magnificent support that carried the team forward. Finally, during the interval the club presented the donation cheque raised during the Copa del Rey match in aid of the Spanish Red Cross.

In short, Fertiberia could not extend its winning run at the Ovni, its home ground, but it put in a very good performance against a higher-ranked team that remains in excellent form after taking two points against a direct rival. This brings the first half of the Liga ASOBAL season to an end. The team’s next fixture will be the Comunitat Valenciana Cup final against Servigroup Benidorm on 29 December.

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto: Bruixola, Samuel, Pablo, Tarrasó (2), Chernov, Ángel Fernández, Vallés (1), Serrano (4), Ruiz (2), Berrios (6), Toni Alegre, Nebot, Tello, Carles Lluna and Latorre (9).

GlobalCaja Ciudad Encantada: Federico (2), Corzo (4), Simonet, Garza, Sorrentino (4), Mendoza (2), Cavor, De Hita, Sifre (1), Juanjo (1), Moyano, Moya del Saz, Ángel Pérez (10) and Álvaro.

Referees: Oscar Raluy López and Angel Sabroso Ramírez. Suspensions for Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Tarrasó, Chernov and Ángel Fernández; and for GlobalCaja Ciudad Encantada: Federico and Corzo.

Score at five-minute intervals: 1–1, 4–3, 5–4, 6–7, 7–9, 9–11 Half-time 12–12, 16–14, 19–17, 20–21, 23–22, 24–24. Full-time. Municipal Sports Centre 1600.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.