Alser BM Puerto Sagunto seek to build on their momentum in Valladolid

Alser Puerto Sagunto travel this Wednesday morning at 08:30 to play at Valladolid's Huerta del Rey Pavilion from 20:30 in a match brought forward because of Cuatro Rayas Valladolid's European commitments, corresponding to the 12th Asobal League round.

Dzokic's men are fully aware of the European-calibre venue they are visiting and that Cuatro Rayas BM Valladolid belong to the aristocracy of this two-horse monarchy alongside Barcelona and Atlético. Nevertheless, the red-and-whites' strong performance against Amaya Sport San Antonio means they travel buoyed by their latest match and determined not to lose the thread of their good play and intensity, with their sights set on the three finals awaiting them after this clash against teams more accessible to the Valencians: Huesca and Octavio at the Ovni, with Antequera at their Arguelles home venue in between.

The red-and-whites will field the same team in the Castilian city that defeated the Antonianos, while Marko Dzokic remains sidelined with a long-term injury and Bojan Stefanovic is also unavailable.

For his part, Juan Carlos Pastor, the Valladolid coach, said that “Puerto Sagunto have good, experienced players such as Muiña, Chelu Cid, Sorrentino, Stefanovic, Moya and Prendes, and are capable of defending in a 6:0 formation or setting up an almost man-to-man 3:2:1 defence”. The World Champion with Spain also said that he has “the utmost respect for Puerto Sagunto, despite them being bottom of the table”, because, in his opinion, this is due to the fact that “the league is not easy, as there is a battle every day and it is becoming increasingly difficult to win, especially away from home”.

In short, this is a very difficult match for Alser Puerto Sagunto to take points from. They will need to produce their best performance and try to reach a close finish in order to spring a surprise against a Valladolid side facing a major challenge on Saturday: overturning the ten-goal deficit brought by Gorenje, featuring former red-and-white player Marko Ostir, in the EHF Cup. This could affect Valladolid's performance if they neglect their league duties, and the Valencian side may be able to take advantage.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.