Alser BM Puerto Sagunto could not overcome Valladolid

Alser BM Puerto Sagunto were beaten 23–26 by a Champions League opponent in Cuatro Rayas BM Valladolid. Today, the Ovni’s magic and the red-and-white intensity could not overcome Valladolid’s squad depth and quality. Juan Carlos Pastor had clearly learned what awaited his team if they were not at their very best, and from the opening whistle he ensured that nobody switched off. The match began with a masterclass from the evergreen Tomas Svensson, who stopped shots of every kind and from every distance. This allowed the Castilians to move 7–11 ahead in the 25th minute, and they maintained the difference at half-time, thanks to the marking of Prce, who was covered man-to-man for the entire 60 minutes. If the difference in potential was enormous, the absences of Latorre and Muiña from the red-and-white first line were an additional burden for the home side. The second half began as badly as possible for Alser, who saw the score reach 9–15 in the 35th minute, despite Bruixola holding his own in the red-and-white goal. The next spell was similar, making it 11–19. Although it may sound like a familiar complaint, the officials continue to show a lack of respect for the red-and-white supporters, today even driving the home players to distraction, as every decision seemed like an ode to injustice and a favour to the stronger side. They were not responsible for Cuatro Rayas pulling away, but they did weigh down the red-and-whites’ hopes of a comeback. Even so, nobody leaves this team’s Ovni without a fight, and the spirit and drive of the smaller players, Bauer, Sanchez and Iker Serrano, kept the team going, alongside everyone’s defensive effort. Angel and Lapcevic raised the intensity, halting Perales and Bilbija’s attacks. In these circumstances, Sifre’s goal in the 23rd minute made it 20–22, prompting the red-and-white supporters to chant the classic “Yes, we can, yes, we can”. But Alvarez and Bustamante were there to produce a couple of decisions and send off Ruiz, putting Alser at a further numerical disadvantage and taking the score to an insurmountable 20–24. Another late surge narrowed the final score slightly to 23–26, as a great Asobal side took both points back to Valladolid. Next week comes a crucial trip to bottom club Alcobendas, in search of two points that look vital for the red-and-whites’ survival and to avoid late-season trouble. Alser BM Puerto Sagunto: Bruixola and Peg. Backovic (2), Serrano (6), Ruiz, Dukic (1), Sifré (5), Lapcevic, Tarrasó, Prce (2), Jorge (3), Nebot (1), Angel (1) and Bauer (2). Cuatro Rayas BM Valladolid: Svensson and Sierra. Fernandez (4), Asier, Alonso (4), Tvedeten (7), Rambo (3), Krivocapic (1), Romero, Delgado, Perales (2), Alexis, Cutura (2) and Bilbija (3) Every 5 minutes: 1–6, 3–6, 3–8, 6–11, 7–11, 8–12. Half-time. 9–15, 11–19, 15–21, 17–22, 20–24 and 23–26. Full-time Referees: Alvarez and Bustamante. Abysmal, always favouring the stronger side. Alonso, Krivocapic, Delgado (2) and Alexis were excluded for Valladolid, and Dukic (2), Ruiz (2), Lapcevic (2) and Angel for Alser. Internucleos Pavilion. 1,500 spectators. Photo Gallery: http://galeriacoper.cbmpuertosagunto.com/Galeria%20fotografica%20Bm%20Puerto/  

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.