Anaitasuna, the first obstacle on the road

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto face Anaitasuna at 6.00 pm on Saturday 23 May 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 red-and-whites host and organise the final tournament after finishing second with 44 points. In addition to home advantage, they face the lowest-ranked of the four participants: fifth-placed Anaitasuna, who collected 39 points.

Reaching the final, scheduled for 12.30 pm on Sunday 24 May, would give the Valencians more recovery time than their opponents. The 8.30 pm second semi-final pits third-placed UBU San Pablo Burgos (43 points) against fourth-placed Fundación Agustinos Alicante (41).

On the unified final matchday, the Valencians battled to edge Attica 21 Hotels OAR Coruña 28-27 at home, mathematically securing the crucial second place.

The Pamplona side arrive as the regular season’s form team after scoring points in nine consecutive matches: seven wins and two draws. They closed their home campaign by comfortably beating leaders Cajasol Sevilla BM Proin 32-22 despite having nothing at stake.

“We know they will present a highly proactive defence and a very high tempo for all 60 minutes. Their coach will keep changing things throughout the match, but we must focus on showing what we want on court,” Sergio Mallo said.

Right wing Mikel Redondo, Navarra’s leading scorer and seven-metre specialist, remains doubtful with multiple fractures to the bridge of his nose and is not permitted to play in a protective mask.

The Valencians won both 2025-26 meetings, 24-27 at La Catedral and 25-24 at the Port de Sagunt Arena. They also won 26-25 on seven-metre throws during pre-season at the first Villa de Ejea International Handball Tournament.

“I ask everyone to come and support us at the Port de Sagunt Arena as they always do. The atmosphere will be spectacular. They will see excellent handball throughout the weekend. We will give everything to return this club to where it belongs, and we must enjoy the process together,” Javier Olivares added.

General passes covering all three matches remain on sale. Members aged 5-17 pay €5 and adult members €20. General-public prices are €10 and €30 respectively.

Tickets are available online at www.cbmpuertosagunto.com/entradas and in person at the venue on matchdays.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.