Change of chip: the cup returns

This Wednesday, from 20:00, Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto host REBI Cuenca at the Port de Sagunt Pavilion in the second single-leg tie of the 51st edition of the Copa de S. M. el Rey.

In the first cup tie, played back in November, the red and whites overcame a Liga NEXUS ENERGÍA ASOBAL side, BM Caserío Ciudad Real (30-20). Before the international break, the Sagunto side comfortably defeated (38-22) Trops Málaga in the Men's División de Honor Plata, two points which allowed them to consolidate second place in the league table with a total of 36 points.

As for the Cuenca side, in the first round they visited Club Balonmano Alcobendas, recently officially relegated to Primera Nacional, recording a final score of 23-36. In Spain's top handball competition, they sit ninth with 17 points. In their most recent match, they beat ABANCA Ademar León 30-24.

The last competitive meeting between the Valencians and the Castile-La Mancha side took place in an ASOBAL match played in May 2024, at the same venue where this game will be held, with a final score of 28-33.

“They are probably one of the most in-form teams in Liga NEXUS ENERGÍA ASOBAL. They have thoroughly internalised their attacking style of play and, defensively, they are very tough, with a big defence. Their goalkeeping is also helping them a lot. It is a real test of our form,” says Sergio Mallo about the opponents they face.

The Castile-La Mancha side's squad continues to be led by Lidio Jiménez as head coach, having been in charge of the team for more than a decade. They have a blend of youth, represented by players such as Guilherme Tavares and Álvaro Martín, and experience, with names such as the Pizarro brothers (Nacho and Fede) and Joao Perbellini, among others. They also boast one of the best goalkeeping partnerships in national handball, formed by Pedro Tonicher and Daniel Arguillas. With the season already under way, they have made as many as three signings: Sergio Antúnez, Juanpe Espinosa and Vinícius Bertoldo.

It will be a very special match for Álex Pozzer, who joined the red and white ranks this season from precisely the opponents he will face, REBI Cuenca, where he played for four seasons, from 2021–2022 until last campaign.

Regarding the importance of the Port de Sagunt Pavilion, where they have only ever won, David García adds: “I hope they continue supporting us as they have throughout the season. They are a huge support for the squad. They bring us a lot of joy and we hope we can repay them.”

The match will be sponsored by our main sponsor, Fertiberia. In addition, the club has launched a 2-for-1 promotion: if you show your pass at the ticket office, you will receive an invitation for your companion in person. Alternatively, if you buy your ticket (€12) through the website www.cbmpuertosagunto.com/entradas/, two people will be able to enter with one ticket.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.