Alser BM Puerto Sagunto await the leaders

The visit of FC Barcelona Borges (Wednesday, 20:30, live on Nou Dos and Esport 3) promises another handball festival at the Ovni in Puerto de Sagunto.

FC Barcelona Borges, unbeaten leaders of Asobal and current European runners-up, are the perfect opponents for the red-and-white supporters to enjoy the virtual survival secured by the away victory in Alcobendas. With an eight-point lead and the goal average in their favour, with fourteen points still to play for, Alser BM Puerto Sagunto face this match with no pressure other than the pleasure of perhaps upsetting the all-powerful Barcelona Borges.

FC Barcelona Borges will arrive in their strongest line-up, with the exception of injured goalkeeper Saric, and this match falls between their Champions League round-of-16 ties against Hungarian side Veszprem, the former club of red-and-white player Ivan Lapcevic.

For Alser, the injury list is well populated: Muiña and Latorre are joined by Sasa Dukic, who has an adductor problem, as confirmed absentees, while Bauer and Sifre remain doubtful until the last moment.

Despite everything, the red-and-white squad, free from the pressure of the points, are ready to give their very best and, together with the magic of the Ovni, dream of competing on equal terms with their illustrious visitors.

FC Barcelona have managed to win just once in the ten matches the two teams have played in Puerto de Sagunto in the highest national division. Curiously, their most recent visit in the División de Honor during the 1969–70 season ended in a 15–14 defeat for the Catalans. The veteran red-and-white supporters dream of keeping the run going, although much has changed and the difference in strength is undeniable.

A sign of the home supporters’ hunger for quality handball is the expectation of another large crowd at the Ovni, despite members having to pay (nine hundred have already bought their tickets in advance), while the match will be broadcast live on Nou 2.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.