Alser BM Puerto visit their fellow travellers

This Saturday, Alser BM Puerto Sagunto play in Guadalajara, one of their emblematic cities in recent years. Since May 2008, when Alser BM Puerto Sagunto and Quabit Guadalajara (then Realitas) jointly secured promotion to the División de Honor Plata, they have followed parallel paths and, of course, enjoyed sporting success. Just two years in the Plata were enough for these two teams, both with sufficient sporting history in the top tier of handball and now strong management credentials, to remain in the ASOBAL League for another year.

 Now, obviously, both are sailing through the turbulent waters at the bottom of the table, although outside the relegation places, which they must continue to watch closely, because neither side’s points cushion is enough to relax in the slightest.

 In this context, we can resort to the classic cliché that this is a match in “their league”, although both have shown that they can cause problems for those higher up the table. Evidence of the equality between the two sides is the draw at the OVNI, or the minimal one-point lead Alser hold over Quabit. It will undoubtedly be a hard-fought match, as all encounters between these two contenders are.

 Although home advantage gives Bolea’s side their customary edge, the differing performances in the last round against two strong teams such as Granollers and CAI could indicate that the red-and-whites are in even better form.

 The hosts will be without the injured Mateo Castella and Demovic, while Alser travel with fifteen players, with the league’s top scorer, Bosnian Nikola Prce, a doubt after suffering knee problems in the match against CAI. It will not be known whether he can play until shortly before the match.

 Although there are many points still to play for, the winner will take a step forward in the battle to avoid relegation, while the other side will remain outside the relegation places for another week.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.