Alser Puerto Sagunto still unable to win away from home

Alser Puerto Sagunto still unable to win away from home

Alser Puerto Sagunto were beaten 32–26 by Helvetia Anaitasuna in a match where the small squad and injuries meant that the second half belonged entirely to the Pamplona side. Until half-time, the match followed the expected pattern: a tightly contested game between two teams condemned to fight for survival until the end. Despite numerous errors by the red-and-white side and the saves made by goalkeeper Capón, who replaced Argentina international Matías today, the 14–12 half-time score kept the contest open, even after Alser's surge saw them lead 10–11 in the 25th minute of the first half. But it is clear that second halves have been difficult for Alser this year. The limited rotation, with only 12 players including junior Moya de Saz, the nearly 600 km journey undertaken that very morning, and the away factor meant that both ideas and energy dwindled, especially away from the Ovni, where the supporters provide the strength they lack. The second half was therefore a torment, with Anaita opening the gap through which the red-and-whites were bleeding. Capón continued to make saves, while the Frenchman Ragot joined winger Carvajal in his goalscoring efforts. The eight-goal deficit in the 20th minute, 27–19, knocked out the Valencians, who only had enough energy to reduce the final defeat to six goals. That is still a substantial margin, but it leaves the goal difference somewhat more manageable in the event of a tie, with the return fixture at the Ovni still to come. Alser's next match is enough to make one tremble, as leaders Atlético de Madrid visit the Ovni next Saturday in superb form. Let us hope that the magic of the Ovni produces a miracle, or at least improves the team's confidence ahead of the next challenge against bottom side Guadalajara on Matchday 9. Helvetia Anaitasuna (14+18): Capón (De Carlos, goalkeeper), Latorre (1), Redondo (-), Montávez (3), Paco López (5), Goñi (3), Bernatonis (2), Carvajal (5, 1 penalty), Cristian (1), Reig (2), Borragán (5), Ragot (5) and Chocarro (-). Alser Puerto Sagunto (12+14): Peg (Bruixola, goalkeeper), Moya (4 penalties), Stefanovic (1), Sifré (4, 1 penalty), Tarrasó (2), Rodríguez (1), Cid (3), Nacho (-), Ruiz (1), Sorrentino (7) and Fernández (3). Score every five minutes: 2–0, 5–3, 6–5, 10–6, 10–10, 14–12 (half-time). 17–13, 20–16, 27–17, 27–19, 30–23, 32–26 (full-time). Referees: García and Marín (Catalonia). Ángel Fernández was disqualified for a third suspension (55th minute). The home players Cristian, Carvajal and Paco López, and Alser's Rubén Ruiz, were suspended for two minutes. Anaitasuna Sports Hall. 1,800 spectators    

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.