Fertiberia begin the league on Saturday at the OVNI against Handbol Esplugues

The match will take place at 18:30 with limited capacity, as the red-and-whites aim to secure their first win of the season against the last opponent they faced in pre-season (winning 31-21).

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto begin their pre-season on Saturday, and they could not do so in a better way than in front of their supporters at the Ovni. After completing an excellent pre-season, the red-and-whites will face Finestrelles SC Handbol Esplugues from 18:30. It will be the first match for Toni Malla’s team, who will play in the División de Honor Plata this season with the intention of returning the port club to the top tier of Spanish handball.

Red-and-white coach Toni Malla says the match will be: ‘We are approaching the first league match with great excitement, and because it is the first, its importance is even greater. As I have already said during several stages of pre-season, we are a team under construction, and until the months pass and we know how far we can go, every match will be difficult.’

Regarding the opponents, Malla says: ‘Esplugues are an old acquaintance of mine, and I think the fixture has come at a time that could cause us problems. They are a very well-drilled and dangerous team. Although they come from Primera Nacional, they have been playing together for a long time, so it will not be easy at all. We know that we are the stronger side, but it will be very difficult. People should not expect them to come here and for us to win by 20, because it will be a very closely fought match given all the surrounding circumstances. They are a very well-drilled team, while we are still under construction.’

‘The pre-season has improved as it has gone on. We have gradually been building, creating training habits and routines that I think we were lacking, and from there I think we have grown at every level, both physically and tactically. I think the team has taken a very important step forward, but I also think we still have a lot to build.’ Toni Malla said, summing up the red-and-whites’ pre-season.

‘The truth is that we are excited to play our first official league match at the Ovni. I know what it is like to play here in front of a large crowd; I have been here as a spectator, and now I will be here as a coach. We are all eager for people to come and support us. We ask the fans to come and cheer us on, because the campaign will be very tough. It is a very difficult year, and we need them so that their support can help swing the difficult matches in our favour. We also ask them to be patient. It will not be easy, but I am sure we will all enjoy it.’ Malla concluded.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.