Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto will compete in the promotion phase for the Liga Plenitude Asobal

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto secured a 29–30 victory this afternoon away to Amenabar Zarautz at the Aritzbatalde Municipal Sports Pavilion on matchday 28 of the Men's Silver Division of Honour.

The match began with two changes to the red-and-white starting seven: Ximo Lora at pivot and Gonzalo Pérez on the right wing. The visitors' opening goals were shared among as many as four different players. Joaquín Barceló played at right back to give Dusan Trifkovic a rest, a move prompted in turn by Álvaro del Valle's absence. Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto coach Toni Malla's constant rotations, together with Guilherme Leonel's goals, forced the home coach to call his first timeout in the 15th minute with the score at 5–8.

The lead continued to grow progressively through goals from Diego Olba, Matheus de Novais and Arnau Fernández. Just five minutes after the first timeout, Mikel Alzaga had to call the second, with a five-goal deficit (8–13). Amenabar Zarautz's inaccuracies, mainly in the form of lost possession caused by the fierce defence they faced, led to a score of 10–17. The Gipuzkoan side's impetus and the visitors' five-minute scoring drought narrowed the gap on the scoreboard by half-time, which arrived with the score at 14–17.

The second half began in the worst possible way for Toni Malla's side. A double numerical disadvantage led to a 20–18 scoreline within five minutes, prompting the match to be stopped. Amenabar Zarautz scored no fewer than eight goals in the first eight minutes of the second half, while Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto managed only two in the first ten. Despite all this, the red-and-whites never gave up on the match, even when they fell three goals behind, and managed to draw level again, partly thanks to Álex Plaza's introduction.

By the 50th minute, the home side once again had a three-goal lead (26–23). Unlike in the first half, Amenabar Zarautz's goalkeeping efficiency improved; at the other end, Mario Rodríguez replaced Dani Martínez. A couple of decisive defensive plays, Diego Olba's composure to convert a penalty and Dani Martínez's intervention on the final whistle ultimately secured both points for the Valencians, with a final score of 29–30.

With this victory, Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto have mathematically qualified for the promotion phase for the Liga Plenitude Asobal. The remaining two matchdays will determine whether they finish fourth or fifth. Their next fixture will see them host Trops Málaga next Saturday at 19:00 (simultaneous kick-off) at the Port de Sagunt Pavilion.

MATCH DETAILS:

Amenabar Zarautz (29): Julen Eizaguirre (3), Alberto Aguirrezabalaga (2), Aimar Unanue (2), Oihan Balenciaga (9), Beñat Manterola (3), Ander Garmendia (1), Jon Echevarría (-), Asier Lerchundi (-), Eneko Iruretagoyena (2), Xabat Olaizola (2), Mikel Beristain (-), Manex Kalegain (2), Ekaitz Etxabe (-), Aitor Zulaika (3), Paulo Ostolaza (-), Peru Iraeta (-).

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto (30):  Ximo Lora (2), Guilherme Leonel (4), Olba (4), Nico Rey (-), Daniel Martínez (-), Álex Plaza (4), Barceló (3), Arnau Fernández (5), Dusan Trifkovic (2), Gonzalo (-), David García (1), Mario (-), Matheus (5), Capitán (-), Seke (-), Torío (-).

Referees: Óscar García Camino and Alfredo Arcos Adeva.

Exclusions:  Alberto Aguirrezabalaga, Dusan Trikfovic, Antonio Capitán, Arnau Fernández and Matheus de Novais for two minutes, and Toni Malla by means of a yellow card.

Score progression: 2–4, 4–6, 5–8, 8–13, 11–17, 14–17 (half-time); 19–18, 22–2o 23–23, 27–24, 27–27 and 29–30 (full-time).

Incidents: Matchday 28 fixture in the Men's Silver Division of Honour, played at the Aritzbatalde Municipal Sports Pavilion.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.