Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto unable to withstand Qatar’s momentum

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto lost 25-32 this afternoon to the Qatar national team in a friendly match before the league break. The red-and-whites made a poor start, being outplayed by Qatar’s long-range shooting, with only Samuel’s saves keeping them in the match. However, before the 15-minute mark, Valero Rivera’s men broke the game open and moved four goals ahead (3-7). Valencian coach Patxi Martí therefore called a timeout to give his players instructions and try a mixed defence to stop the opposition attack. Despite the change in tactics, Fertiberia could not find a solution and struggled against the Qataris’ strong defence, which worked hard to take a lead into the dressing rooms (11-15). After the break, the red-and-whites tried to reduce the deficit, but were unable to do so and Qatar did not let their advantage slip. Fertiberia failed to make the most of an early numerical advantage and watched the visitors extend their lead, forcing Patxi Martí to stop the match with a timeout. From the 15th minute onwards, the red-and-whites used a double mixed defence with Toni Alegre and Carles Lluna to disrupt Qatar’s attack. Later, the visitors converted their chances from six metres through Spaniard Borja Vidal and Roine with his long-range shooting. In the final minutes, Fertiberia let the game drift and Valero Rivera’s men secured victory (25-32). It is worth highlighting that all the players were rotated during the match, with the academy players putting in a brilliant performance. Ultimately, the match served as preparation before the league break, as the team will have to wait until 9 November to play their league match against Cuatro Rayas Valladolid. Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Sebastiá, Samuel, Marc Andreu, Rubén Ruiz(3), Tarrasó(1), Lluna(3), Apelgren(3), Grau(1), Plaza(7), Toni Alegre, Nebot(1), Fernández(2), and Roque(4). Qatar national team: Missaoni, Roine(8), Mabrouk, Krad(3), Megdich(3), Sinen(6), Mimesevic(2), Bonmenadel, Chaib, Almaalem, Vidal(4), Abdelmak, Alshammari(1), Shadi, Grco, Alkhatib. Referees: José Manuel Iniesta Castillo and Miguel Martín Soria Fabián (Valencian Federation). Grau and Ángel Fernández(2) were excluded for Fertibeira BM Puerto Sagunto, while Mabrouk(2) and Chaib were excluded for the Qatar national team. Score at five-minute intervals:  1-3, 3-5, 3-8, 6-10, 8-14, 11-15 Half-time, 13-19, 15-22, 18-24, 20-26, 22-28, 25-32 Full-time. Municipal Sports Centre ‘Ovni’, 600 spectators.  

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.