Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto rise from the ashes to earn a point in Logroño

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto drew 33–33 this afternoon against Naturhouse La Rioja, who were caught by surprise in the final minutes after letting a comfortable lead slip away, allowing Fertiberia to snatch a point away from the Ovni. The first half began with Fertiberia lacking intensity and being outplayed by Naturhouse. The red-and-white defence was not functioning properly and the Riojan attack took advantage to move five goals clear at 10–5. As a result of the Valencians’ poor play, Patxi Martí was forced to call a time-out to instruct his players. From the 20th minute onwards, Naturhouse raised the tempo and surprised the Valencian defence with fast counter-attacks, eventually going into half-time five goals ahead at 17–12. The start of the second half was a dream for the red-and-whites, as they reduced the deficit by capitalising on the home side’s mistakes. The whole team stood up to the Riojans thanks to their increased defensive intensity. In the final minutes, the score tightened to 29–28 and the red-and-whites saw an opportunity to disrupt the home defence and level the match. In the end, after a hard-fought comeback, Fertiberia secured a draw in the final second, as Moriñigo had to score the seven-metre penalty that brought the match to a close at 33–33. Naturhouse La Rioja: Jorge Martínez, Petrus (8), Arrieta (1), Velasco (2), Tioumentsev (2), Luisfe (3), Patrianova (3), Ramiro, Tolmos, Masachs (4), Pedro Rodríguez (2), Ángel Fernández (7), Aguinagalde and Ángel Romero (1). Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Bruixola, Samuel, Marc Andreu (2), Moriñigo (7), Tarrasó (2), Lluna, Grau (7), Plaza (7), Toni Alegre (2), Nebot (2), Fernández (1), Dukic (2) and Roque (2). Referees: Rafael Alberto García Mosquera and Enrique Ríos Martín. Arrieta, Luisfe (2), Patrianova and Pedro Rodríguez were excluded for Naturhouse La Rioja, while Moriñigo, Bruixola, Grau, Plaza (2), Nebot, Fernández and Dukic were excluded for Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto.   Score at five-minute intervals:  3–1, 7–2, 10–4, 13–7, 14–8, 17–12 Half-time 20–16, 23–21, 26–24, 29–25, 31–29, 33–33 Full-time. Palacio de los Deportes de La Rioja.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.