Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto come within one step of a remarkable comeback against Reale Ademar León

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto lost 33–28 this afternoon to Reale Ademar León in a match that began very poorly for the Valencians, but a strong start to the second half put the León side under pressure. The first half did not begin as the red-and-whites had hoped. Thirty seconds into the match, Ángel Fernández was suspended, which the hosts used to take firm control of the scoreboard (6–2). Reale Ademar, who came out all guns blazing, surprised Patxi Martí’s team, forcing him to call a time-out and demand greater intensity from his players. Despite Bruixola’s good work, the team did not feel comfortable on court and the signs were not promising. Reale Ademar’s more fluent play gradually prevailed over the Valencians’ inaccurate passing, creating a five-goal gap, with quick counter-attacks finished by Mario López (14–9). In the final ten minutes, Fertiberia came up against an assured Asanin in goal, while the hosts knew how to score even when short-handed, allowing them to extend their lead against a weak red-and-white defence. Ultimately, the red-and-whites went into the dressing room seven goals down, showing no signs of recovery (20–13). The red-and-whites began the second half with a different mindset and produced a 3–0 run that helped them refuse to give up. Dani Gordo responded by calling a time-out to stop the Levantine side’s strong reaction. Apelgren and Bruixola’s quality during the first ten minutes of the second half helped the red-and-whites close the gap and get back into the match, with a 6–1 run. Fertiberia tightened up their defence and stopped Tatarintsev’s shots (22–21). Midway through the second half, the red-and-whites increased the intensity as the hosts became passive, moving to within just one goal thanks to a strong defence that closed all the spaces for Reale Ademar, with a 9–2 run. With less than ten minutes remaining and the scoreboard at 28–26, Patxi Martí opted to call a time-out to give his players instructions and encourage them to continue in the same way. In the end, turnovers at crucial moments proved decisive, allowing Reale Ademar, after suffering more than expected, to take both points with a 33–28 victory. Fertiberia’s next fixture will be their first home match of the second half of the league season against BM Guadalajara next Friday, 7 February, with Teledeporte’s cameras in attendance. Reale Ademar León: Rogelio, Asanin, Mario López (6), Mellado (2), Vejin (5), Carou (6), Molina, Piñeiro (2), García Vega, Juan Castro, Jorajuria, Carrillo (6), Tatarintsev (4), Diez, Almeida (1) and Dacevic (3). Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Sebastiá, Bruixola, Samuel, Rubén Ruiz (3), Moriñigo (3), Tarrasó (4), Lluna, Berrios (2), Apelgren (11), Plaza (2), Toni Alegre (3), Nebot (1), Fernández, Dukic (2) and Roque. Officials: Ignacio García Serradilla and Andreu Marín Lorente (Catalan Territorial Federation). Reale Ademar León players Mario López and Dacevic (3) were suspended, while Fernández (2) was suspended for Fertibeira BM Puerto Sagunto. Score at five-minute intervals:  4–1, 6–2, 10–4, 14–8, 17–10, 20–13 Half-time 20–15, 21–19, 22–21, 25–24, 28–27, 33–28 Final. Palacio Municipal de los Deportes. 3500 spectators.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.