Fertiberia unable to win in Puente Genil

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto lost 30–26 to Ángel Ximénez Puente Genil at the Pontanos' home ground. It was a very even match; the red-and-white side went into half-time ahead, but the suspensions affected a second half that went the home side's way.

Two teams playing to remain in Asobal for another year took to the court determined to win the two points. The match was expected to be close, and the first half was an exchange of goals. The home side were the first to break the deadlock with a two-goal lead. The Pontanos' joy did not last long, as once again, thanks to a superb performance from David Bruixola between the posts, the red-and-white side turned the scoreboard around. It was a shame they could not make the most of their three-goal lead; several attacking errors allowed the Puente Genil side to counter-attack and level the score again. But before half-time, the red-and-white side tipped the balance in their favour, making it 14–15. In the closing minutes of the first half, Puente Genil player Víctor Alonso was shown a straight red card after throwing a seven-metre penalty directly at the face of red-and-white goalkeeper David Bruixola.

After the interval, the home side returned to the court determined to finish the job. They did not want to remain at the bottom of the table, and that meant winning—especially at home in front of their supporters, whose bond with the red-and-white fans is strong. They turned the score around and built a two-goal lead. The red-and-white side levelled the score again, but paid dearly for an excess of suspensions, which had already hurt them in the first half. After the first 10 minutes, with two red-and-white players fewer on the Andalusian court, the home side moved three goals ahead. Vicent Nogués called a time-out to neutralise the Puente Genil team, who were gradually gaining momentum with the support of their fans. The red-and-white side could do little, slackened off in defence and watched the home side take the points.

The next match will be on Saturday 16 November against Helvetia Anaitasuna, who are also near the bottom of the table.

TEAM SHEET:

Ángel Ximenez Puente Genil: Alan Marcio, Sergio Henrique, José Antonio (1), Jose Cuenca (1), Srdjan, Alvaro de Hita, Juan Castro (9), Admir, Pereira (1), Javier García (5), Xavi Tua, Ruslan (6), Victor Alonso (3), David Estepa (4).

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Jaka, Mirallave (2), Leo Querin (2), David Bruixola, Camacho (1), Adrián Ribes, Corzo (5), Iñigo Celorrio, Toni Alegre (1), Dija Cruz (8), Alex Tello (3), Óscar García (1), Ángel López, Jordi Manero, Alex Pozzer (3).

Score progression: 3–3, 6–6, 9–8, 9–11, 13–13, 14–15, 18–17, 20–19, 23–21, 25–23, 27–24, 30–26

Officials: Ángel Ximenez Puente Genil players Da Silva, Srdjan, Nuno (2), David Estepa (2) and Victor Alonso (red card) were excluded. For Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto, Jaka (2), Leo (2, red card), Corzo (1), Dija (2) and Pozzer (yellow card) were excluded.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.