Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto storm the legendary Artaleku

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto won 27-28 against Bidasoa Irún this afternoon in the sixth round. Bruixola's fine performance in goal and a last-gasp goal from Apelgren helped the Valencians claim their first two points away from the Ovni. The match began with great attacking accuracy, but a quick suspension for Grau put Fertiberia in difficulty as Bidasoa closed the gap on the scoreboard (2-3). From the 10th minute onwards, the score was level at 4-4, and that was when Bidasoa had a player suspended and the red-and-whites took advantage of their numerical superiority with a 0-2 run (4-6). At that point, Fernando Bolea called a time-out to organise his players on court and slow the pace of the match. The red-and-whites' solid defence gave the home attack no chance, with Apelgren advanced in the central area and Bruixola making five saves. Halfway through the first half, Bidasoa's defensive pressure took effect and reduced the gap to just one goal, but Fertiberia quickly restored its three-goal maximum lead while short-handed by capitalising on several home turnovers. Finally, Fertiberia saw Bidasoa take advantage of a double numerical superiority on court and reduce the deficit to three goals (11-14) before the teams went into the dressing rooms. After the interval, things continued unchanged: Fertiberia began with two fewer players but withstood Bidasoa's attack and maintained its three-goal lead. After ten minutes, Patxi Martí's men stepped up another gear and, led by Apelgren, built a six-goal lead thanks to Irún's attacking difficulties. The red-and-whites' long attacks to conserve energy for the end did not prove beneficial, as Bidasoa dug deep and reduced the gap with a 2-0 run (19-22). In the final minutes, the gap narrowed and the home side moved to within two goals after several red-and-white turnovers (23-25). Patxi Martí reacted with a time-out five minutes from the end after losing a six-goal lead. Finally, Bruixola's saves and a last-gasp goal from Apelgren on the buzzer gave Fertiberia its first away victory (27-28). In summary, it was a hard-fought victory right to the end that gives the team breathing space and moves it away from the relegation places. Fertiberia's next match will be on Saturday 19th, from 18:30, against Frigoríficos del Morrazo. Match details Bidasoa Irún: Zubiria, Otequi, Cavero, Ugarte (3), Crowley (3), Fernando Rincón (1), David Rincón (4), Diaz de Cerio, Aldunate (2), Aramburu (4), Susperregui, Jauregi, Mugica (2) and Azkue (8). Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Sebastiá, Bruixola, Samuel, Marc Andreu, Rubén Ruiz (4), Moriñigo (5), Lluna, Apelgren (8), Grau (5), Plaza, Toni Alegre (2), Nebot (1), Fernández, Dukic (2) and Roque (1). Referees: Alberto Hermoso del Amo and David Monjo Ortega. Ugarte, David Rincón (2), Aldunate and Aramburu were excluded for Bidasoa Irún, while Nebot (2), Moriñigo, Grau (2) and Plaza (3) were excluded for Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto. Score at five-minute intervals:  2-2, 4-5, 5-7, 7-8, 9-12, 11-14 Half-time, 13-17, 15-19, 17-22, 21-24, 24-25, 27-28 Full-time. Artaleku Sports Centre. 1100 spectators

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.