Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto narrowly defeat Novas

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Fertiberia Balonmano Sagunto secure an agonising 21–20 victory over Novas in a defensive match in which the red-and-whites were very good in this area, but not as effective in attack, as the opponents also read Toni Malla's side very well. This result keeps the red-and-whites in contention for direct promotion and brings their tally to 16 points at the end of the round. Next weekend, another final awaits in Zarautz.

The match began with Fertiberia quickly taking the lead on the scoreboard through goals from Poveda and Del Rincón, among others. But after the first quarter of the match, turnovers, travelling and attacking difficulties allowed the Galicians to equalise. The scores did not remain level for long, as Ignasi Admella began making saves and the red-and-white attack came back to life with goals from Nolasco, Alfonso and Ortega, among others. They went into half-time leading 11–7.

After the interval, Novas tried to reduce the deficit, moving to within two goals of an equaliser, but Malla stopped the momentum and the red-and-whites restored their advantage with goals from Del Rincón, Cunha, Sedano and Del Valle, among others. Poveda was shown a red card and could not finish the match. The final minutes were heart-stopping, but the three points ultimately stayed at the Ovni.

The match was marked by a tribute to David Bruixola from the marearojiblanca supporters' club, the club and Sagunto Town Council, represented by the councillor for sport, Javier Timón. The legendary red-and-white goalkeeper retired during the pandemic and was unable to receive a proper farewell because the competition could not be completed that year. All the club's goalkeepers formed a rondo around Bruixola, who received a plaque, a shirt and a commemorative plaque.

MATCH DETAILS:

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Ignasi Admella, Alfonso (2), Ortega (1), Del Valle (2), Aron Diaz Ledo, Valter Soares, Cunha (2), Daniel Martínez, Pablo Del Rincón (4), Nolasco (3), Manzano, Sedano (3), Luis Arnau, Poveda (4), Matic.

Acanor Novás: Jorge, Alejandro Dorado, Iago Flores (1), Jose Leiras, Paulo Dacosta (5), German Hermida (3), Martín Ariel (3), Eloy, Gabriel Chaparro (1), Manuel Trigo, Hector Gil, Alen Muratovic (2), Guillermo Rial (2), Solenta, Yago Santome, Pau Ferre.

Scores: 0–1, 4–2, 6–4, 7–6, 9–6, 11–7, 12–8, 13–11, 17–14, 19–15, 20–19, 21–20

Referees: Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto players excluded were Ledo, Valter, Del Rincón (2) and Poveda (red card); for Novas, Gabriel and Henrique were excluded.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.