Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto suffer heavy defeat away to unbeaten Granollers

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto lost 31–22 this afternoon to Fraikin BM Granollers in the fourth-round match. Good goalkeeping and the woodwork once again stood in the way of the red-and-whites. The match began with a goal from Plaza, but Granollers quickly scored two consecutive goals to take control of the game. The red-and-whites, somewhat rushed in attack, could not find the space to convert their chances, which led to the home side launching rapid counter-attacks. From the 10th minute onwards, Schulz reacted with a couple of saves to maintain the gap and give Patxi Martí’s men no opportunity. Later, Fertiberia suffered a suspension, meaning they attacked without a pivot, but Rubén Ruiz’s speed allowed them to find the net with ease (6–4). Minutes later, the Granollers coach called a timeout after Fertiberia reduced the deficit on the scoreboard thanks to the Apelgren–Plaza connection. Ultimately, the Catalans stepped up their play when they saw the red-and-whites closing the gap (12–10) and managed to go into the dressing room with a four-goal lead (15–11). In the second half, Fertiberia started somewhat nervously, with several errors in attack and a lack of intensity in defence. Granollers, meanwhile, used a high tempo and a tough defence that gave the red-and-whites no opportunities. Patxi Martí’s men refused to give up and, with a 0–3 run after stealing three balls, moved closer on the scoreboard (21–17). Midway through the second half, the match opened up when Ángel Fernández left the court after receiving a red card and Nebot was suspended, leaving the defence somewhat depleted. Patxi Martí therefore had to restructure the defence to stop the home attack. Ultimately, Fertiberia could do nothing against an excellent Granollers side, who won 31–22. In short, a heavy defeat for the red-and-whites away to an unbeaten Granollers side that remain at the top of the table, level on points with FC Barcelona. Fertiberia’s next match will be on Saturday, from 18:30, against Helvetia Anaitasuna. Match Details Fraikin BM Granollers: Schulz, Blanxart (1), Pujol, Capdevilla (1), García (2), Arnau Garcia (1), Adrià Pérez (3), Campos (2), Reixach (2), Solé (1), Pol, Resina (3), Ruiz (6), Salinas (3), Grundsten (3) and Del Arco (3). Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Sebastiá, Bruixola, Samuel, Rubén Ruiz (2), Moriñigo (4), Tarrasó, Lluna, Apelgren (5), Grau, Plaza (5), Toni Alegre, Nebot (1), Fernández, Dukic (2) and Roque (3). Referees: Rafael Alberto García Mosquera and Juan Manuel Vinagre Vázquez. Campos was suspended for Fraikin BM Granollers, while Nebot (2) and Ángel Fernández (3) were suspended for Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto. Score at five-minute intervals:  2–1, 3–2, 7–4, 9–6, 11–8, 15–11 Half-time; 18–12, 20–14, 22–17, 24–18, 27–20, 31–22 Full-time. Palau d'Esports de Granollers. 1,000 spectators

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.