Fraikin BM Granollers, the second consecutive test at home

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto face their second fixture in the 36th edition of the NEXUS ENERGÍA ASOBAL League this Saturday, and will once again do so at home, welcoming Fraikin BM Granollers to the Port de Sagunt Pavilion from 18:00. 

The red and whites go into the match in the best possible way, having beaten ABANCA Ademar León by the narrowest of margins (39-38) last weekend, in their first match since returning to the top tier of national handball, following a nail-biting finish.

This victory has placed the Portuenses sixth in the table, after being among the seven teams to have picked up two points on the opening matchday.

“We have had another good week of training. We are enjoying Matheus de Novais’s return, as he had been away due to the recent birth of his child. His return is wonderful for the group in itself, but it also raises the competitive level of the sessions. Everything is in place for the spectators to see a magnificent match,” commented Sergio Mallo on how the week had unfolded.

Opposing them will be the Catalan side, who experienced little movement in the summer transfer market. In terms of arrivals, Bernat Povill and Pol Chaves, players who were in the Primera Nacional reserve team last season, were registered as first-team players in every respect. As for departures, only Sergi Franco needs to be mentioned.

Antonio Rama, who renewed his contract in May until 2029, has a new assistant coach alongside him this 2026-2027 season, as Robert Cuesta has replaced Antonio García in that role. García decided to join Cajasol Sevilla BM Proin to take charge of the Andalusian project.

On their debut at the Palau d’Esports de Granollers, they welcomed Cangas-Frigoríficos del Morrazo, whom they defeated 38-34, led chiefly by the eight and six goals scored by two of their stars, Pablo Urdangarín and Marcos Fis respectively.

However, they have suffered two unexpected setbacks in recent weeks: the first was Bruno Reguart’s injury, caused by a grade-three sprain of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments; the second was the unexpected departure of the Valencians’ former goalkeeper, Luka Krivokapic, who has signed for RK Partizan following an agreement between the two clubs.

There is no need to travel far back in time to find the most recent meeting between the two sides. Just over a month ago, the Valencian side came out victorious (31-30) in one of the events commemorating the club’s 75th anniversary, the Torneo Fundadores. As for competitive fixtures, Fraikin BM Granollers defeated Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto 21-33 in ASOBAL in March 2024.

The fact that Fraikin BM Granollers cannot play in their first-choice kit at the Port de Sagunt Pavilion, together with certain issues affecting their second kit, has led Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto to debut their second strip on the 40x20 court in this fixture: their first senyera kit in the club’s entire history.

“We want to thank them for last weekend; they were our eighth player, the atmosphere was incredible, and they made us feel welcome at all times. We expect no less for this match; once again, they are more than invited to be part of something beautiful,” concluded Nicolás Zungri, appealing to the supporters.

Supporters wishing to purchase tickets to watch the match can do so in person or via the club’s website. The price will be 15 euros for purchases made before Saturday: p.berrly.com/cbmpsg/events/19558/map .

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.