The Siglo XXI Pavilion: first away trip against BM Contazara Zaragoza, featuring two familiar faces

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto face their first away trip of the DHP 2025–2026 season this weekend, visiting BM Contazara Zaragoza at the Siglo XXI Pavilion on Sunday from 12:30.

After securing their first win of the season last Saturday at the Port de Sagunt Pavilion, defeating BM Proin Sevilla 28–24, the red-and-whites will look to claim their first two points away from home this time.

Opposing them will be a debutant in the division: BM Contazara Zaragoza. Last season, the Zaragoza side had as many as two opportunities, via the play-off format, to move up to the second tier of Spanish handball. On their first attempt, they were unable to overcome another promoted side, Attica 21 Hotels OAR Coruña. On their second opportunity, this time in the play-out, they lost to the side against whom Puerto Sagunto made their debut days ago, BM Proin Sevilla. Mubak La Roca’s financial decision to relinquish the place led the RFEBM to invite the side from the capital of Aragón, who accepted the proposal.

BM Contazara Zaragoza come into the match after a 32–28 defeat on the opening day during their visit to La Catedral, where they faced SCDR Anaitasuna.

“We know they will have their supporters behind them for the first time in a home match in the División de Honor Plata. That makes them a dangerous opponent worthy of respect, given the desire and enthusiasm they will want to convey to their fans. Nevertheless, we want to take points and claim both of them to keep adding to our tally in the opening rounds,” says first-team coach Toni Malla about what he expects on Sunday.

They have one of the best coaches in the league, Mariano Ortega, who has replaced Eduardo Gálvez and is returning to what was once his home, having coached the now-defunct CAI Aragón. He has also coached UBU San Pablo Burgos, BM Guadalajara, Villa de Aranda, Benfica and teams in countries such as Italy and Saudi Arabia.

As for the squad, they have secured key renewals for players with experience in the Liga NEXUS ENERGÍA ASOBAL, such as Diego Monzón, Jorge Gómez and Kike Camas. Among the new arrivals are two former red-and-whites, Álvaro del Valle and Álex Plaza; Álvaro Acosta and Jon Ander Iribar, from Bada Huesca and Irudek Bidasoa Irún respectively; and Angola international Sergio Wagner.

“We have to be very disciplined at all times. One of the keys is to surpass them in intensity, as theirs will be very high. Defensively, we need to be very strong in one-on-ones and prevent them from making that extra pass. In attack, we must be organised, avoid losing possession and be clinical when finishing our moves,” concludes the Tortosa coach on the keys to earning points in the match.

If any supporters wish to attend the match, the home side will make tickets available at the ticket office one hour before kick-off, as well as in the following section of their website: https://zaragozabalonmano.org/entradas/.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.