Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto confirm their improvement by beating Puente Genil at the Ovni

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto earned a much-needed 27–24 victory over direct rivals AX Puente Genil in a match played this evening at the Ovni. A packed Ovni suffered and enjoyed the match in equal measure as their team continued along the path established in Cuenca, showing commendable attitude and excellent defence, with Bruixola at his best.

Defence is Milos's hallmark in this new Fertiberia side in the second half of the season, along with greater use of almost all the players, who feel like protagonists and important contributors. Sayad arrived and made an impact, Sladic remains fired up, Bernatonis brought out his Lithuanian rifle, and the supporting cast added strength: Ángel and Sorrentino were immense, Pozzer battled superbly in both areas, and Rubén and Tarrasó defended well in a 5–1 formation. Pocholo and Berrios were phenomenal; even young Chueca joined the party by saving a seven-metre throw. Only Nebot and Sario did not feature in today's broad rotation.

As the match unfolded, the margins in the first half were minimal for both teams, with both defences prevailing over the attacks. A score of 5–4 after fifteen minutes gives an idea of the defensive level of both sides. Rudovic was kept quiet today, particularly in the first half, but Nacho Moya continued to give masterclasses, carrying the team on his shoulders. The sides went into half-time level, 12–11.

The second half began in the same way, but Puente Genil showed signs that the match was beginning to weigh more heavily on them than on the red-and-whites. Led by Sayad, with Bernatonis in top form, the red-and-whites established their first meaningful lead, 24–19 with twenty minutes of the second half played. Moya, however, continued to supply a fortunate Alexis, who managed to beat Bruixola from the wing, as the centre of the Valencian defence was an impassable wall for the Puente Genil players.

With the match in that situation, the objective was reduced to trying to secure a four-goal advantage to take the head-to-head on goal difference. In the end it was three, leaving the duel all square.

With this victory, Fertiberia can breathe more easily ahead of Wednesday's 20:15 match, again at the Ovni against Fraikin Granollers, without pressure—which makes them stronger at the Ovni.

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto: Bruixola, Chueca, Bernatonis (9), Rubén Ruíz (1), Sladic (4), Pocholo (2), Tarrasó (5), Berrios (1), Corzo (2), Pozzer (1), Nebot, Fernández, Dukic, Sorrentino and Sariò.

AX Puente Genil: Oliva and De Hita. Cabello, Olea, Moya (5), Cuenca (3), Bujalance, Muñoz (2), De la Sierra, Rudovic (6), Alexis (6), Porras, Vojvodic (1) and Paraja (1)

Scores. 2–1, 4–1, 5–4, 6–6, 8–8, 12–11 (half-time), 14–13, 17–16, 20–18, 23–19, 24–20 and 27–24. Full time.

Officials: Monjo and Ortega, who excluded Pozzer and Tarraso, disqualified after three exclusions, and Ángel for Fertiberia, and Olea (2), Alexis, Muñoz and Paraja for AX Puente Genil

Ovni. Sold out, 1,500 spectators. Before the match, former goalkeeper Juan Sebastiá received a tribute from the Red-and-White Tide

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.