Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto draw in Huesca in another thrilling finish

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto secured an away draw in Huesca (29-29), in a typical close match where either side could have won, meaning the draw gives a valuable point to a Fertiberia team so desperately in need of points. Despite this, the red-and-white coach stated that “They were happier than us with the draw” and the 20-24 scoreline in the 23rd minute seemed to suggest that a second away victory was possible.

The red-and-whites took control towards the end of the first half and dominated with leads of up to four goals at the start of the second, but «when we had the match under control, we made life difficult for ourselves with too many clear shooting errors», said coach Martí. The haste to try to finish attacks too quickly also changed the dynamics of the match, allowing Huesca to reverse the trend through Arguillas, who replaced Pejanovic and was immense in the second half. With more spirit than precision, Huesca moved 24-23 ahead, led by Brazilian player Junior, who scored six, and Cabanas, Huesca’s spearhead with ten goals, only two of them from the seven-metre line. Perhaps Sorrentino’s unfair direct red-card dismissal in an incident in which he did not even intervene, Pozzer’s absence, Alegre’s absence, and the decision not to include Sladic and Rubén Ruiz in the rotation meant that Fertiberia’s squad depth was insufficient, reaching the final quarter of an hour with key players running on empty. Tarraso and Pocholo’s missed shots from the wings in the final minutes were only offset by the once again outstanding Corzo, the match’s top scorer with twelve goals.

With the scores level repeatedly, the final minutes brought the match to its last minute, with 33 seconds remaining. After Nolasco’s time-out, memories of the Valencians’ ending against Cangas resurfaced, when they lost the match in the final 20 seconds. However, the red-and-white defence was intense and conceded only a free throw with the clock stopped, which hit the woodwork. In addition to the aforementioned Corzo, the defensive effort for the Valencians came from Ángel Fernández and the once again masterful Ibrahim Moral, who maintained the high level he had shown in recent matches.

The next match will take place after the bank-holiday weekend, this Wednesday at 20:30 at the Ovni, with live coverage on Movistar +, when Guadalajara will test the recovery capacity of this Fertiberia side, who have been performing better away than at home. It is expected to be a festive occasion, with the Ovni packed to capacity, the presentation of the 500 players from Fertiberia’s academy, and a charity match in aid of the city’s Food Centre. The club hopes the collection of non-perishable food will be a success, just like the two points it hopes to offer its supporters as a Christmas present.

Bada Huesca: Pejanovic, Arguillas, Cabanas (10, 2p), Doldán (3), Rochel (3), González, Mugerza (1), Fuentes, Nolasco (3), García (2), Junior (6), Escribano (1) and Sánchez.

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto: Moral, Bruixola, Bernatonis (7), Rubén Ruiz, Sladic, Pocholo (3, 1p), Tarrasó (3), Sayad (2), Berrios (1), Corzo (12, 3p), Pozzer, Nebot (1), Fernández, Dukic, Sorrentino and Piró. Period scores: 2-2, 4-5, 8-8, 11-11, 14-14, 15-17 (half-time), 16-20, 19-21, 22-23, 24-23, 28-27 and 29-29.

Officials: García Mosquera and Muro San José. They excluded home players Nolasco (2), García and Junior, as well as visitors Dukic (2), Bernatonis and Sorrentino (red card). Palacio de los Deportes de Huesca. 1,100 spectators.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.