Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto lose away to leaders FC Barcelona Intersport

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto lost 33–17 to FC Barcelona Intersport, a far superior opponent who wanted to settle the match quickly but did not have it easy. The Valencians left Chispi, Latorre and Bruixola out of the squad because of various physical problems.

The match became an uneven contest both in the standings and on the court, although the red-and-whites began behind on the scoreboard (5–4), with good combinations in attack helping them stay in touch. From the 20th minute, when the score was tied at 9, home coach Xavi Pascual called a timeout after Iker Serrano had levelled the match for the red-and-whites. The final minutes of the first half were completely dominated by the Blaugrana, who produced a 3–0 run; their defensive strength and steals turned every mistake into a rapid counter-attack against Pablo's goal. The gap grew increasingly wider, with the first half ending 15–11.

 Little changed after the interval. The red-and-whites ended up trying but being unable to respond, while for the Blaugrana it became a mere formality. They settled the match with counter-attacks from Raúl Entrerríos, Rutenka and Noddesbo, as well as an excellent performance from Sterbik in goal, who dealt with every mistake by the home defence. In the end, Fertiberia could not produce the upset of the round and left the leaders' home having lost 33–17.

 In short, this was a match that presented a major challenge and clearly revealed the difference in squad strength. The next match will be played on Saturday the 2nd at 18:30, when third-placed Reale Ademar León, featuring World Champion Carlos Ruesga, visit the Ovni. The match has also been designated Club Day.

FC Barcelona Intersport: Saric, Sterbik, Noddesbo (3), Juan García (6), Víctor Tomás (2), Raúl Entrerríos (2), Sorhaindo (1), Sarmiento, Ariño (5), Montoro (3), Gurbindo, Mikel Aguirrezabalaga (3), Rutenka (5), Rocas (2), Morros and Francisco Javier (1).

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Pablo, Samuel, Mateu, Moriñigo, Tarrasó (2), Berrios, Chernov (3), Ángel Fernández (2), Vallés (3), Serrano (3), Ruiz (2), Milasevic (1), Toni Alegre and Nebot (1).

Referees: José Luis Fernández Fernández and Antonio Martí­n Franco. Suspensions for FC Barcelona Intersport: Morros; for Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Ángel Fernández and Nebot.

Score at five-minute intervals: 2–1, 5–4, 8–6, 9–8, 11–10, 15–11 Half-time 18–13, 20–13, 23–15, 27–15, 29–16, 33–17. Full-time. Palau Blaugrana.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.