Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto know how to suffer to secure victory in Pamplona

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto beat Helvetia Anaitasuna 26-28

They say that a match is a succession of mini-matches, and today’s game in the cathedral of Spanish handball, the Anaitasuna Pavilion, was a fine example. As if it were a play, the emotion of handball—one of those sports in which scoring only a few goals is not enough to win—manifested itself in several acts: two in the first half and another three in the second.

Because until the 15th minute of the first half, it seemed that Anaitasuna only needed to sharpen its effectiveness slightly to open up a gap. They were the clear dominators of this act, but could not establish the necessary advantage, as Bruixola had begun celebrating his 38th birthday, which he spent yesterday travelling to Pamplona. However, this Fertiberia side understands the match’s patterns and timing better than almost anyone in the Asobal league. The lapses that used to mean a 3-0 deficit was the end of the match, even with plenty of time remaining, are gone. Thus, Helvetia missed the opportunity to breathe life into the game for Fertiberia; in the 15th minute, a 7-6 scoreline said more about the defences and goalkeepers than about a brilliant match. But the magician was returning to one of his favourite theatres, and Ángel Pérez de Inestrosa, tightly marked by Garza in the first act, began to conjure up memories in the Cathedral. Fertiberia’s comeback and the first Valencian rojiblanco leads followed. Oh, and Bruixola continued doing his thing, while his imperial guard—Pacheco, Pozzer, Angel and Sorrentino—saved him extra work. As if that were not enough, Alegre, moved to a different position because Pocholo had aggravated his fascia injury, scored two delicacies from the right wing. Pozzer was battling hard despite close attention, and only Spiljak was less harmonious than expected. At half-time it was 11-15, and the second act ended in rojiblanco colours.

The third act began—the opening phase of the second half—with Juanto man-marking the magician Pérez de Inestrosa. Fertiberia took time to adapt to the new patterns and, to make matters worse, the cycle of suspensions began. A double numerical disadvantage and unforced errors allowed Nadoveza to unleash his missile, while Pamplona’s attacking play finished mainly through the area where Bruixola was least effective: the outside positions. That third act highlighted a worrying development: an Etxevarria goal made it 22-19, completing an 11-4 run for the Navarrese in the 17th minute of the second half. But only those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Valencian team could believe the match was ending. Sorrentino took charge at both ends and Bruixola, better protected by his defence, made it 24-27 at the start of the fourth act, with four minutes remaining. But the fifth act was still to come, and, as befits a Valencian team, the final mascletà—full of noise and silence, light and shadow—led to an extraordinary finish for both sides. Silly suspensions on both teams, including Juanto for Helvetia, and errors caused by nerves meant the final explosion was reserved for two of the usual protagonists. A seven-metre for Helvetia came at 29:40 with the score at 26-27. Oswaldo Maestro had been 100% effective from the line this season, while David Bruixola had saved 22% of seven-metre throws. But goalkeeper statistics never record the art of “saving what needs to be saved”, and Bruixola had not travelled to Pamplona to celebrate turning 38 and let the match slip away. He saved it.

The final rojiblanco attack allowed Tarrasó, who had endured five poor minutes after exhausting himself on the court, to receive the gift of the final goal, making it 26-28 on the scoreboard.

With this victory, Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto climb to fifth place. Before hosting Huesca at the Ovni on Saturday, they face a tough debut in the Copa del Rey: Barça B on Tuesday.

Match details Helvetia Anaitasuna: Norlander (32%) and Sergey (21%). Gastón (3), Bazán (1), Del Valle, Etxeberria (4), Filipe (3), Nadoveza (3), Chocarro (2), Goñi (1), Aguirrezabalaga (1), Balenciaga (1), Ugarte (2) and Dos Santos (4). Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto: Bruixola (36%) and Ibrahim. Rubén, Inestrosa (9), Tarraso (4), Spiljak, Pozzer (1), Alegre (3), Ángel, Linares (1), Sorrentino (7), Pacheco (2) and Sario. Officials: Moyano and Mori. For Helvetia, Garza (3), Del Valle and Ugarte were suspended. For Fertiberia, Tarrasó, Spiljak, Pozzer, Alegre (2), Angel, Linares and Sorrentino were suspended. Score every 5 minutes:2-1, 4-2, 5-4, 7-6, 10-11, 11-15. Half-time. 13-16, 16-18, 20-19, 23-21, 24-24, 26-28. Full-time Anaitasuna Pavilion, 1,350 spectators.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.