Fourth place at stake

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto travel to Santander this Saturday to face Blendio Sinfín at La Albericia Outdoor Pavilion from 18:00, in a match corresponding to matchday 25 of the Men's Silver Division of Honour.

After securing a point ‘in extremis’ (28–28) last Saturday on the previous matchday against Balonmano Proin Triana at the Port de Sagunt Pavilion, the red-and-whites are looking to return to winning ways, as they did in their previous away match with a 30–32 victory over Handbol Club Eivissa.

“It is a very difficult match against a direct rival in our bid to qualify for the promotion phase for the Liga Plenitude Asobal. In addition, for several weeks we have been unable to count on our full squad, which makes it even more difficult,” says Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto coach Toni Malla.

They will face Blendio Sinfín, fifth in the competition with 30 points, just behind Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto on 31. Like the visitors, they drew in their last matchday (24–24) away to Balonmano Alcobendas.

“I consider them to be at the level of the top three—Caserío, EÓN and Burgos—and they have demonstrated this in the head-to-head matches they have played against them. They have played two away matches in a row and will surely be strong at home, as usual,” adds the Tortosa coach regarding the level of their opponents and what playing at La Albericia entails.

“They are a team that defends very openly and constantly tries to force the opponent into making mistakes. Offensively, they make many transitions and are very dangerous thanks to their blend of young and experienced players,” Toni comments on the Santander side's style of play.

“Our first objective is to pick up points, but if we cannot do so, we should at least be capable of not losing the goal difference,” concludes the red-and-white coach following the visitors' 29–25 victory in the first leg.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.