The best defence and the best attack meet at the Port de Sagunt Sports Pavilion

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto will play the twelfth round of the Men's Silver Honour Division this Saturday from 18:30, hosting Barça Atlètic at the Port de Sagunt Sports Pavilion.

The red-and-whites come off an excellent second-half comeback to take both points (30-31) away to Trasmapi HC Eivissa. The victory moved them up one place in the overall table, from fifth to fourth, with fifteen points in total. With a game in hand (against Trops Málaga), they will depend on themselves in the final part of November and throughout December to go into the Christmas break as competition leaders.

Barça’s reserve team, like the Puerto Sagunto side, also completed a notable second-half comeback in their match against Anaitasuna to win 34-31. Previously, they beat Balonmano Alcobendas (28-37) and BM Contazara Zaragoza (42-36). They occupy eighth place in the division with twelve points.

“We must show them a great deal of respect. They are opponents with many young players of the highest quality. We have marked this fixture in red on the calendar because we know what they have already achieved and what they will add against the teams near the top of the table,” warns first-team coach Toni Malla about the danger posed by the opponents.

The second Barça team for the 2025-2026 season has many new faces compared with last season’s side. Starting with the head coach, Dani Ariño has taken charge of the blaugrana team after managing the youth side last season, assisted by David Vilella as his right-hand man. The following players have been promoted: Xavi Moreno, Anselmo Collado, Guillem Pino, Miguel Martín, Hannes Nilsson and Marc Navarro. They have also added three new players: Carlos Martín, Pep Arnau and Jan Rof, from Sant Martí Adrianenc, UE Sarrià and Handbol Sant Cugat respectively.

“They have the highest counter-attacking frequency in the division, so we will have to be very disciplined and focused, especially when retreating and avoiding turnovers. If we maintain our defensive figures, we will be closer to victory,” adds the Catalan coach regarding the importance of defence against the style of play practised by the culers.

It will be a very special match for both Carlos Martín and Anselmo Collado. Both came through the Club Balonmano Mislata academy and achieved the following milestones together: European champions with the Spanish Under-17 national team, regional champions with the Valencian Community and bronze medallists at the Spanish Championship in 2023, all during their cadet years. In 2021 they were also Spanish children’s champions.

Supporters wishing to buy tickets to watch the match can do so in person or via the club’s website. The price will be 12 euros for purchases made before Saturday, via the following link: www.cbmpuertosagunto.com/entradas.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.