Port de Sagunt Arena: the moment of truth

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto face the final unified División de Honor Plata matchday this weekend, hosting Attica 21 Hotels OAR Coruña at 7.00 pm on Saturday at the Port de Sagunt Arena.

The Port side arrive after a last-gasp 28-28 Valencian derby draw away to Balonmano Servigroup Benidorm, a point that restored them to second place outright with 42 points.

Away defeats for their pursuers also helped: UBU San Pablo Burgos 2031 lost 27-26 to Barça Atlètic and Fundación Agustinos Alicante 28-27 to BM Contazara Zaragoza. Fertiberia control their own destiny; a point will preserve second place and earn hosting rights for the Nexus Energía ASOBAL League promotion tournament.

The Coruña side have nothing at stake after losing their mathematical chance of reaching the play-offs. They sit seventh with 33 points and drew 33-33 at home to Anaitasuna last time out.

The Valencians edged the reverse fixture 24-25 at the San Francisco Javier Arena after an excellent first half (12-15), in the final match before Christmas.

“They are an excellent team with a superb coach in Nando González. Their collective model is very clearly defined, led by strong connections with the pivots and Gabriel Navarro’s long-range shooting, among other tactical features,” Sergio Mallo explained.

Since the reverse fixture, the Galician side have added backcourt player Javi Rodríguez and right wing Rodrigo Ortega from Horneo EÓN Alicante and Balonmano Ingenio respectively. Peter Kende has left for personal reasons.

“Our supporters must keep backing us as they have until now. We need that extra push from the stands to achieve the objective that both they and we want so much,” Arnau Fernández concluded.

The matchday will also celebrate sponsor BYD Atursa and feature the official shop. Tickets are available in person or through the club website, priced at €12 when bought before Saturday: www.cbmpuertosagunto.com/entradas/.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.