The first derby of the year: against unbeaten leaders Fundación Agustinos de Alicante

This Saturday from 19:00, Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto face their second consecutive away trip to two of the cathedrals of Spanish handball. This time, it is a Comunitat Valenciana derby against current league leaders Fundación Agustinos de Alicante.

After securing their first away win in the 2025–2026 División de Honor Plata Masculina last Sunday, beating Anaitasuna 24–27, the red-and-whites will look to repeat the feat before returning to the Port de Sagunt Pavilion on matchday six.

Last season, Fundación Agustinos de Alicante (11th) secured their place in the division on the final matchday of the regular season, drawing at home against Trasmapi HC Eivissa. That point allowed them to avoid the two-legged play-out tie. This season, however, the feeling is entirely different: they are the sole leaders of the Plata, with a perfect record from their four matches so far: against Club Balonmano Alcobendas (30–21) and Anaitasuna (32–29) at home, and against Trasmapi HC Eivissa (28–33) and Barça Atlètic (27–29) away. The most recent meeting between the Alicante and Valencian sides was a friendly played in August at the Cathedral itself, which the Port side won 28–31.

“For us, this is a final. If we can win, the points we earned in Pamplona will be even more valuable. We would also have the chance to achieve the consistency we are looking for, both in results and in our play,” said first-team coach Toni Malla, highlighting the importance of what is at stake.

Following his renewal, Alejandro Carrillo is now in his fifth year as head coach, assisted by former player Adrián Bernabéu. Despite losing academy products such as the Laredo brothers, Javier Carrión and Aarón González, academy graduates Javier Bodí and Alberto González have returned. They have been joined by quality additions such as Álvaro García, Ezequiel Conde, Lorenzo Poyato and Dídac Talens. Their squad also includes Juande Linares, who previously played for Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto between 2015 and 2018.

“I know that many supporters will accompany us on the trip alongside the Marea Rojiblanca, which makes it even more special. I would like to thank them in advance for coming to support us, as they always do,” concluded the Catalan coach, referring to the supporters’ tireless and loyal presence week after week.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.