Trops Málaga: wounded, but not beaten

This Saturday, from 18:30, Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto host Trops Málaga at the Port de Sagunt Pavilion on matchday 24 of the Men's División de Honor Plata.

The red and whites come into the match after showing resilience last weekend in the second half of their visit to Confía Base Oviedo, where they took both points (21-26). The victory allowed them to remain in second place in the table for another week, with a total of 34 points.

The Málaga side, by contrast, are second from bottom (15th), in the relegation places, and have collected just eight points so far this season. In their most recent match, when they hosted Anaitasuna, they lost 22-27.

In the first-leg match, the Sagunto side returned victorious (23-27) from Andalusia, thanks to a strong first half. Including that defeat, the Boquerones have lost every match they have played since then, a total of eleven.

Before the aforementioned clash, the Andalusians experienced their first managerial change, with Curro Lucena replacing Chispi Vázquez as head coach. On the eve of the return fixture, Lucena was replaced in the role by the former fitness coach, Jesús Escañuela, who will lead the team until the end of the season.

“They have kept the players they could given the situation they are in. Therefore, we have had to analyse the rest of the team on the one hand and, individually, the signings who have arrived,” explains Sergio Mallo about how much the opponents have changed since their meeting last December.

In addition to the three coaches, eight changes have taken place in the Málaga squad since then, comprising three departures (Roberto Muñoz, Cauê Martins and Jacob Díaz) and five arrivals (Jesús Melgar, Juanma Cabrera, José López, Ângelo Richter and Sebastián Restrepo).

“At home we are a very strong side because you can feel the supporters' backing. We are aware that, as the home team, we cannot let a single point slip, as we have done so far,” concludes Juani Villarreal regarding what it will mean for him to play at the Port de Sagunt Pavilion against his former team.

Supporters wishing to buy tickets for the match can do so in person or through the club's website. The price will be €12 for purchases made before Saturday: www.cbmpuertosagunto.com/entradas/.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.