A sluggish Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto ends the year at home with a defeat

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto lost 22–27 this afternoon against GlobalCaja Ciudad Encantada in a match that was even at first, but the team from Cuenca quickly took control and held it until the end. The first half began with the red-and-whites somewhat cold; chances came their way, but they could not convert them. The match was completely even: in the 10th minute, the score was 3–3, despite playing several minutes with a numerical advantage on court. From the midpoint of the first half onwards, the Cuenca goalkeeper Oliva became the main protagonist, saving more than half of the red-and-whites’ chances. The goalkeeper also found an ally in the posts, stopping the home side’s attacks. Patxi Martí’s men did not feel comfortable on court and could do nothing to stop Lipovina’s shots or the Cuenca wingers. In the closing stages, Patxi Martí changed his team’s approach with a mixed defence on Milosevic, which prompted his team to react and reduce the visitors’ lead before going into the dressing room at 9–11. The second half began as the first had ended, with the team from Cuenca frantic in attack and the red-and-whites inaccurate, as one attempt after another was stopped by Oliva, who was the player of the match. The Valencian coach tried to stop the game and give his players a breather by calling time-outs, but none of this had any effect. From the 50th minute onwards, the team from Cuenca pulled away on the scoreboard, leading 13–19, thanks to goals from an inspired Lipovina, who breached the home defence. The red-and-whites continued to lack ideas and looked sluggish in both defence and attack, and ultimately could do nothing to earn a point, as Zupo’s men took the victory 22–27. Fertiberia’s next fixture will be the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Tuesday the 11th. They will face GlobalCaja Ciudad Encantada again, this time in Cuenca. Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Sebastiá, Bruixola, Samuel, Marc Andreu, Moriñigo (1), Tarrasó (2), Lluna, Berrios (4), Apelgren (3), Grau (6), Plaza (2), Toni Alegre, Nebot, Fernández, Dukic (4) and Roque. GlobalCaja C. Encantada: Moya del Saz, Lipovina (11), Pérez-Ortiz (2), Sorrentino (2), Mendoza, De Hita, Sifré (4), Gonzalo, Oliva, Renaud (3), Dzokic, Sergio López, Frade (1) and Milosevic (4). Referees: Jesús Escudero Santiuste and Jorge Escudero Santiuste (Cantabrian Territorial Federation). Plaza and Ángel Fernández were suspended for Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto, while Sorrentino (2), Renaud and Dzokic were suspended for GlobalCaja Ciudad Encantada. Score at five-minute intervals:  4–2, 5–3, 6–5, 6–7, 8–10, 9–11 Half-time 10–12, 13–17, 15–19, 17–22, 19–24, 22–27 Full-time. Municipal Sports Centre “Ovni”, 1,600 spectators.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.