A great Alser Puerto Sagunto secure their first victory against Naturhouse

 Alser Puerto Sagunto beat Naturhouse La Rioja 34–31 in a match that started well and finally ended with the season's first victory, thanks to the red-and-whites' excellent work in both defence and attack.

The first half could not have started better for the red-and-whites. Within the first 10 minutes they were already ahead on the scoreboard, thanks to Peg's outstanding saves, which caused the Riojans to make attacking errors. Another point in the home side's favour was their strong defensive coordination, the result of Dockic's excellent tactical plan, which silenced the criticism from some supporters who had questioned him in Torrevieja. On the negative side, former player Nicola Prce had a poor game. For that reason, Jota introduced the goalkeeper as an extra outfield player on several occasions to strengthen the attack. Even so, Alser went into half-time with a three-goal lead.

The second half got off to a poor start for Alser, as the red-and-blacks emerged from the dressing room with a different attitude and levelled the score after scoring four goals. Once again, however, Goran's players, helped by the supporters, got back into the match and produced a highly exciting finish to the second half. Rubén Ruiz's sending-off in the 27th minute did not prevent the team from pressing on and securing the long-awaited victory.

Also noteworthy were the 1,500 spectators who packed the Ovni and cheered from start to finish with chants of “Yes, we can”, “Go for it” and encouraging banners bearing the slogan “Today you are not alone”.

In short, Alser reach the seventh round with their first points in the table and renewed energy as they prepare to face their next opponents, Helvetia Anaitasuna.

Alser Puerto Sagunto: Bruixola, Peg, Moya del Saz, Ruiz (1), Sorrentino (2), Moya (5), Sifré (6), Tarrasó (3), Cid (5), A. Fernández, Prendes (4), Stefanovic (8).

Naturhouse La Rioja: Jorge Martínez, Gurutz, Juarez (9), Garabaya (3), Nicola Prce (1), Curuvija (9), Vega (2), Victor Hugo (1), Velasco (1), Alex (3), Tioumentsev (1), Arrieta (1).

Referees: Ruíz González and Zapico Fernandez (Catalan Referees' Association). Alser Puerto Sagunto players Rubén Ruiz (2), Sifré and Prendes were excluded, as were Juarez, Vega, Victor Hugo and Garabaya (2) for Naturhouse La Rioja.

Score every five minutes: 3–2, 5–5, 7–7, 11–7, 14–11, 15–13 Half-time 17–17, 20–19, 22–22, 25–24, 28–27, 34–31. Full-time

Municipal Sports Centre. 1,500 spectators.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.