The red-and-white team, which had previously missed an opportunity to close the gap on the top spot, overcame a challenging first half in their latest match of the twenty-sixth round of the División de Honor Plata. This result allows them to dream big about direct promotion.
“"I am happy for the victory. The team has helped me adapt these past weeks."
The match was not easy for the home side. After an early 2-0 lead thanks to interventions by Dani Martínez, the Ibizan team quickly equalized. The minimal advantages for Fertiberia came through transitions by Antonio Capitán, who scored three goals in the first eight minutes. Julen Urruzola made his debut in the 12th minute.
The visitors' seven-on-six tactic proved ineffective, and the Valencians achieved a new maximum lead of 10-7 in the 16th minute. However, the Ibizan team's 5:1 defense allowed them to equalize the match at 11-11 in the 22nd minute. A timeout called by the visiting coach, Eugenio Tilves, led to Trasmapi HC Ibiza going into halftime with a 12-15 lead.
In the second half, a 3-0 run in the first six minutes brought the Valencians back into the game. The expulsion of Arnau Fernández in the 33rd minute did not prevent the home defense from improving, and Trasmapi HC Ibiza could only score one goal during that period. Fertiberia built a lead of up to +5 (21-16), and a double save by Juani Villarreal thwarted the Ibizan team's comeback attempt. Injuries to Mauricio Basualdo and Fernando González further complicated the visitors' aspirations, and Antonio Capitán sealed the match in the final minutes.
With this victory, Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto ties for 41 points at the top of the standings with Cajasol Sevilla BM Proin, although the Sevillian team maintains the lead due to a better head-to-head record. The next fixture will be an away game against Barça B next Saturday at 5 PM at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
