TM Benidorm traveled to Fertiberia Puerto de Sagunto this Sunday at 20:00 on Teledeporte for a Valencian Community derby. The match represented a chance to stretch an unbeaten run and widen the gap over the lower teams in the league standings.
Sergio Carballeira analyzes the regional derby between Puerto de Sagunto and TM Benidorm
Having endured three tight draws in the last three rounds, the Sagunto side stood on the verge of their best start to the season in the last decade of the Asobal League, bolstering motivation across the squad. The visiting team, Benidorm, faced personnel challenges as the squad prepared for the clash.
One notable absence for Benidorm involved Lautaro Robledo, who was abroad dealing with administrative formalities to finalize his transfer to Spain. Filip Vujovich carried a muscular issue that kept him from participating fully in the lead up to the game.
The biggest doubt concerned Argentinian pivot Lucas Moscariello, who resumed team training after a spell away due to a knee injury and could be eased into the action for the championship opener.
TM Benidorm salvage a point in another dramatic finish against Huesca
Benidorm revisited the home court of its regional rival three years after the last time it managed to secure a point in a 24-24 draw.
Praise from the opposition
The Sagunto club aimed to claim a second league win and rejoin the Elite in Spanish handball after a recent victory over BM Logroño. Coach Toni Malla emphasized that restoring defensive intensity would be key to allowing goalkeepers to regain their effectiveness, while maintaining a sharp attack and minimizing turnovers would be crucial to securing the result against a big rival.
“Benidorm travels to Ovni with most of the squad that competed in Europe last season, and I think that shows great intelligence and is led by a standout figure like Nacho Valles,” he commented.
He added, “I appeal to our fans to bring energy that can lift us to add these important points against a major opponent.”
In parallel, the Saguntino club organized an afternoon of activities in a dedicated fan zone near Ovni from 17:00 to 19:00. The federation’s president, Francisco Blázquez, was on hand to present the Silver Champion Cup, an honor bestowed on the Rojiblanco club for its performance in the previous season.