TM Benidorm loses in tight finish to Logroño, 27-28
INFORMATION
Performance by goalkeeper Álvaro de Hita and the efficient starts from Pomeranz, Luisfe Reina, and Graça Ribeiro powered a 22-goal combined effort from the trio. That scoring surge weighed heavy on TM Benidorm, who faced fatigue from juggling two competitive fronts and the streak of defeats they endured in a tough, evenly matched clash against a determined Logroño side. The visitors leaned on a disciplined defense and timely finishes to keep the score close throughout the night. [citation: Report from the official match summary, attribution: Handball News Agency]
The opening minutes showcased a spectacular save by Puente Genil’s Norlander in the home goal, but the offense struggled to convert early chances, leaving a several-minute drought before the first goal went in. This drought allowed TM Benidorm to settle into a steadier rhythm, pressing forward and crafting opportunities, yet the visitors remained dangerous on the break and capitalized on any lapse in the home side’s defense. The result was a game that swung on small margins, with the lead shifting several times as both teams traded blows. [citation: Live game recap, attribution: Sports Chronicle]
Gradually, TM Benidorm tightened its defensive structure and began to dictate the tempo. They exploited a few misreads from Logroño, but Pomeranz and Graça Ribeiro continued to produce for the visitors, keeping the scoreboard tight and maintaining pressure. The momentum favored Logroño as the clock wound down, yet Benidorm stayed within striking distance and kept the scoreline tense. [citation: Expert analysis, attribution: Handball Review Journal]
At 12-9, Logroño’s coach Paco Bustos called a timeout just after the 21st minute to quell a potential home surge. The break reshaped the flow: Pomeranz and Ribeiro intensified their offensive impact, and Logroño finished the half with a two-goal edge, 14-16, setting a competitive stage for the second period. [citation: Coaching decisions recap, attribution: European Handball Reporter]
The second half began with TM Benidorm pushing hard to rack up a higher offensive output, attempting to seize control but meeting a stubborn De Hita in the Logroño goal. The defense tightened further, and the visitors stretched their advantage to 16-22. Fernando Latorre attempted to spark a rally by calling a timeout, but the gap widened again to 17-24 as Logroño maintained composure and efficiency. Iván’s persistence and Roberto’s crucial saves kept Benidorm within three with seven minutes to play, yet De Hita and Reina stepped up again to seal a calm, confident win for Logroño. [citation: Match summary notes, attribution: La Liga Handball Archives]
Match snapshot
TM BENIDORM: R. Rodríguez (p), Ibáñez (ps); Barceló (1), Vainstein (1), Serrano (3), Lignieres (2), Grau (1), Sempere, Martínez (6), I. Rodríguez (7), Calle (2), Nikcevic (5), Sánchez and Soljic (1).
ÁNGEL XIMÉNEZ BM PUENTE GENIL: De Hita (p), Norlander (ps); Da Silva, Cabello, Jung, Buzle, Cuenca, Jiménez (6), Muñoz (5), García (2), Tua (3), Arsenashvili (2), Pomeranz (9), Ribeiro (7) and Estepa (1).
SCORE EVERY 5′: 0-1, 4-4, 8-7, 10-9, 12-11, 14-16 (rest); 16-20, 19-24, 22-27, 24-28, 27-30 and 29-35.
REFEREES: Mendoza and Visciarelli. They excluded Vainstein, Arsenashvili (2), Buzle, I. Rodríguez and Da Silva.
PAVILION: Palau d’Esports L’Illa.