Angel Ximénez Puente Genil and Logroño La Rioja played a real handball match, with options for both teams. However, Paco Bustos’ team was ahead for a large part of the game and deserved to take the first three away points this season. Second consecutive victory for the Pontanos.
Pontano’s team set the tone during the first exchanges of blows, which prevailed during the first minutes. Neither team was separated in a fast-paced match. The tie was such that after the first five minutes, no one managed to get out (3-3). The first team to stand out was Ángel Ximénez Puente Genil thanks to Álvaro de Hita and two consecutive saves that managed to leave the lead with two goals.
However, Paco Bustos’ team made a mistake and Logroño equalized until placing the 6-6 on the scoreboard after the first ten minutes. A tie that remained on the scoreboard for a long time. It was only in the 20th minute that Angel Ximénez Puente Genil managed to regain the lead with the best lead so far, with three goals (9-12).
Down the stretch, problems arose for Ángel Ximénez Puente Genil, who went from dominating throughout the first half to finding himself behind on the scoreboard. He even suffered two consecutive exclusions which caused a lot of damage on defense. At least they managed to keep the lead at two goals with fifteen minutes remaining. However, following a defensive disconnect, Logroño turned the situation around with 14-15. Ángel Ximénez Janosi’s player had to push the limits to get at least the draw, which happened just before halftime (16-16).
In the second half, the first advantage went to Ángel Ximénez Puente Genil (18-19). He even had the chance to take two leads earlier, but wasted a good counter. Captain José Cuenca had to do it, putting the lead at two in the first minutes. (19-21, minutes 37). The distance even reached three points, which forced Logroño La Rioja to call a timeout. A superb 0-2 partial for Paco Bustos’ team.
Ángel Ximénez was a little more comfortable in this section although he was closely pursued by Logroño who never gave up. He even managed to equalize fifteen minutes from time. (24-24, minutes 45). He could have turned the situation around without the good action of Álvaro de Hita. Ten minutes from the end, the tie was as present as the tension (26-27, min. 50). Just a point of difference with everything to decide.
With just five minutes to go, the difference was one point. However, Ángel Ximénez Puente Genil stepped on the accelerator to take a three-goal lead with three minutes remaining, leaving Logroño in critical condition. Pontana’s team failed to manage the advantage, but Simonet appeared alongside De Hita to maintain the visitors’ advantage. He got it. With suffering, but he prevailed in the exchange of blows with Logroño.
