Torrevieja, November 23 — Mare Nostrum Torrevieja delivered a composed and convincing performance to defeat UCAM Balonmano Murcia 26–21 in Matchday 11 of Spain’s Primera Nacional. With the Cecilio Gallego pavilion roaring behind them, the “salineros” extended their strong run and climbed to seventh place in the standings with 12 points.
From the opening whistle, Alberto Gallego’s side dictated the pace. Their fluid attacking play repeatedly exposed gaps in the Murcia defense, while the compact 6–0 defensive block not only held firm but also launched several damaging counterattacks.
Murcia, despite sitting at the bottom of the table, responded with grit and briefly stunned the home crowd by taking a 6–8 lead at the 14-minute mark. But that spark was quickly extinguished. Mare Nostrum unleashed a crushing 9–2 run to close the first half with a commanding 15–10 advantage.
The second half unfolded at a calmer tempo, but Torrevieja’s defensive discipline never dipped. Although Murcia attempted a mild comeback—cutting the gap to four goals—Mare Nostrum managed the situation with maturity, keeping control of the match and maintaining a safe cushion until closing out the 26–21 victory.
The win lifts Mare Nostrum to seventh place with 12 points. Next Saturday, November 29, they travel to Madrid to face fourth-placed Jeovent Balonmano Leganés (15 points) at the Manuel Cadenas Municipal Pavilion, with kickoff set for 18:00.
Mare Nostrum lineup:
Starting seven — Sergio (GK), Rafa (1), Rubén Ruíz (3), Naim (4), Dani Payá (5), Juan (1), Ramón (5).
Also played — Nazariy (GK), Marco, Marcos Alcaina, Salva (2), Manu Ballester, Aarón, Iván Ríos (4), Trino (1), Máximo.
Score progression (every 5 minutes):
3–3, 5–4, 7–8, 10–9, 13–9, 15–10 (HT); 17–12, 18–13, 21–15, 23–17, 25–19, 26–21.
