11.12.2007, 01:16
No chance for Portland in Ciudad Real

Ciudad win Spanish derby and get closer to the title. Portland had too many injuries to be competitive against the great rivals.

No chance for Portland in Ciudad Real

Ciudad Real keep top spot of the Spanish league after defeating Portland in Quijote Arena by seven goals (31-24). Portland had several injury problems and the team from Pamplona did not stand a chance this game. Though there is no “right time” to play against Ciudad Real, but this time it was almost impossible for Portland. Ciudad Real are getting closer to the Spanish title as they only made one mistake this season – in Leon.

Balic, Kjelling and Andorinho did not travel with the team, while Jorgensen could not play. Ruesga and Ortigosa also had pains and could not finish the game. Javier Cabanas needed to improvise and find out new solutions against Ciudad. Malmagro was playmaker and Dominikovic had to play in the back court line. However, Portland performed well and the team of Dujshebaev could not lay back. The Croatian Dominikovic also suffered a minor injury, so a junior player, Crownley, also had to play in the second half.

Ciudad Real were balanced and played on a constant high level. Dujshebaev had more options and his team did not get tired. Laen, Metlicic, Parrondo and Davis scored 4-5 goals each and did not let Portland come close. On the other side, Malmagro, Vugrinec and Nikolic also performed well, but it was not enough to beat Ciudad Real. The victory of Ciudad Real gives six points of advantage for Ciudad who are really near to the final victory now.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi