Irudek Bidasoa Irun maintained its flawless start to the Liga Nexus Energía Asobal season on October 3, 2026, defeating Ángel Ximénez Puente Genil 31-25 at the Artaleku municipal pavilion in Irun, Spain, according to match reports. The victory keeps the Basque side level on eight points with Recoletas Atlético Valladolid at the top of the standings after four matches, following a week that also included a European victory on Wednesday.
Artaleku Defense Secures Fourth Victory
Playing in front of 1,500 spectators in Gipuzkoa, Bidasoa relied on a hard-working defensive display and 13 key saves from Argentine goalkeeper Leo Maciel to fend off a stubborn visiting side, infobae.com reported. The home team controlled the tempo from the middle of the first half onward, taking a 13-10 lead into the halftime break after weathering an early test from the Andalusian club.
Gorka Nieto broke open a tight contest in the 11th minute to make it 6-4, but Puente Genil responded through Croatian international goalkeeper Asanin and a series of penalties converted by Mario Dorado, who finished the match with six goals from the seven-meter line to tie the score at 6-6 by the 14th minute.
Turning Points and Discipline in the First Half
The momentum shifted when Puente Genil fell into a double numerical disadvantage following exclusions handed to Thiago Sousa and Estepa. Bidasoa capitalized immediately. Martín Duque scored from the seven-meter line in the 20th minute to put his team ahead 9-7, then added two consecutive goals to stretch the lead to 11-7 by the 22nd minute.
That surge prompted Puente Genil coach Antonio Malla to call his first timeout. The tactical pause failed to stall the hosts, as Magalhaes capped off an attack from the left wing to push the advantage to 12-7, the largest margin of the opening period. Head coach Álex Mozas also deployed experienced center back Mindegia from Toulouse to stabilize the attack and successfully manage the three-goal cushion into halftime.
Bidasoa Defense Secures Lead in Second Half
Bidasoa refused to let up after the interval, opening the second half with a 2-0 run to reclaim a five-goal margin at 15-10. Julen Mujika extended the lead to 19-13 in the 37th minute with an outside shot, anchoring an effective 6:0 defensive scheme that limited Puente Genil’s scoring opportunities.
Asanin’s save percentage dropped, leading Malla to introduce veteran goalkeeper De Hita. The 49-year-old responded with a pair of quick stops to spark a brief Puente Genil revival, but Bidasoa’s defense quickly re-established order. Even after Sladkowski received a disqualification in the 54th minute, the hosts comfortably preserved their advantage.
In the closing moments, young academy player Aimar Iraeta scored his first-ever Asobal league goal to round out the scoring at 30-24, filling in capably for the absent Salinas before the final buzzer confirmed the 31-25 scoreline.
Match Statistics and Team Lineups
Statistical records from the fixture highlight the heavy scoring distribution and defensive contributions across both rosters:
- Irudek Bidasoa Irun (31): Maciel, Faílde (goalkeepers); Xabi Tuà (4), Mujika (5), Iñaki Peciña, Gorka Nieto (2), Furundarena (3), Sladkowski (4), Xabi González (1), Duque (4), Magalhaes (1), Nevado (3), Mindegia, Iribar (3), Iraeta (1).
- Ángel Ximénez Puente Genil (25): Asanin, De Hita (goalkeepers); Simonet (1), Cabello, Bernabéu (3), Vieira (4), Serrano (1), Rocas (2), Dani Ramos (6), Dorado (6), Estepa (1), Tiago Sousa (1), Bonanno, Youssef, Ojeda, Raúl Caro.
- Referees: Sánchez Bordetas (Catalan Committee) and Iniesta Castillo (Valencian Committee).
- Attendance: 1,500 spectators at Artaleku.
