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abr 18 2026After two road trips to Zamora and Oviedo with mixed results, Iñaki Martín's squad returned home to the Fernando Martín in matchday 30, facing Leyma Coruña in a thrilling contest decided at the buzzer.
The matchup was no less significant, as they faced off against Leyma Coruña under Carles Marco, who came in hungry after a loss the previous week. The Madrid-based team had an additional incentive to win today beyond securing their playoff position: Flexicar Fuenlabrada transformed into "Partizan Fuenlabrada" with a commemorative jersey honoring Partizan Belgrade and that 1991-92 season when the Serbian club played at the southern Madrid venue.
The game started with scoring difficulties for both teams. So much so that with four minutes played and a 4-4 scoreline, Carles Marco made a complete five-player substitution. In a game dominated by a slow pace that favored Fuenlabrada, two consecutive turnovers sealed Iñaki's team's fate, losing control as the score reached 9-20. Coruña essentially put the game away in the first quarter with repeated three-pointers, making it 12-23.
The quarter changed, but not the feeling at Fernando Martín. The score was 17-34 for Leyma Coruña, who were running over the home team. Poor passing, multiple turnovers, and a defense that was leaking. Flexicar Fuenlabrada's best minutes came in the second half of the quarter, with a strong 11-2 run. The Madrid team got serious on defense, completely shutting down the Galician squad, and on offense, led by Mateo Díaz and his 11 points, they cut the deficit to 28-36.
It's worth noting the participation of academy product Bruno Vidarte, especially in defensive plays during these strong minutes for Iñaki Martín's team. Leyma Coruña broke their scoring drought from the free-throw line after a controversial call, heavily criticized by the home crowd.
The quarter closed at 30-40 thanks to Flexicar Fuenlabrada's strong defensive performance and Mateo Díaz's accuracy, who had accumulated 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting.
Fernando Martín opened the second half with cheers and applause after a three-pointer by Vítor Benite (33-40). The comeback continued with two consecutive three-pointers from Mateo Díaz to make it 41-49. The home crowd erupted against the referees after Díaz's third personal foul. Despite this, Fuenlabrada stayed focused and cut it to 46-49 with another Benite three-pointer and a Manchón layup off a steal. Carles Marco was forced to call a timeout.
After the timeout came two consecutive baskets from Flexicar Fuenlabrada that put them ahead for the first time (50-49). Leyma Coruña regained the lead with two straight three-pointers (54-55), but Augusto Lima had his best moments to restore the home team's advantage (59-55).
The quarter closed at 62-58 after a very solid period for the home team. Iñaki Martín's defense was excellent and the offense outstanding. A 32-18 run that put Leyma Coruña in serious trouble.
The final quarter began with considerable inaccuracy from both teams, though the exchange continued favoring Iñaki's side (66-61). Dani Manchón extended the lead with a heavily contested three-pointer that went in (69-61). Not all good news for Fuenla, who entered the bonus with more than half the quarter remaining.
Still, Brooks DeBisschops kept fighting in the paint and drawing fouls. However, the team struggled again from the free-throw line, converting none in that stretch (71-66). Despite this, outside accuracy kept the home team ahead, with Alex Renfroe making it 74-66.
The game tightened in the final minute after two consecutive three-pointers from Leyma Coruña that brought it to 75-72 and forced a timeout from Iñaki Martín. A turnover by Vítor Benite left it at 75-74 with 30 seconds remaining.
With eight seconds on the clock, after a Fuenlabrada miss, the game was decided on the final play, with a late three-pointer attempt from Leyma Coruña that didn't count, confirming the 75-74 victory for "Partizan Fuenlabrada."
With this win, Flexicar Fuenlabrada solidifies their playoff position, while Leyma Coruña complicates their fight for direct promotion, which Monbus Obradoiro under Diego Epifanio appears to be controlling. Now, Fuenlabrada faces four crucial matchdays to cement their playoff spot. Next up is another road trip to Cantabria in a midweek matchday on Wednesday the 22nd.
