LIVESTREAM Spain: L’Hospitalet Pioners @ Valencia Firebats, March 5, 12:00 CET (12 noon, 6 am ET)

The Spanish National League of American Football (LNFA) heads into the second half of the season Sunday, March 5 as the L’Hospitalet Pioners (1-4) travel to Valencia to face the Valencia Firebats (1-4).

Promoted this year from LNFA’s Serie B, the Firebats want to return to winning ways in Spain’s top division as they are 1-4 through five games in 2023 with their lone victory coming against the Zaragoza Hurricanes on January 22 (20-18). Currently in fifth place in the Eastern Division, Valencia’s four defeats have come by at least three touchdowns, falling 37-15 to the Pioners in week one and 41-20 to the Mallorca Voltors in week two followed by losses to the Badalona Dracs (50-14) and the return game against Zaragoza (23-13).

The Pioners are in a similar situation and enter this game on a four game slide. After beating Valencia in the season opener, 37-15, they have lost four in a row, losing to the Mallorca Voltors 20-12 and the Badalona Dracs 27-7. They then dropped a 20-6 decision to the Zaragoza Hurricanes and then last week lost to Mallorca again, 21-14.

While this weekend’s host team hasn’t got off to the hottest start, they still have plenty of talent, including quarterback Kenny Ramos, and defensive tackle Guellermo Calderon, both imports from Mexico. Ruben Ochoa Rodriguez, a returning offensive lineman, also adds strength to the trenches.

Pioners head coach Bertu Fernández hopes to turn things around with a big road win. This team is also led by a Spanish quarterback Adrian Moreno. Behind him, Brazilian running back Jean Carlos Barbosa will need a big game if the Pioners can pull off the win.

L’Hospitalet Pioners @ Valencia Firebats, March 5, 12:00 CET (12 noon, 6 am ET)