Super Cup and Pyrenees League

Super Cup and Pyrenees League

BM Ciudad Real won the Supercopa Asobal by beating FC Barcelona (32-30). Barça won the Pyrenees league title, their only title of the 2007/08 season.

In an even encounter, played by two fine teams, Ciudad Real got the better of Barça by two goals (32-30) to win only the second Super Cup in their history. Barça had the support of president Laporta in the box, and were highly motivated, but late mistakes in attack allowed their rival to sneak the win.

Early domination

Barça were ahead for the entire first half, with the only exception being the opening goal from Metlicic for Ciudad Real in the first minute. Barça took the game by the reins and picked up a fine rhythm in attack. Only Metlicic seemed to be achieving anything that might concern Cadenas. Barça best moment came when they took a three goal lead in the 17th minute (7-10).

A change of Ciudad Real goalkeeper seemed to spark of the Ciudad Real revival, who scored three on the trot to level affairs (11-11).

5-0 streak from La Mancha

Barça started the second half by re-establishing their previous three point lead (16-19). A series of interventions by both keepers, Barrufet and Sterbik, put a halt to the goal frenzy but it was Barça especially that were letting attacking chances go, and Ciudad Real capitalised by making a comeback. They scored five goals in so many minutes to no reply and suddenly it was their turn to lead by three (24-21, minute 45).

Barça went seven minutes without scoring and Cadenas saw fit to call a time out and get things back on course. Barça started scoring again but their opponents were always able to reply at the other end. Barça pushed forward, but left too many gaps at the back, and the Ciudad Real counter delivered the killer blow and won the game by two goals (32-30).

Pyrenees league

The new-look Barça under Manolo Cadenas got off to a promising start by winning the Pyrenees league, the tournament that brings together clubs from Catalonia and southwest France. The venue this year was Igualada (l’Anoia), and was extended to six teams, with the addition of one extra French club and CAI Aragón. Therefore, it became a three-match contest, the first two of which were slightly shorter than normal.

Intense games

Manolo Cadenas’ side had it easiest in their first game against Paris Handball, who they comfortably beat 24-13. But CAI Aragon made them fight to the end in a game that was eventually decided by just one goal (21-20).

Thrilling finale

In the final they faced USAM Nimes, the surprise outfit that had knocked out Granollers and Montpellier. Manolo Cadenas’ side made their presence count from the start by storming straight to 6-0 and the game was in their hands from then on. Igualada was treated to goals and spectacle, and Barça collected the title with convincing 36-26 win.