FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.03.2007 16:51

Victory without prize (34-29)

Fc Barcelona Cifec and Palau made Flensberg sweat a little, however, the 10 goal deficit was a step to far. Victory by five goals was not enough to see Barça progress into the semi finals of the champions league.

Palau blaugrana had been kitted out ready for another afternoon of European glory, however, the ten goal advantage the German team had going into the game was just too great a task to make up. As in the first leg, Goalkeeper Beutler’s performance outshone the rest; neutralizing the efforts of Xesco Espar to make up the deficit. The efforts of the blaugrana players were well received by the fans during the game.

Nervy start

FC Barcelona Cific started the game with the intention of controlling it. However, they found themselves up against a particular stubborn Flensburg, who were not buying into the intimidation from the home team,
and took the early lead.

Making up the difference

From the hand of Davis Barrufet, Barça Cific began to make up the difference. Victor Tomas and Juanin Garcia found gaps in the usual strong German defence. The blaugrana began to put doubts into the minds of the Germans by scoring 5 with a reply of 1. Beutler’s saves impeded Barça from increasing their advantage further.

Many Interruptions

14-12 at the break and Barça were still hopeful of victory, given that the result was similar in the forst leg. A goal by Juanin in the first minute got the crowd up on their feet and this caused the Germans to faulter a little in their confidence. Many interruptions in play prevented Barça from establishing a rhythm which Xesco Espar wanted. In the 40th minute, Barça led by 5, however, the players were unable to capitalise on the numerical superiority and allowed the German team back into the game, leaving the knock game all but over.

Heads held high

With time ticking and few opportunities arising, Barça still continued to apply the pressure on the visiting team and at the end, Barça were victorious (34-29), however, unable to make up the necessary advantage to proceed to the next round. Despite this, the crowd gave the team a standing ovation for the performance.