FCBARCELONA.CAT

08.11.2008 18:10

Barça book place in second phase (22-29)

Verònica Díez

FC Barcelona Borges added to their ASOBAL win in midweek by securing their place in the second phase of the Champions League on Saturday with a victory at Metalurg Skopje.

After losing against Kiel in the Palau in their last European outing, Manolo Cadenas' side returned to winning ways with an impressive victory on their travels. The win in Macedonia was not easy as the hosts stayed close to the Blaugrana on the scoreboard throughout. Only in the second period were Barça able to move away and finally open up an advantage of three goals.

The game was also special for youngster Álvaro Ruiz as he made his first-team debut for the Blaugrana in Europe as Cadenas chose to put him on in the final minute of the game to just have a taste of what life at the top is like.

On the back foot

Metalurg began the game well and three defensive mistakes allowed the hosts to take the lead and it was evident that Barça were still reorganising as they fell behind. The visitors did rally and drew level before the end of the first periods and that helped to ease the tension and saw them begin to play the game at their own rhythm.

Four goals

FC Barcelona's push began when Juanín García helped the team to a four goal without reply as they took a three-goal lead(6-9). From that moment on things went the Blaugrana's way and they looked in control. David Barrufet then entered the action and he also performed well to deny Metalurg. The hosts did not give up though and Stanojevic stood out as he led his side onwards and kept them in touch at 14-17 going into half-time.

Slow start

It took no less than six minutes for Barça Borges to score their first goal after the break and Metalurg had already netted twice and looked set to draw level. Fortunately Jesper Noddesbo was on hand to score and his brace pushed Barça back into a comfortable lead. The Danish player was clearly enjoying himself and further goals made the score 17-21 in the visitors' favour.
Hansen raises his game

Mikkel Hansen was also coming to the fore and it was not just his nine goals that made him stand out but also his all-round play which impressed. Barça raced into an eight goal lead (20-28) when he scored seven consecutive goals and left Metalurg with little chance of being able to catch up. The hosts were given a glimmer of hop when Rubén Garabaya was sent off, but they were unable to capitalise.