FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.09.2009 19:56

Barça retain the Super Cup (26-33)

Verònica Díez (Enviada especial)

FC Barcelona won the Supercopa Asobal for the second consecutive year after beating rivals Ciudad Real 26-33 in a game that they dominated throughout.

The Blaugrana were in great form in a game that saw them take control in the first period and build on that to ensure that they retained the trophy that they won last term too. Daniel Saric stood out in the Barça goal while Siarhei Rutenka was the best outfield player, Cristian Ugalde was top scorer with seven goals and David Barrufet had the honour of lifting the cup.

Strong start

Ciudad Real were stunned early on when their opponents raced into a 0-4 lead and then saw the Catalan outfit defend at the six-metre line with everything that they had. Saric was in outstanding form between the sticks and only Luc Abalo was able to do anything for the La Mancha side. By the eleventh minute Barça were already 3-10 in front as their attacking form was outstanding.

Maintaining the level

Talant Dujshebaev then tried all he could to pull his side back into the game with Aguinagalde and Enterrós and Viran all entering the game, but it did little change the flow. Dinart strengthened the middle of the defence while Parrondo and Laszlo Nagi stood as FC Barcelona dominated proceedings meaning that Xavi Pascual was left with the job of ensuring that the team's level did not go down.

The last ten minutes of the first period were calmer with the difference being maintained and he only downside was an injury to Victor Tomas who twisted his ankle on a counter-attack for the Blaugrana. But confidence remained high as the FCB Borges went in at half-time 12-20 ahead.

Swift comeback

Ciudad Real were able to recharge their batteries at the break and came out looking a lot stronger as they reduced the gap to just four, 17-21. But Barcelona had an answer and Tomas, who had recovered from his ankle sprain, scored twice as Barça netted three times without reply.

Cup triumph

Soon after the level of the first period was rediscovered by Pascual's team and they continued to find the net and edge towards the trophy. A late flurry by Ciudad Real was not enough to see them haul themselves back into the game and FC Barcelona were celebrating another cup triumph so early in the campaign.