13.10.2010 22:31

Rocas claims late Barça victory (25-26)

Llorenç Tarrés

Albert Rocas scored a late, late winner to give Barça Borges a stunning victory over Amaya Sport San Antonio on Wednesday evening and keep them top of the Liga Asobal table.

The Blaugrana were not at their best in the tense tussle, but they secured the win with a goal ten seconds from the end of the game. Coach Xavi Pascual predicted the trip to Navarra would not be an easy one and he was proved to be right as the home side put up incredible resistance in a bid to claim all the points.

Bright start

Barça did make a bright start to the encounter, but were unable to edge into a comfortable lead as they were pegged back time again with the scoreboard reading 4-5, 6-7 and 7-8 in the early stages.

Noddesbo was ordered off which then allowed San Antonio to claim the advantage 11-9, with Aguirrezabalaga and Sevaljevic shining for the locals. Barça continued to trail by a single goal as they went in 16-15 behind at half-time and things continued in a similar way after the break.

Tense finish

San Antonio began to dream of beating the league leaders as the game wore on, but the Blaurgana dug deep and showed why they are out in front and moved into a 22-24 lead. That was not enough either, however, as the hosts levelled matters at 25-25 and a draw looked set to be the outcome.

Pascual's team had one last push and as the clock ticked Tocas tried his luck from six metres out and with ten seconds remaining was delighted to see the ball nestle into the back of the San Antonio net.