FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.03.2007 20:25

Another cup for Barça (33-27)

Barcelona Cifec won the Copa del Rey after beating Ademar León by the convincing margin of 33-27. Xesco Espar’s team decided the game in the final minutes of the first half, when they scored 8 points without reply.

As in basketball and roller hockey, Barça’s handball team won the Copa del Rey. Xesco Espar’s team were superior throughout and were never in danger of losing. The Barça defence and a good performance from Iker Romero and Juanín García was decisive in helping Barcelona Cifec to their first title of the season. Ademar had a difficult game – the concession of 8 goals without reply at the end of the first quarter ultimately decided the outcome.

Scoring streaks

Both teams worked well in attack, something that allowed for high scoring in the early minutes of the game (3-4, minute 5). Nonetheless the defences slowly improved and Barça goalkeeper Losert was outstanding in the first quarter. With the score at 3-4, there came a series of scoring streaks from both sides. Ademar with Martins on the counter attack helped put the Leon team in front (5-7) before Barça replied with 4 goals without reply to re-take the lead 9-7.

Champion defence

The battle continued in the same pattern. Veteran Ademar player Mateo Garralda scored three goals in quick succession to make the score 9-10 in the 19th minute of the first half. After that FC Barcelona Cifec took control of the game. Lead by Vori and Perunicic (ejected twice in the first half) Barça prevented Manolo Cadenas side from scoring during 10 minutes (from the 19th minute to the 31st minute in the second half). Barça took full advantage to go in 17-10 at the break.

Game over

After the re-start Barcelona Cifec continued their dominance and increased their lead to 10 (23-13 in the 41st minute). Leon, with the game slipping away, began to play with less intensity and although they managed to cut the difference they never really worried Barça. Garralda was perhaps the best player for Leon but he was ejected in the 45th minute with a direct red card. Barcelona Cifec already had the game in their pocket at that stage and put on a show towards the end with Juanín and Nagy combining for a spectacular goal. Espar’s team went on the claim the Copa del Rey by the scoreline 33-27.