FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.06.2007 15:15

Out of Champions

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barça Cifec's season has ended badly as they failed to qualify for Europe next season. After losing by just a single goal, 33-32, against Ciudad Real, the Blaugrana remained in fourth place in the table and allowed Ademar to claim third spot.

Everything that had to fall into place on the last day of the Liga Asobal campaign did not happen as Barça lost and Ademar won 34-41 away at Arrate.

Only an invitation from the European Handball Federation (EHF) would allow FC Barcelona, the club with the most European cups to their name, to compete against continental opposition.

Even encounter

The Balugrana's game in the Quijote Arena was a very even affair. Ciudad Real have not lost at home since December 2004 and kept that record alive thanks to a last-gasp penalty this weekend. The home team began well and dominated the early stages, but Barça remained in the game before battling back to edge in front at half-time, 15-16.

Decisive penalty

An encouraging start to the second period saw Barça Cifec move four points ahead (17-21), but with the game swinging from end-to-end they soon made up the difference to draw level at 31-31 with just two minutes remaining. A further goal each meant that the encounter was due to finish with a stunning climax and unfortunately it was Barça that were unable to find that crucial winner. Nagy committed a foul on Entrerrios and was sent off in the closing moments and Dzomba showed no mercy as he threw in the winning goal.