After an emotive tribute to Iker, the Champions had little difficulty in seeing off an Antequera side who showed plenty of willing, but were hardly ever able to trouble the Barça Borges team after they’d shaken off their early relaxed attitude. The focus now turns to the European finals in Cologne next week.

Close first half

Neither side were able to open up a clear lead early on, though Barça were 5-2 up before the visitors took a 9-10 advantage with a Baena penalty. Xavi Pascual called a time out to get his players to focus and they soon turned things around, going in 17-15 up at the break, thanks in large part to some good work from Juanin.

Champions ease away after the break

With nothing really at stake, the second half was also an open game with both teams keen to score. Despite the visitors’ efforts, Barça Borges opened up a five goal lead at 25-20 and the coach then decided to give some of his key players a rest ahead of next week’s Final Four.

As the game wound down, the Champions upped a gear and Ugalde, who ended as the game’s top scorer, eased them to an emphatic 10 goal win to complete the party at the Palau.