30.05.2010 17:59

Champions! (4-1)

Carles Cascante

FC Barcelona Sorli Discau continue to make history in the world of roller hockey. Ferran Pujalte’s team were proclaimed European Champions this afternoon after beating Vic 4-1.

Barca lifted their 19th European Cup – now known as the European League – after dominating the final from start to finish. First half goals from Adroher and David Páez were followed by a second half performance when goals from Panadero and Reynaldo confirmed their control over the game and put an end to any hopes that Vic might have had of a comeback.

Respect

The two Catalan teams went into the game with plenty of respect for each other and although it was Barca who made the first chances as Reynaldo and Borregán tested the Vic keeper, there was plenty of interchange early on before the game settled down to a pattern with Barca imposing their rhythm and Vic trying to hit them on the break.

Adroher and Carlitos make the difference

Borregan had a good chance stopped by Fernadez’s helmet and Mia Ordeig hit the post in the first 10 minutes, before Egurrola was tested by a good effort from Jordi Carbo. Then Pujalte began to use his bench, first bringing on Adroher for Borregan and then introducing Carlitos Lopez on 18 minutes, which gave Barca more mobility and they began to really trouble the Vic defence.

It was the two subs who combined for the first goal on 21 minutes when Lopez set up Adroher with a typical pass from behind the goals. Two minutes later, Adorer turned provider, leading a great counter attack that ended with a David Paez shot flying into the net and silencing the Vic fans.

Control and two great goals

Barca maintained control after the break, with Vic trying their hardest, but getting no change from their dominant rivals. Pujalte had again made changes after starting the half with the same five who’d finished the first period -Egurrola, Teixidó, Adroher, Carlitos and David Páez and Ordeig came close on 32 minutes after coming on. Egurrola was having a quiet afternoon, though he was called on to make a great penalty stop from the Vic specialist taker Titi Roca on 34 minutes. That stop was Vic’s last real chance and a brilliant goal from Panadero on 40 minutes and another from Reynaldo Garcia two minutes later wrapped up a final that Barca deservedly won to give them yet another European title.