FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.03.2008 18:11

Pick dominate (28-32)

Verónica Díez

Barça finished the second stage of the Champions League with a defeat at the hands of Pick Szegued by 28 to 32. Pick showed they are a top side right from the off.

The Catalans were ahead during the first 16 minutes of the game but then Pick Szegued started to show just how good they are as they notched the next six goals helped by Barça’s turnovers. Losert in goal and Romero and Rocas played well in the second half but by then it was too late. The Hungarians lost to the Catalans at home but got their revenge in the Palau this Saturday.

On their heels

Pick Szegued scored first through Andjeckovic but Larholm equalised and for the first 16 minutes the Catalans controlled the game. However the Szegued outfit were right on their heels and never let Cadenas’s men get more than one goal in front. Venio Losert was key for Barça in the opening exchanges, while the Hungarians relied on their defence.

Pick Szegued pull away

From the 16th minute onwards the visitors took advantage of Barça turnovers and began to pull away. Six goals in succession left the score at 6 – 11 and while Barça were able to fight back they didn’t have enough time to turn things round completely before half-time (13-16).

Tightening the screw

Pick Szegued picked up where they had left off at the start of the second half. Three unanswered goals left Barça two behind at 17-19 but just when the Catalans appeared to be getting back into the game Pick once again stepped on the gas and went ahead by 22-27. Their excellent defence and attack was backed by a great performance by Marjanac in goal. Venio Losert also played well in the same position for Barça. With four minutes to go Larholm made it 27 - 29 but then the Hungarians tightened the screw and ran out winners by 28 to 32.