FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.03.2009 22:02

Hard fought win in Torrevieja (23-27)

Verònica Díez

Barça Borges struggled to see off the challenge of Torrevieja despite the fact that many predicted that they would enjoy a comfortable Liga Asobal outing ahead of the Copa del Rey encounter.

Xavi Pascual's team were up against it in the first half and found it difficult to take control as the hosts caused them far more problems than perhaps their league position suggested that they would and it was they that went in at the break 14-12 ahead. After the restart, FC Barcelona raised their game and slowly but surely eradicated the mistakes that were made in the first half.

Slow start

Barça did not begin the game well and fell behind early on to Torrevieja as the home team came out with a spirit that caught the visitors by surprise. Dimitrije Pejanovic was in great form in goal for the hosts and he ensured that the Blaugrana were thwarted on several occasions as they struggled to assert themselves on the game. Albert Rocas and Laszlo Nagy did score to keep Barça in the game, but they could little to stop their opponents from gaining the upper hand going into the break.

Back in front

After the restart Barcelona were hoping to quickly make up for their earlier errors and scored three times without reply to take a 14-15 lead. From that moment on things improved for Pascal's team and Iker Romero began to shine as he headed for a total goals haul of eight to make him the game's top scorer. A quick hat-trick from Víctor Romás then ensured that Barcelona were able to move out in front and assume an unassailable lead.