FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.09.2008 19:46

First win of the season (30-25)

Verònica Díez

FC Barcelona Borges have made a winning start to the Asobal League by defeating Pevafersa Valladolid 30-25. It was a tough game and remained in the balance right up until the end.

FC Barcelona Borges never went behind during the match, but their lead came under threat on many occasions and they had to work hard to see off Valladolid.

Tough start

FC Barcelona Borges were ahead throughout the first half but were unable to pull away from Pevafersa Valladolid. The Catalans had major problems in attack in the first part of the game as stout defence by Valladolid meant they had virtually no scoring chances.

Then Mikkel Hansen’s first goal for Barça accompanied by others from Demetrio Lozano and Juanín García put Barça Borges four goals ahead of Valladolid (9-5). In the 20th minute Cristian Ugalde extended the lead to five at 12-7.

Sierra ferocious in goal

Towards the end of the first half Barça came up against Valladolid keeper Sierra who was playing magnificently. He ferociously defended his goal and prevented Barça from scoring for eight minutes. Barça also failed to score from any of the four penalties they were awarded as Sierra saved two, one hit the post and one went wide. The half finished with Barça ahead by one goal at 13-12.

Pevafersa Valladolid stay in touch

Valladolid came out strongly in the second half and Tvedten soon made it 13-13. Few goals came in the next eight minutes, though the duel between Iker Romero and Eduard Fernández added interest to the game. Mikkel Hansen made it 22 to 19 to give Barça some breathing space, but once again Valladolid came back with Tvedten from the seven metre line and Eduard Fernández equalising the score.

Barrufet the barrier

David Barrufet was the star of the last few minutes of the match as the clock was running down and the game was evenly poised. Valladolid pressed forward insistently but Barrufet kept them out and Barça turned on the style to take the lead. The game was rounded off by a spectacular fly goal by Albert Rocas from a pass by Juanín to make the final score 30-25.