FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.11.2008 21:56

Barça back on top (20-33)

Verònica Díez

Barça Borges went back to the top of the table after they beat Cuenca on Tuesday evening, and Ademar were defeated by CAI, in a game that saw plenty of good handball and an impressive display from Iker Romero.

Manolo Cadenas' side returned to the summit after producing one of their best games of the season on an evening when the team that overtook them were beaten themselves. The home side were no pushovers however and matched the Blaugrana in the first half as the scoreboard continued to tick over, but that changed after the interval as the visitors then took control. Mikkel Hansen netted seven goals, while Kasper Hvidt and Venio Losert were outstanding at the other end.

Quick rhythm

Cuenca began the game well and produced a quick rhythm of play that Barça were unable to keep up with as Goran Dzobic's team moved forward well, while maintaining a six-man defence that pushed up at speed. Hvidt was the key man for the away team as he kept the scoreline down with several good stops. After briefly going behind, Barça bounced back and Víctor Tomás, who had one of his best games of the season, scored to put Barça four point ahead at 6-10. But the hosts still had something to say and they again lifted their game to pull to within two points going into the half-time interval at 12-14.

Romero makes his mark

The second period was all about Barça Borges though as Romero came off the bench and was able to help his side win a penalty after a run of four goals without conceding had put the away team in command. Hvidt was staying focussed at the other end with a number of good stops behind a Barcelona defence that was looking better and better as the game progressed. Cuenca did not look the same side in the last few minutes to the one that began the game so brightly.

Good finish

Towards the end of the game, Demetrio Lozano registered himself on the scoreboard with some great throwing, while Hansen added to his tally to finish the game with seven in total. Losert came on and did well as he only let in two of the eight throws that came his way and that was one of the keys to Barça’s impressive winning margin.