FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.05.2010 22:20

Cruel defeat (34-36)

Llorenç Tarrés

In a spectacular final, FC Barcelona Borges were narrowly beaten by Kiel in Cologne this evening. Despite having a lead of six goals at one point, Xavi Pascual’s team just missed out on their eighth European title.

In a frantic game, full of goals and excitement, Barca went in three goals ahead at the break and they held onto the lead until the German team, cheered on by their home crowd managed to turn things round in the last minutes of the game.

In the end, whether the result was fair or not, this was a great game of handball, with Barca putting in one of their best performances of the season , before halfway through the second half, Kiel hit back and showed why they are considered one of the continent’s best teams.

First half exhibition

Just as he did in the semi final, Rutenka opened the scoring with a fine individual effort and with the 13-goal Juanin, an active Noddesbo, a fired up Víctor Tomàs and a solid Saric, Barca soon opened up a 9-6 lead. The EHF’s World Number One player Jicha bagged 9 goals in the first half to keep Kiel in touch, but Pascual’s decision to bring on veteran David Barrufet paid dividends as his brilliant performance helped Barca open up a 15-10 lead.

Even though Kiel pulled it back before half time, Barca went in three goals up at 20-17

Second half comeback

Juanin kept on scoring after the break and Barrufet was at his very best, as Barca continued to dominate and stretched their lead to 25-19. Then Kiel struck back and with three quick goals, they seemed to put doubt into the Barca team as they surged forward opening the flanks and tightening up their defence.

Omeier began to impress and the German fans began to raise the volume as their team drew level on 29-29. The key play came with the scores on 32-34 as the veteran Peter Gentzel, saved a penalty from Juanín.

Barca’s brave effort in the final minutes was finally not quite enough and Kiel took the title – but Barca Borges gave plenty of notice that they will be back!