FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.10.2009 19:45

A winning start in Zurich (27-39)

Gustau Galvache

FC Barcelona Borges beat Amicitia Zurich in the opening game of the Champions League by a difference of 12 goals.

There is no such thing as an easy match in the Champions League, especially when you play away from home. Amicitia demonstrated that any team can make life difficult for powerful teams such as FC Barcelona Borges.

A cold start

Despite the sunny weather in Zurich, the atmosphere in the Saalssporthalle was cold – a crowd of 800 spectators was the lowest attendance locals could remember.

Barça Borges seemed sluggish and failed to contain the local attack while wasting 3 shots on the post and one missed penalty to slide to a dangerous 6-1 after eight minutes.

Time out

Xavier Pascual called time out and the team began to function – stealing the ball in defence and launching fast counterattacks, smoother passing in attack and some great stops from David Barrufet, resulted in a partial score of 2-8.

Then a Víctor Tomás goal after 18 minutes put Barça Borges ahead (8-9) for the first time.

The Swiss based their game on German star, Behrends, who top scored for his team with 7 goals in the first half.

Timid fight back

A partial score of 4-1 in favour of the home side left the halftime score at 15-15.

Defence and counterattack

FC Barcelona Borges improved significantly in defence in the second half, which helped them recover the ball and launch rapid counterattacks.

This increased pace led to goals, with. Ugalde, Tomás and Rutenka propelling Barça to a 19-27 lead at the 11th minute of the second half.

First victory

From here on the game took on a comfortable tone for Barça. The players positioned themselves well at the back and the gap continued to grow. In the 28th minute Barça led 23-38 after a goal from Noddesbo.