Test passed and the leadership of the ASOBAL league thrown in as the Barça handball team defeated Bidasoa 33-31 at the Palau Blaugrana. Carlos Ortega's team are still unbeaten in the league and are now top of the table despite having played a game less than their rivals. 

Strong start but visitors come back 

Barça started the game in the best possible fashion, scoring in their first seven attack to take a 7-3 lead with N'Guessan and Dika Mem leading the way. Bidasoa called a time out to regroup and the tactic worked for the visitors as they cut Barça's lead to just two at 17-15 at the break. 

In the second half the visitors started well and took the lead at 19-18 for the first time in the game. However, Barça's improved defensive intensity saw them retake the lead at 23-20. The visitors sacrificed their keeper at one point but Frade for Barça took the chance to score on the break and the home side built a five goal lead at 29-24. 

Unbeaten and top 

The game appeared won for the blaugranes but Bidasoa were not finished. The visitors came to within two at 29-27 and Barça were pushed all the way to the buzzer to take a 33-31 win that sees them take top spot in the ASOBAL league and retain their unbeaten record. 

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    MATCH STATS

    Barça: 33
    Bidasoa: 31

    Barça: Nielsen (0), Sola (1), Mem (5), Janc (1), N'Guessan (8), Frade (5) and Ortega (4) - starting seven - Hallgrimsson (0), Bazán (0), Carlsbogard (0), D. Cikusa (0), Aleix (3), Makuc (1), Fàbregas (2), Barrufet (1) and P. Cikusa (2).

    Bidasoa: Leo Maciel, Peciña (0), Xavi González (3), Rodrigo Salinas (4), Dariel García (1), Nacho Valles (1) and Tito Díaz (4) - starting seven - Skrzyniarz. Xavi Tua (2), Jevtic (1), Esteban Salinas (4), Mujica (0), Mielczarski (0), Nevado (5), Da Silva (0) y Gorka Nieto (5).

    Força Barça