The derby is blaugrana once again. FC Barcelona have won 42-31 against Granollers to extend their lead at the top of the ASOBAL table to 12 points. The home side dominated at the Palau Blaugrana to maintain their perfect record in the competition with Dika Mem top scoring and Nielsen inspired in goal.

There was a desire for revenge after the home defeat last season. This would become clear despite the even start, with the lead 2-3 after 3 minutes. The blaugranes then decided to leave Granollers in their wake, helped by saves by Hallgrimsson, and they were 13-9 up after 14 minutes.

Blaugranes take control

The gap remained as the scoring was being shared around, with no fewer than nine different scorers, led by Frade. Granollers also had their own conductor in Marcos Fis, who helped his side to come within two. However, saves by Nielsen, quality play by Makuc and goals by Aleix Gómez helped restore a healthy lead of 24-17 (min 26). Score at the break: 26-20.

The second half paved the way for +7 and then +9 through Frade and Aleix Gómez (31-22, min 37). Carlos Ortega also ensured tiredness didn't become an issue, as Granollers were pushing hard throughout, Panitti stopping Barça from getting too far ahead (min 43).

Nielsen with key saves

After this lull, FC Barcelona got back in the groove and took the biggest lead of the game so far at 37-28, with Emil Nielsen making 16 saves to help the cause, even managing to score himself. So, a home win was never in danger and the lead even grew to end at 42-31.

This latest win in the ASOBAL league makes it 20 in a row, and Carlos Ortega's side turn their thoughts to the Champions League, where they will also be looking to consolidate top spot. March 11 will see the Palau Blaugrana host the final group phase game, with HC Eurofarm Pelister the visitors.

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    GAME STATS

    Barça 42
    Granollers 31

    Barça: Hallgrimsson (-), Aleix (6), Janc (3), L. Fàbregas (6), N'Guessan (3), Frade (5) and Fernández (2) - starting seven - Nielsen (1), Makuc (3), Carlsbogard (1), Dika Mem (7), Barrufet (1), P. Cikusa (3), A. Sola (1), D. Cikusa (-) and Bazán (-)
    Granollers: Panitti (-), Adrià Figueras (3), Bruno Reguart (1), Gerard Domingo (4), Pablo Guijarro (-), Sergi Franco (2) and Pablo Urdangarín (5) - starting seven - Krivokapic (-), Palomino (-), Marcos Fis (9), Guillermo Fischer (-), Jordi Deumal (3), Pol Chaves (-), Ferran Castillo (-), Josep Armengol (3) and Freitas (1)

    Time intervals: 5-4; 9-7; 13-10; 18-14; 21-17; 26-20 // 29-22; 32-23; 34-26; 35-28; 38-30; 42-31

    Referees: Jesús Escudero and Jorge Escudero

    Força Barça