Barça have reached another EHF Champions League final after defeating Aalborg 32-37 in a thrilling semi-final that went to extra time. The blaugrana controlled much of the contest thanks to a superb defensive display and a series of crucial saves from Emil Nielsen, but they were pushed all the way by a Danish side that never stopped believing. Backed by president Joan Laporta, alongside Valero Rivera and Enric Masip in the stands at the Lanxess Arena, Carlos Ortega's men eventually showed their championship pedigree to secure a place in the continental final.

Nielsen leads the way

On a stage of this magnitude, Emil Nielsen delivered. The Barça goalkeeper was outstanding from the opening minutes, helping his side gain control of a tightly contested encounter. After an even start, they began to find their rhythm, turning a 4-6 lead in the 11th minute into a commanding 4-8 advantage. Aleix Gómez and Luis Frade spearheaded an increasingly fluid attack.

Aalborg remained firmly in the game and reduced the deficit to 6-8, but Nielsen's saves once again proved decisive. His interventions allowed Domen Makuc and Ian Barrufet to restore a four-goal cushion at 6-10.

Barça take control

The Danish side continued to press and cut the gap from 6-11 to 9-11, but Barça responded with authority. Strong defending and greater efficiency in attack helped Ortega's men pull away again to 10-14 before heading into the break with a valuable 11-15 lead.

PARTIT-79

Aalborg fight back

The intensity rose after half-time as Aalborg stepped up their efforts at both ends of the court. Gradually, the hosts chipped away at Barça's advantage, making life increasingly difficult for the blaugrana. With just over a minute remaining, the Danes finally levelled the score and set up a dramatic finish.

Aalborg had the last possession of normal time, but Barça defended brilliantly. Aleix Gómez appeared to have won it on the counterattack after a turnover, only for the goal to be ruled out for an incorrect restart. The score remained 28-28 and the semi-final headed into extra time.

Finalists once again

Barça's best form returned when it mattered most. Although Aalborg took the lead for the first time all match at 30-29, the response was immediate. Another key save from Nielsen restored parity and helped the Catalans regain control.

From 30-31 onwards, Ortega's side took charge. Showing their experience, they punished Aalborg's risks in attack by finding the empty net and steadily increasing their advantage. Barça dominated the decisive moments and closed out the contest with a convincing 32-37 victory, booking their place in yet another Champions League final.

The European dream remains alive, and we are now one step away from continental glory!

MATCH STATS

AALBORG, 32
BARÇA, 37

Aalborg: Niklas Landin (1), Simon Hald (1), René Antonsen, Thomas Arnoldsen (5), Mads Hoxer (4), Kristian Bjornsen (3), Alexander Blonz (5), Fabian Norsten, Sander Sagosen (2), Buster Juul-Lassen (4, 4p.), Juri Knorr (4), Marinus Munk (1), Felix Möller (2), Lukas Nilsson & Vetle Ronningen.

Barça: Emil Nielsen (GK), Domen Makuc (5), Luís Frade (7), Dika Mem (3), Tim N'Guessan (6), Aleix Gómez (8, 4p.), Dani Fernández, Viktor Hallgrimsson (GK), Ludovic Fàbregas (2), Djordje Cikusa, Ian Barrufet (3), Blaz Janc (2), Petar Cikusa (1), Jonathan Carlsbogard.

Periods: 2-2, 4-5, 4-8, 6-10, 8-11, 11-15 // 15-18, 17-20, 20-22, 23-26, 25-27, 28-28, 30-33, 32-37

Referees: Amar Konjicanin, Dino Konjicanin

Força Barça