A winning start for the reigning champions in the EHF Handball Champions League with a 39-28 win over Danish side SAH Aarhus in the Palau Blaugrana. 

Presentation before the game 

Before the match, the team presented the recently claimed Catalan Super Cup and Iberian Super Cup trophies to the fans, while Ludovic Fàbregas and Aleix Gómez were honoured for being named the best defender and best right wing of the previous European season.

New star

The star of the first half was new goalkeeper Sergey Hernández, who made a series of impressive saves and finished the opening period with a save rate of over 50%. Barça established an early lead, saw Aarhus draw level at 8-8, but responded strongly, with captain Timothey N'Guessan leading the way as the hosts took an 18-13 advantage into half-time.

After the break, Barça raised their level again. Hernández continued to excel in goal, while a dynamic attacking display allowed the team to open up a 10-goal lead at 29 to 19.

Good start 

Although Barça eased off slightly in the closing stages, Aarhus were never able to cut the deficit significantly. The match ended in a comfortable victory for Carlos Ortega's side, giving them an ideal start to their European campaign and providing plenty of encouragement for the matches ahead.

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    MATCH STATS

    Barça: 39
    SAH Aarhus: 28

    Barça: Sergey Hernández (1), Janc (3), Mem (7), Fàbregas (5), Carlsbogard (1), Barrufet (3), P. Cikusa (6) - starting seven - Hallgrímsson, Smárason (1), Dani Fernández (3), D. Cikusa (1), N'Guessan (3), Sola (-), Elderaa (1), San Felipe, Frade (3).

    SAH Aarhus: Petersen (0), Brandbyge (0), Laerke (8), Hansen (5), Cieslak (3), Kristjánsson (2), Bruun (2), Rasmussen (3). Dahlgaard (1), Soberg (1), Jensen (3), Bonefeld (0), Dreyer (0), Hanssen (0), Olsson (0), Poulsen (0).

    Força Barça