Barça 33-42 Veszprém: Overcome in the final
The Barça handball team were unable to retain their Club World Championship title after a 42-33 defeat in the final against Hungarian side Veszprem.
No answer
Barça were up against it in the final right from the start. Former blaugrana Emil Neilsen stood out in goal for the Hungarian side as Veszprem set an startling pace on offense early on.
The blaugranes found themselves six goals down at moments before half time. Carlos Ortega's team rallied and came to within three at 16-13, however, the Hungarians came back to restore the six goal lead at half time at 22-16.
Bounce back
Coach Carlos Ortega sought to shake things up, bringing in Janc at centre back but Veszprem kept the pressure on in the second half to retain their cushion, finishing the contest 42-33 winners to take the title. Disappointment for Barça but the season has only just begun.
MATCH STATS
Barça: 33
Veszprém: 42
Barça: Sergey Hernández (0), Aleix (5), Mem (0), Fàbregas (3), Carlsbogard (2), Frade (2), Dani Fernández (0) - starting seven - Hallgrímsson (0), Smárason (0), D. Cikusa (2), Janc (4) , N'Guessan (9), Sola (0), Elderaa (2), Barrufet (3), P. Cikusa (0).
Veszprém: Nielsen (0), Descat (10), Elderaa (2), Ahmed Hesham Elsayed (4), Remili (8), Lenne (4), Pechmalbec (2) - starting seven - Appelgren (0), Petrus (0), Martinovic (5), Ligetvari (0), Cindric (3), Dodic (0), Gancs-Peto (1), Ahmed Adel (1), Zeinelabedin (2).