Barça 32-23 PPD Zagreb: A vital win

Barça 32-23 PPD Zagreb: A vital win

Xavi Pascual's men consolidate their lead in the Champions League as Mortensen returns after a long injury

Barça started their first Champions League game at the Palau for 84 days with great intensity. Zagreb's first two attacks were neutralised by Möller, and from there, the hosts made the most of their offensive play. Víctor Tomàs helped Barça into a 4-0 lead in the first five minutes.

In order to try and get back into the game, Zagreb risked having seven outfield players and no goalkeeper, but Barça, stronger defensively and faster in attack, took advantage to extend their lead with Xavi Pascual's men lethal on the counterattack (15-7, 23rd minute).

Mortensen, back after 14 months 

In the 23rd minute Mortensen returned to play his first match since December 2018, and shortly after his introduction he scored. The Palau were quick to give him an extensive ovation, and his goal helped Barça to lead 17-9 at halftime.

The pace slowed down at the start of the second half, but with Pálmarsson in full flow, Barça surged ahead 29-17. Two late Srna goals were nothing more than a consolation for the visitors.

MATCH DETAILS

Barça, 32
PPD Zagreb, 23

Barça: Möller, Víctor Tomàs (6), Ariño (4), Petrus, Mem (3), Pálmarsson (6), Fabregas (3) – starters - Pérez de Vargas, Sorhaindo (1), Andersson (1), N’Guessan (2), Dolenec (3), Entrerríos (-), Diocou (1), Mortesen (1), Serdio (1).
PDD Zagreb: Asanin, Vistorop (1), Mandic (-), Hrastnik (-), Stojnic (-), Horvat (4), Bozovic (6), Gadza (-) – starters - Sipic (2), Ravnic (2), Hrstic (1), Yao, Vlah (3), Grahovac (2), Srna (2).
Breakdown: 4-0, 8-2, 10-4, 12-6, 15-9, 17-9 // 19-10, 21-15, 25-17, 28-17, 30-20,
Officials: Boris Mandak, Mario Rudinsky and Ayberk Dilmen.
Attendance: 3,215 spectators at the Palau Blaugrana.

Força Barça
Força Barça

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