Telekom Veszprém 34-37 Barça: Win on return to action

After a break of more than a month for the World Cup in Egypt, Barça's handball team returned to action with a win over Telekom Veszprém in a postponed Champions League Matchday 5 fixture. The victory allows Xavi Pascual's men, leaders of Group B, to continue a perfect record.

The team were without Dika Mem, N'Guessan and Blaz Janc, in addition to Casper Mortensen, for the fixture.

A positive first quarter

As expected, the opening minutes were tight, but Barça gradually dominated the game. They also benefitting from stops by Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas, who made 10 savess in the first half.

Barça achieved their first advantage (5-8, min 12), and stepped it up to claim a 6-point lead (10-16, min 24).

The home side stand strong

Despite the fact that the first half ended 15-19, a great start to the second half by Pálmarsson extended the gap once again (18-23, min 35). However, Veszprém begun to be more effective, both in attack and defence. A goal from Manaskov levelled things up (31-31, min 52) and required Barça to dig deep.

Barça claim victory

In the decisive stretch of the game, Barça held their nerve. Aleix Gómez scored penalties, and Fabregas and Dolenec helped the team to a 33-37 lead. Gonzalo made some vital saves, allowing Barça to claim another victory on their return to competition.

MATCH STATS

Telekom Veszprém, 34
Barça, 37

Veszprém: Rodrigo Corrales, Strlek (1), Marguc (2), Maqueda (6), Lekai (2), Blagotinsek (3), Markussen (2) –starting 7- Cupara (ps), Borozan (5), Fathy Omar (2), Manaskov (6), Mahe (3), Nilsson (2).

Barça: Pérez de Vargas, Sorhaindo (-), Dolenec (7), Ariño (1), Aleix Gómez (10), Thiagus Petrus (-), Pálmarsson (5) –starting 7- Cindric (5), Langaro (2), Frade (2), Makuc (1), Fabregas (4), Entrerríos (-), Àlex Pascual (-).

Partials: 2-3, 4-6, 8-9, 9-13, 12-17, 15-19 (descanso), 18-23, 22-25, 25-28, 28-31, 32-34, 34-37 (final).

Referees: Nikolic, Stojkovic.