Barça 37-32 Sporting CP: Through to the final

The Barça handball team are through to the Iberian Super Cup final after overcoming Sporting CP 37-32 in Viana do Castelo. Carlos Ortega's side had the better of most of the game and booked their place in the final against Porto in Barcelona tomorrow at 4.00pm CEST.

Not much between the sides

Barça started the game better, showing great desire and scoring their chances, while also counterattacking well after recovering possession from the Portuguese side. This great start saw Barça remain ahead throughout the first 20 minutes.

However, Porto hadn't thrown in the towel and a good period saw them come back to even go ahead for the first time after 22 minutes (14-15). Another push by the blaugranas saw them go into the half time break with a slight lead (19-18), spurred on by Dika Mem, who scored five goals.

Through to the final

Both sides continued to push after the break, but Barça managed to grab a four goal lead over the Portuguese side to provide a cushion to repel any Sporting comebacks.

Carlos Ortega also made the most of the second half dominance to make changes, keeping up the energy levels to see out the game and confirm qualification for the final tomorrow at 4:00pm CEST in Barcelona.

Game stats

Barça: 37
Sporting CP: 32

Barça: Nielsen, Aleix (2), Dika Mem (7), Richardson (6), Frade (6), N’Guessan (3) and Wanne (2) – starting seven – Pérez de Vargas, Valera (1), Carlsbogard (3), Janc (3), Langaro (2), Barrufet (2).

Sporting CP: Maciel (0), Francsico Costa (9), Martim Costa (2), Salvador (4), Jakobsen (0), Silva and Cissokho (3) – starting seven – Silva (3), Portela (2), Araujo, Suárez (3), Aregay (3), Vag (0), Porkelesson (0), Kristensen (0), Gomes (2), Mocquais (1).

Partial scores: 4-2, 9-5, 12-10, 14-13, 15-16, 19-18 – halftime – 21-20, 25-22, 29-25, 31-27, 34-29 and 37-32.

Referees: Ruben Maia and Andre Filipe.