Barça 31-28 Logroño: Spanish Cup Winners
The Barça handball team are Spanish Cup champions! After beating Granollers in the semi final, Carlos Ortega's team overcame Logroño La Rioja in the final to add another title to their list for 2023. The tournament replaces the Asobal Cup but with the same format and sees Barça go into the extended Christmas break due to the European Championships on a winning note. The blaugranes will be back in action on the first weekend of February with a game against Bidasoa Irun at the Palau.
Equal beginning
Logroño started the game in good form and after 10 minutes the side from La Rioja were 7-6 ahead of Barça side missing Wanne due to a stomach bug. Nevertheless, four goals from Aleix Gómez allowed Ortega's team to come back and take a 16-10 lead after 24 minutes before going off at half time 17-13 ahead.
In the second half Barça pressed home their advantage and they led 20-13 after 35 minutes. Logroño rallied and at one point they were back at 28-25. Nevertheless, the blaugranes held their nerve to maintain their three point lead until tehe end and take the Spanish Cup title to round off an excellent 2023.
MATCH STATS
BARÇA, 31
LOGROÑO LA RIOJA, 28
Barça: Pérez de Vargas, Aleix Gómez (8), Dika Mem (7), Thiagus Petrus, Carlsbogard, Frade (1), Aitor Ariño (1) -- Nielsen (ps), N’Guessan (5), Richardson (5), Jaime Gallego, Petar Cikusa (2), Blaz Janc, Langaro (1), Pol Valera (1), Javi Rodriguez.
Logroño: Palasics, El Korchi (4), Xavi Tua (6), David Cadarso (4), Josip Zaja (1), Juan Palomino (1), Rolando Uríos (4) -starting seven- Mohamed Aly (ps), Martí Soler (1), Thiago Alves (3), Álvaro Preciado, Edu Cadarso (2), Eduardo Ortiz (1), Abdoula Modi (1).