Barça’s handball team secured another league victory. After the international break, Carlos Ortega’s side returned in top form and claimed their 22nd win in 22 matches in the Liga Asobal.

It came against an in-form opponent who could do nothing against the unbeaten leaders, taking Barça ever closer to the league title. Adrián Sola, with seven goals, and N’Guessan, with six, were the top scorers at the Palau Blaugrana, where Emil Nielsen’s 12 saves in the first half proved crucial.

High tempo from the start

Barça picked up right where they left off in recent weeks. From the outset, they went all out and quickly began to extend their lead, already sic up after 11 minutes.

A series of saves from Emil Nielsen (12 saves from 21 shots, a 57.14% save rate) rounded off an excellent start, as Carlos Ortega’s men went into the break with a very comfortable lead of 22–10.

After the restart, and despite rotations, the win never looked in doubt and was sealed through attacking efficiency and solid defence. Filip Saric, who came on in the second half, also made some fine saves as the game ended 43–26.

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    MATCH STATS

    BARÇA, 43
    CASERÍO CIUDAD REAL, 26

    Barça: Emil Nielsen, Aleix Gómez, Janc, Makuc, N'Guessan, Grau, Dani Fernández, Filip Saric (GK), Bazán, Carlsbogard, Dika Mem, Djordje Cikusa, Adrian Sola, Manuel Ortega, Seif Elderaa, Luis Frade.

    Caserío Ciudad Real: Konstantinos Kotanidis, Sergi Mach, Jorge Romanillos, Adrián Trancón, Javier Domingo, Sergio López, Aitor Albizu, Santiago Giovagnola (GK), Franco Mendive, Guilherme Linhares, Víctor Morales, Daniel Palomeque, Pedro Sosa, Ángel Pérez, José Torres, Juan Gull.

    Periods: 4-2, 8-4, 12-6, 16-6, 19-8, 22-10 (HT) 26-12, 30-16, 34-18, 39-21, 42-23, 43-26 (FT)

    Referees: Jordi Ausás Busquets, Miquel Florenza Virgili.

    Força Barça