Barça have booked their place in the Copa del Rey final after defeating Viveros Herol BM Nava 27-38 at the Centro de Tecnificación in Alicante. Carlos Ortega’s side controlled the game from the outset and, although the Segovians stayed competitive for much of the first half, the blaugranes gradually imposed their rhythm to secure a place in Sunday’s final (5pm CEST).

Barça will now face either Bada Huesca or Bidasoa Irun as they bid to lift their 30th Copa del Rey title.

Strong start

Barça made a flying start, with Víctor Hallgrímsson producing several key saves and Dani Fernández leading the way on the counterattack. The visitors quickly opened up a lead, moving from 2-5 to 5-11 thanks to their defensive solidity and attacking efficiency.

Fernández and Blaz Janc were particularly effective in attack, helping Barça establish a six-goal advantage. BM Nava responded well and cut the deficit to 11-14, prompting a timeout from Ortega, but Barça remained in control and went into the break 17-21 ahead.

Barça pull away

The blaugranes stepped up another gear after half-time. Filip Saric took over in goal and their improved defence led to a series of recoveries and fast breaks. A 0-5 run turned a four-goal lead into an 18-26 advantage and effectively settled the semi-final.

From there, Barça steadily increased the margin to more than ten goals. Fernández continued to shine and was named MVP after an outstanding display, while players such as Òscar Grau, Adrián Sola, Manuel Ortega and Seif Elderaa also made valuable contributions in the closing stages.

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    MATCH STATS

    Viveros Herol BM Nava, 27
    Barça, 38

    Viveros Herol BM Nava: Patatski, Villagran (4), Castro (-), Pasquet (2), Arzoz (8), Ahumada (-), Pereira (2), Guillen (2), Otero (2), David Ferandez (-), Sa SIlva (2), Carrion (1), Bandeira (2), David Roca (1), Nascimiento (-), Herranz (1).

    Barça: Hallgrímsson, Fernández (10), N'Guessan (3), Makuc (-), D. Mem (6), Janc (5), L. Fàbregas (4), Bazan, Carslbogard (1), Filip Saric, Adrián Sola (5), Oscar Grau (2), Manuel Ortega (-), Elderaa (2).

    Periods: 2-4, 4-8, 6-11, 9-13, 12-17, 17-21 / 18-24, 19-28, 21-30, 23-34, 25-37, 27-38.

    Referees: Miguel Martín - Jesús Alvarez.

    Força Barça