Barça have also made the perfect start to their league campaign as the blaugranaes began the defence of yet another title with an impressive 48-32 victory away to Dicorpebal Logroño. Against last season's league runners-up, Carlos Ortega's side came flying out of the blocks.

Facing an adventurous opposition that allowed Barça plenty of opportunities to run, the visitors took full advantage. Combined with the finishing of Ludovic Fàbregas, who scored four of Barça's first nine goals, it helped establish a 9-4 lead, forcing the home side to call a timeout.

The positive momentum enjoyed by Carlos Ortega's team, however, showed no signs of slowing down. The substitutions did little to affect Barça's scoring rhythm. Adrián Sola and Dika Mem made important contributions from the bench, while Petar Cikusa, Barrufet and Timothey N'Guessan all played their part in extending the lead as the match progressed.

Lethal on the counter

In addition, Sergey Hernández also played his part with several outstanding saves, while Barça's attack recorded a remarkable 89.66% shooting efficiency, helping the visitors build an impressive 26-17 lead at half-time.

After the interval, with several changes made, including in goal, and the match already largely under control, the home side managed to reduce the deficit to seven goals.

However, Barça quickly rediscovered their rhythm and responded with a run of five consecutive goals to move clear once again (22-35). From that point onwards, the only remaining question was the final margin of victory.

The blaugranes continued to push the pace whenever possible, and as a result every outfield player got on the scoresheet except Smárason. The final score reflected Barcelona's superiority (48-32) in the first of a lengthy run of matches away from home.

In the best-case scenario, the team could play seven consecutive matches on the road: this fixture in Logroño, upcoming trips to Montpellier and Puente Genil, plus the Club World Championship, where they could potentially play a further four matches.

MATCH STATS 

Logroño: 32
Barça: 48

Logroño: Cancio (0), Oliveira (2), Lombardi (0), Preciado (2), Zarzuela (2), Aitor Garcia (4), Miguel Martínez (8) - starting seven - Ledo (0), Galán (3), Ishida (1), D'Antino (2), Álvaro Martínez (7), Jung (1), Samuel Sáiz (0), Popovic (0), Jevtic (0).

Barça: Sergey Hernández (0), Janc (1), D. Cikusa (2), Fàbregas (8), Carlsbogard (3), Barrufet (5), P. Cikusa (4) - starting seven - Hallgrímsson (09, Smárason (0), Dani Fernández (5), Mem (6), N'Guessan (2), Sola (4), Grau (4), Elderaa (3), Frade (1).

 

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