Barça's roller hockey team got he league season off to a best possible start with a 4-3 win at the Palau against current champions Igualada Rigat. A brace from Martí Casas and goals from Xavi Barroso and Ignacio Alabart as well as the saves of Arnau Martínez in goal were key to the victory. 

Frenetic start 

The game started at a hectic pace and never let up. Martí Casas opened the scoring in the first minute of the game for the blaugranes. However, seconds later Igualada were back level thanks to a strike from Gerard Riba. In just the second minute the visitors were ahead: Marc Carol scoring after a quick break. 

The encounter continued with chances for both side but no more goals until three minutes before half time when Xavi Barroso's goal made it 2-2 at the break. 

In the second half Barça captain Ignacio Alabart took advantage of a loose ball in the area to make it 3-2 to Barça. That advantage became two goals when Martí Casas added his second of the game from a free hit to stretch the lead to 4-2. 

Igualada fought back as Àlex Cardil made it 4-3 to bring the contest back to life. However, keeper Arnau Martínez played his part in keeping the champions at bay and handing Ricard Ares' team a first league win at the first time of asking. 

MATCH STATS

Barça, 4
Igualada HC, 3

Barça: A. Martínez, Alabart, X. Barroso, Aragonès and M. Casas -starting five - Nico Ojeda, Sergi Llorca, Davide Gavioli y Eloi Cervera
Igualada HC: Juan Manuel Carrion, Marc Carol, Gerard Riba, Joan Ruano and Biel Llanes -starting five- Gerard Oviedo, Alex Cardil, Iñaki Cabezas and Pau Bernat

Goals: 1-0, Martí Casas (min 1); 1-1, Gerard Riba (min 1); 1-2, Marc Carol (min 2); 2-2, Barroso (min 22); 3-2, Ignacio Albart (min 26); 4-2, Martí Casas (free hit) (min 35); 4-3, Àlex Cardil (min 36)

 

Força Barça