Pick Szeged 28-35 Barça: Winning start in Europe

The defence of the Champions League started with a win. Barça travelled to beat Pick Szeged (28-35) in a game that needed a comeback after the home side started well. A good second half ensured a Barça win.

Home side take the lead

Initially even, the home side used numerical advantage and keeper Alilovic's saves to achieve a partial score of 5-0 (10-5). However, Barça reacted to gradually reduce the deficit, taking it to 15-14 at the break, helped by three saves by keeper Nielsen.

Good second half for Barça

Richardson stepped up in attack after the break (6 goals), while Nielsen remained magnificent in goal, to add to goals by Fabregas and Mem (7 goals each) - a great team effort. The lead gradually grew through the second half to leave the final score at 28-35 and a first win in Europe this season.

Game stats:

Pick Szeged, 28
Barça, 35

Pick Szeged:  Alilovic (-), Sostaric (4), Tönnesen (2), Bombac (3), Banhidi (4), Makovsek (2), Frimmel (3) - starters - Mikler (-), Radivojevic (1), Martins (1), Garciandía (1), Bodó (5) Sita (1), Gaber (-) and Rosta (1).

Barça: Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas (-), Aleix Gómez (5), Mem (7), Fábregas (7), Thiagus Petrus (1), N' Guessan (3), Wanne (-), - starters - Nielsen, Makuc (1), Janc (2), Carlsbogard (1), Melvyn Richardson (6), Ariño (-), Lángaro (-), Frade (1) and Parera (1).

Partial scores: 4-3, 7-5, 10-5, 11-8, 14-12, 15-14 (halftime); 19-18, 20-22, 22-27, 23-31, 25-34 and 28-35 (final).

Referees: Bojan Lah and David Sok.