Magdeburg 40-39 Barça: Cruel defeat in the Champions League

Once again Magdeburg stood in the way of Barça's Champions League hopes this season. The Germans defeated the blaugranes 40-39 after a penalty shoot out in Cologne, putting an end to the dream of claiming a third title in a row. 

Early balance 

The two teams began their semi-final exchanging goals in the opening minutes. The balance remained until Barça managed to to get two goals ahead at 14-12 with 20 minutes gone. 

Aleix Gómez and N'Guessen led the scoring for Carlos Ortega's team as they led 18-16 at half time. 

Inspired Makuc 

Off the bench, Makuc gave his scorers support but Barça slowed in the second half and the German took the advantage at 24-22. With still a long way to go in the game, the saves of keeper Pérez de Vargas became crucial. Wanne's great goal put Barça back in front. The blaugranes stayed just in front only for Magdeburg to score in the final seconds of normal time to make it 31-31 and take the game into extra time. 

Inseparable 

Extra time was a titanic battle worthy of the final. The sides exchanged goals before Magdeburg surged ahead at 35-33. Barça came back in the second half of extra time to level things up at full time at 38-38. Penalties came but four misses for Carlos Ortega's team cost them dear with Magdeburg taking their place in the final with a 40-39 win. 

MATCH STATS 

Magdeburg, 38 (2)
Barça, 38 (1)

Magdeburg: Jensen (-), Hornke (1), Kristjansson (5), Jensen (3), Smits (12), Damgaard Nielsen (8) and Mertens (2) -starting seven- Portner (-), Chrapkowski (1), Bezjak (4), Bergendahl (-), Meister (-), O'Sullivan (1), Weber (2)
Barça: Nielsen (-), Aleix Gómez (8), Dika Mem (4), Ludovic Fabregas (6), Wanne (3), N'Guessan (9) and Petrus (-) -starting seven- Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas (-), Cindric (3), Frade (1), Janc (2), Makuc (3), Carlsbogard (-), Richardson (-)