Reus Deportiu 5-4 Barça: First defeat of the season

Defeat for the Barça roller hockey team in the WSE Champions League matchday two fixture, their first loss of the season coming against Reus Deportiu (5-4). They trailed throughout, having been castigated by late withdrawals by Pablo Álvarez and Ferran Font. Ignacio Alabart stood out for the blaugranes with two goals and an assist.

Good start from Reus

An even start to the game was broken by Reus scoring first through Joan Salvat (1-0, min 5). Marc Grau and Alabart had chances to equalise soon after, and Reus took full advantage of their misses, Diego Rojas scoring to extend the lead (2-0, min 10). David Cáceres saw fit to call a time out and it worked, as Barroso scored with a long shot directly after the restart (2-1, min 11).

Lead maintained

The home side went further ahead through Casas (3-1, min 16), but close to halftime, Eloi Cervera finished a great play by Ignacio Alabart (3-2, min 19). Just three minutes later, however, Marc Julià restored the two goal lead (4-2, min 22) going into the break.

More pressure

The blaugranes pressed after the restart, and Reus Deportiu's 10th foul came six minutes in. Alabart reduced the lead (4-3, min 31), but just when things were going well, Marc Julià stormed away to beat Carles Grau to make it 5-3 (min 38).

Comeback close

Barça also committed the 10th foul, but Grau spread himself and Casas missed the free hit. David Cáceres' side fought to the end, and with a minute and a half to go, Alabart again reduced the difference (5-4, min 48), but despite having to defend, Reus held out to win 5-4 against Barça in Europe.

Next up, Portuguese side Óquei Clube de Barcelos visit the Palau Blaugrana on Wednesday 4 December (8:30pm) for the WSE Champions League matchday three fixture.

GAME STATS

REUS DEPORTIU 5
BARÇA 4

Reus:  Ballart, Rojas, Salvat, Casas, Julià - starting five - Giménez, Martínez, Oruste, Jansà, Viña.
Barça: Carles Grau, Alabart, Barroso, Marc Grau, Aragonès - starting five - Pascual, Curtiellas, Llorca, Cervera, Fernández.

Goals: 1-0, Joan Salvat (min 5); 2-0, Rojas (min 10); 2-1, Barroso (min 11); 3-1, Casas (min 16); 3-2, Cervera (min 19); 4-2, Julià (min 22); 4-3, Alabart (min 31); 5-3, Julià (min 38); 5-4, Alabart (min 48).

Referees: Miguel Gillherme, Teófilo Casimiro.