Füchse Berlin v FC Barcelona Lassa: Champions of the Super Globe! (25-29)

Barça Lassa are champions of the IHF’s Super Globe after beating the German team Füchse Berlin 29-25. The two-time reigning champions lost out to a blaugrana side helped by a fantastic Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas, a great defence and Valvero Rivera’s nine goals in attack. The Catalans played excellently and were in control throughout except for a period at the start of the second half.

Xavi Pascual’s side played with a real intensity from the off and their defensive performance was excellent with Viran, Sorhaindo and Pérez de Vargas all prominent. This helped them nullify the German’s attack in the opening ten minutes to the point that they only scored once. Meanwhile, Dika Mem and N’Guessan scored four between them 5-1 up after ten minutes.

The difference allowed Barça to play comfortably and defend resolutely leading to Füchse’s coach asking for a time out in the fourteenth minute. The team from Berlin recovered and closed the gap to two goals after twenty-five minutes (10-12). The two sides traded goals until the break arrived and Barça led 15-12.

German comeback, Catalan response

Füchse started the second half with more intensity in defence and their goalkeeper Heinevetter made more saves. Pascual’s side couldn’t convert a couple of chances and Velimi Petkovic’s side took the lead for the first time (18-17). However, within two minutes the blaugranas had responded with five unanswered goals giving them a 21-18 lead in the 47th minute. 

The Catalan response continued and they managed to maintain a three-goal lead in no small part thanks to the heroic goalkeeping of Pérez de Vargas, who saved an incredible 54% of the shots he faced.

Decisive final five minutes

Barça Lassa clinched the win with three goals in succession from Valero Rivera, who took on responsibility in attack and helped his side move out of sight. In the end, Füchse Berlin’s coach Petkovic was sent to the stands and Barça Lassa secured their third Super Globe against the team who has won two years running.