Barça Lassa 28-24 La Rioja: First beats third

Barça Lassa have now made it to 109 consecutive victories in the Liga Asobal following Saturday’s win against third placed Naturhouse La Rioja (28-24). The blaugrana were spearheaded by an immense performance from Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas in goal and an unstoppable Lazarov up front, who contributed six of the goals.

Having to play two games in less than 48 hours didn’t seem to pay to big a toll, and Xavi Pascual’s side looked as sprightly as ever in front of 2,014 spectators at the Palau Blaugrana.

Although it was a battle of the two best offences in the league, it was defence that proved the key. The 4:2 system deployed by Naturhouse sought to prevent the home side’s circulation, but some wonderful one-on-one plays eventually tipped the balnce in favour of the Catalans.

An important win against a fellow EHF Champions League contender was yet another boost for the side, whose next challenge is a trip to the surprise package of the season – Ciudad Encantada.