Noia Freixenet 2-1 Barça: First defeat in the league

It lasted 22 games but now it is over. The Barça roller hockey side lost for the first time this season with a 2-1 reverse away at Noia Freixenet in Sant Sadurní. After 21 wins and a draw, week 23 of the OK league was a bridge too far with Carlos Cortijo's team inflicting their defeat of the campaign on the blaugranes after wins in the Champions League group stage and in the Copa del Rey. 

Early dominance

Barça had the better of the early exchanges but failed to create clear cut opportunities. The home side sought to soak up the pressure and then strike, which is precisely what they did with 10 minutes of the half left, Aleix Esteller putting Noia ahead. Barça keeper Sergi Fernández made one of several excellent saves to prevent the home side doubling their lead before the break. 

In the second half Noia remained disciplined in defence and ten minutes in Pau Andreu made it 2-0 with a well placed effort. Barça needed a comeback similar to the one that led to victory in their previous game against Parlem Calafell. 

Comeback frustrated 

David Cáceres did all they could and Sergi Llorca made it 2-1 on the counter attack with just three minutes remaining. However, it came too late to avoid a first league loss of the campaign with three games still to play, the first of which comes on Saturday against Recam Làser Caldes at the Palau Blaugrana. 

MATCH STATS 

Noia Freixenet, 2

Barça, 1

Barça: Sergi Fernández, Ferran Font, Xavi Barroso, Sergi Llorca, Eloi Cervera – starting five – Matias Pascual, Pablo Álvarez, Marc Grau, Sergi Aragonès and Carles Grau.

Noia Freixenet: Blai Roca, Aleix Esteller, Toni Salvadó, Jordi Bargalló, Xavi Aragonès – starting five – Xavi Costa, Martí Gabarró, Pau Andreu, Iván Morales and Iker Jiménez.

Goals: 1-0, Aleix Esteller (Min 15); 2-0, Pau Andreu (Min 35); 2-1, Sergi Llorca (Min 47).