Portland Worried About Kjelling

The two Spanish CL contenders played two Asobal matches this week. Portland won against CAI Aragon in Pamplona, while Valladolid lost in Palau Blaugrana against Barcelona.

The teams can prepare only for the weekend games against Flensburg and Kiel. Portland remains on top of the table with their victory, but Valladolid’s defeat may cost their fourth league position at the end of the season.

Kjelling injured again

The worst news for Portland is about Kristian Kjelling. The Norwegian player complained about the same injury that he had before, but he came back on court in the second half.

The condition of Kjelling is the main concern for Javier Equisoain before the match on Sunday against THW Kiel. Vugrinec had a rest and did not play against CAI, but he will take his place at the Champions League match.

32-29 was the final score against Aragon. Portland had the control of the game until the end. The 6-0 defence worked very well and CAI were not able to brake this defensive system.

Lozano, Dominikovic, Juancho and Jorgensen showed good form in defense just before the CL game, while Balic and Ruesga were the top scorers of the team.

The Croatian international was very important in the first half and he was decisive in the second. Aragon fought until the final whistle, but Balic was in top form. 

Barcelona have beaten Valladolid

Juan Carlos Pastor’s team had a very difficult appointment before the match against Flensburg. Palau Blaugrana is one of the most difficult away courts in Spain. Barcelona were in form after winning the Spanish Cup.

Espar’s team won 31-26, but Valladolid tried to spare some energy for the CL game as well.

In the first minutes of the game, Pastor surprised Barcelona with an open defense, but the Catalonian fast breaks changed the speed of the game and Barcelona settled the match.

Gull and Muratovic were top scorers for Valladolid.

The Catalonian victory secured the third place for Barcelona on the Spanish table.