Finalists draw in Kiel

The latest edition of the battle between THW Kiel and FC Barcelona Borges was just as exciting as the last. The two sides, that last met in the final of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 just a few months ago in Cologne played out a 28:28 (14:10) draw.

"We want to finish Group A in first or second place,” said coach Alfred Gislason but we have to play better in the next few games".

His opposite Xavier Pascual was equally happy after the match. "My team demonstrated good morale and fighting spirit,” he said.

For many experts Thierry Omeyer is the best keeper in the world. This assessment he also confirmed against Barcelona.

After 30 minutes the Frenchman had already saved 18 shots. At the other end too, Danijel Saric, the Barcelona goalkeeper, played a very strong game.

It developed into a spectacular duel between the two goalkeepers. Only in the 17th minute was the first goal from the backcourt: Jerome Fernandez taking the score to 5:4.

The Frenchman, playing against his former club, was a positive force at the back for THW Kiel. The fast playmaker, Daniel Sarmiento, too some very good moments for FC Barcelona.

With the score at 8:8 (in the 22 minute) the game completely open. Then Kiel kicked up a gear and scored on the fastbreak.

Henrik Lundström took the score to 12:8 (26). Filip Jicha had the chance to extend the scoreline but hit the post from the seven-metre line.

After the break Marcus Ahlm scored taking the score to 15:10. Barcelona then fought back with more variations in the backcourt.

It was Cristian Ugalde for Barcelona who scored at 24:24 (54th) making the game equal and for the first time the two opponents were again at the same level.

Aron Palmarsson took the score to 26:25 and Thierry Omeyer saved the next ball from Iker Romero, and it looked like Kiel would edge it.

But Barcelona held their nerve. Seven seconds before the end of game, Albert Rocas marked by right wing score the final goal and forced the draw.

One point for Barcelona but a crucial one after their defeat to Rhein-Neckar Löwen in the opening round.