Countdown part 2: FC Barcelona Intersport

After missing out on the VELUX EHF FINAL4 for the first time in 2012, FC Barcelona Intersport are aiming for Cologne once again. The current Spanish champion signed Martin Stranovsky, a counter attack specialist from Leon, and replaced right back Konstantin Igropoulo (Berlin) with Leon giant Angel Montoro, who signed a six years contract with the Spanish outfit.

At the end of August Barca made their top transfer of this summer, signing a five-year contract with world class goalkeeper Arpad Sterbik (Atletico Madrid). However, the Hungarian team captain Laszlo Nagy made the move to MKB Veszprem alongside his teammates Marco Oneto and Christian Ugalde.

With this partly renewed squad the record winner of the VELUX EHF Champions League is aiming high again – with the focus on reaching the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and to win the Spanish championship again.

“Our main objective is to make it to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and try to win it. We know that is so difficult because, in the VELUX EHF Champions League all teams play at an amazing level. It’s mandatory for us to win all the matches at home in the first phase, and try to get the best possible results away. It’s important to finish the Group Stage in the poll position because this gives you the best possible start for rest of the competition," team captain Victor Tomás said.

Three questions to coach Xavi Pascual:
ehfCL.com: What are your expectations for the upcoming season of the VELUX EHF Champions League?
Xavi Pascual: Firstly we want to try to make it to the Last 16 from the best position of the first phase. We are in a hard group and I’m sure that nobody will finish unbeaten.

ehfCL.com: What does the participation in the VELUX EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?
Xavi Pascual: Is the main competition for handball clubs in Europe. It is the competition that everybody wants to win.

ehfCL.com: What teams are your personal favourites to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and for winning the title this season  and why?
Xavi Pascual: To qualify for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 is great, but making it to Cologne does not mean you are going to win. My main favourite is THW Kiel and teams like Veszprem, Atlético Madrid, Montpellier, Füchse are in with a shout too.

FC Barcelona Intersport (ESP)
Qualification for the 2012/2013 VELUX EHF Champions League season: Spanish Champion
Coach: Xavi Pascual, since 09.02 2009
Newcomers (including former club): Eduardo Gurbino (BM Valladolid), Angel Montoro (Reale Ademar Leon), Martin Stranovsky (Reale Ademar) Leon, Arpad Sterbik (Atletico Madrid)
Left the club (including new club):  Laszlo Nagy (MKB Veszprem) Marco Oneto (MKB Veszprem) Cristian Ugalde (MKB Veszprem) Konstatin Igropulo (Fuchse Berlin)
Season’s objective (in national league and VELUX EHF Champions League): Fight for all titles

VELUX EHF Champions League records:
Participations (including 2012/2013 season): 16
Winner (7): 1995/1996, 1996/1997, 1997/1998, 1998/1999, 1999/2000, 2004/2005, 2010/2011
Final (2): 2000/2001, 2009/2010
Semi-final (1): 2007/2008
Quarter-final (3): 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2011/2012
Last 16 (1): 2003/2004
Main Round (1): 2008/2009

Other EC records:
EHF Cup:
Winner: 2002/2003
Finalist 2001/2002
Cup Winners Cup:
Winner: 1993/1994, 1994/1995

Spanish champion: 1968/69, 1972/73, 1979/80, 1981/82, 1985/86, 1987/88, 1988/89, 1989/90, 1990/91, 1991/92, 1995/96, 1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/2000, 2002/03, 2005/06, 2010/11, 2011/12
Spanish Cup winner: 1968/69, 1971/72, 1972/73, 1982/83, 1983/84, 1984/85, 1987/88, 1989/90, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1996/97, 1997/98, 1999/2000, 2003/04, 2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10

Further information

Find more information on FC Barcelona Intersport HERE.

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