05.03.2007, 11:20
Flensburg Celebrate Semi-final in a Tapas Bar

Though Barcelona tried everything and won at home, they bowed out in defeat against the Germans who arrived with too much advantage.

Flensburg Celebrate Semi-final in a Tapas Bar

FC Barcelona tried everything to reach the ideal result. Nevertheless somehow was stuck half way…

The media of the Catalonian metropolis were asking for a lot of support fort he team; at the end, the legendary “Palau Blaugrana” was filled to the half.

The seven-time CL winner had to make a miracle and make up for a 10-goal defeat, but it was only five (34:29) at the end. The great contest between the two handball nations was eventually won by the Bundesliga representatives.

“We focus more on the team and on the team play,” said a visibly satisfied Thorsten Storm, manager of SG Flensburg-Handewitt. “Barca focused on the individuals skills.”

After the 60 minutes, everyone agreed that Flensburg deserved to go on from the pair. There can only be discussion about details. If they were not brave enough, the German vice-champions would definitely have lost by more than five goals, which is a normal defeat at an away game…

Barca had their chances

Five minutes before halftime and 10 minutes into the second half, the guests had great difficulties. First, Barcelona was unlucky for hitting the post a couple of times, later Iker Romero and Juanin Garcia made mistakes from the seven-meter line – saved by a superb Dan Beutler in the SG goal. “We were not really in a crisis,” said Kent-Harry Andersson, coach of Flensburg. “When it was difficult at times, we were able to survive with our routine.”

The Flensburg team – now they have to be counted among the top teams of the world – celebrated the victory in a tapas bar on Saturday evening.

The left-handed Marcin Lijewski also commented on his expectations for the next round: “In the semi-final we would like to take revenge on Gummersbach for the recent defeat in the Bundesliga.” By now we already know that Lijewski’s wish cannot come true, but his objective will be the CL final irrespective of the opponent for sure…

TEXT: Jan Kirschner