05.10.2007, 10:04
Barcelona: second victory

In the first match of Group Phase Round 2, FC Barcelona win 34-27 at home against Russian Astrakhan.

Barcelona: second victory

Barcelona win 34-27 against Astrakan in the Palau Blaugrana. Despite the success, the match was not brilliant. The Russians fought until the end of the game and the players of Cadenas could not lay back. The Catalonians were leading all the way, but they were unable to obtain a big difference. However, Barcelona are leaders in their group before they travel to France for the next game against Ivry.

The atmosphere of Palau was particularly hot this time. The supporters did not show up in their usual number and Barcelona began very slowly. The guests from Astrakan used their physical power against the Spanish team. Barcelona took the lead early, but it was 11-11 when Cadenas decided to make changes. Rocas, Juanin Garcia and Iker Romero scored and it was four goals for FCB at halftime.

Astrakhan fight till the end

Usually the opponents give up in the second half against a strong home team, especially in Barcelona. It was not the case yesterday. The Cadenas team did not have clear ideas about what to play and Astrakan came closer once again. Grigoriev and Slatchev scored from every shot and the Russians were only two goals down seven minutes before the end. Astrakan were not able to equalise and at the end they got tired, while Barcelona still had reserves on the bench.

Nodesbo, Rocas and Romero were the most dangerous home players and the Spanish team won comfortably in the last minutes of the game. Two matches, two victories – good record with Cadenas on the bench in the Champions League.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi