26.11.2007, 05:27
Strong Spanish performance in the Group Matches

The four teams won their groups and only lost one match all together - promising record before the Main Round.

Strong Spanish performance in the Group Matches

Portland, Ciudad Real, Barcelona and Ademar will be looking forward to the draw with serenity. The four teams suffered only one defeat in 24 games, which is a very good recommendation for the Spanish clubs. All four teams won their groups and Spanish fans can dream about great achievements now. The really important matches are still to come, but the first round was successful.

Ciudad Real left no chance for the rivals in Group G. Flensburg promised to be a very strong opponent, but the Germans were not able to beat Ciudad. The clear victory in Spain and the easy match in Germany made Ciudad Real one of the favourites for winning the CL. Rolando Urios was missing some games, but Torsten Laen replaced him well.

Barcelona did not have problems in Group A at all. Ivry and Astrakhan were not strong enough rivals for the Catalonians. The team of Cadenas arrived in the CL through the qualification matches, but they confirmed that they are a good team. It is the first season of Cadenas in Barcelona and some players also signed last summer, but a successful work allowed them to qualify for the next round. Iker Romero is in top form, one of the greatest strength of Barcelona.

Portland reached first place without winning against the main rival, GOG Gudme. The teams made two draws, but that was enough to finish first. The team of Cabanas did not project a very good image at these games and the bad results in the Spanish League have created a difficult situation for the coach. However, Cabanas can continue on the Portland bench for the Main Round.

Ademar Leon have two faces this season: the results in the CL were very good. A reinforced Croatia Zagreb seemed to be tough rivals, but Ademar were able to win in Spain and in Croatia too. Ademar made no big mistake and in the CL, unlike in Spain. The bad results in the Asobal League do not allow Ademar to dream about great objectives.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi