17.03.2009, 11:56
Barcelona win Spanish Cup

The Catalonians celebrate victory over Ciudad Real and coach Pascual has been confirmed in his position for next year.

Barcelona win Spanish Cup

The crisis in Barcelona has come to an end by winning a title. The Catalonians have just been eliminated from the Champions League and they also recently changed their coach.

Last weekend showed that they are on the right track. Barcelona have beaten Ciudad Real by 29-26 in the final of the Spanish Cup with a very good performance of the defensive system and of Kasper Hvidt.

Ciudad were the favourites of the competition after beating Ademar in the quarterfinals. Barcelona defeated Portland and Granollers on the way to the Final.

Dujshebaev has not count on Davis, Chema Rodriguez, Metlicic and other important players.

Kasper Hvidt was the key to the victory and the 6-0 defence that worked very well. Iker Romero also did a spectacular job with 10 goals.

The Ciudad coach gave time to rest for Rutenka and Sterbik was not in top form this time.

This was the second defeat of Ciudad against Barcelona this season after the Spanish Supercup Final at the beginning of the season.

Barcelona and Ciudad keep on fighting for the Asobal League title; currently Ciudad are two points ahead.

Positive Dujshebaev

As the important CL games are coming up, Dujshebaev is optimistic about his team:

“The team was disappointed after the defeat, but we are on the right track. I’m happy for the general attitude of my players. I only can congratulate Barcelona for their title.”

He could not count on some players for this game.

“Who can say that with the other players we would have won the game? I cannot, because I had six players and a keeper who always try to win.”

Dujshebaev also praised Barcelona goalkeeper Kasper Hvidt:

“He had a great match. He helped his team a lot”.

Masip confirms Pascual

Club manager Enric Masip voiced his position on the coaching matters in Barcelona. Masip confirmed that Xavi Pascual will continue his work with the team next season. Pascual took the place of Cadenas a month ago and his work with the team and this Cup title convinced Enric Masip. Pascual can begin to build the team for next year.

“We have the coach for next season. I’m sure that he owns the ability for the job,” Masip said.

The Barcelona manager was happy with the title conquered:

“Pascual has taken the team over and in one month he has given an example of work. He gave a lesson on how to rebuild the team and make it champion. This is the success of the coach and the players”.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goni