Barcelona looking to go one step further
2 June 2013 was a historic date for the EHF Champions League: For the first time ever in 21 years, extra-time was needed to separate the teams and while HSV Hamburg celebrated their surprising trophy on the podium, record champions FC Barcelona (seven titles since 1993) were the unlucky losers.
Right after the final coach Xavi Pascual stated his mission for next season: we will be back and we want to win next year.
In the meantime FCB have bolstered their squad with two of the best handball players in the world: Nikola Karabatic (arriving from Aix-en-Provence) and Kiril Lazarov from Atlético Madrid.
As for the rest of their well-balanced squad, it remained almost the same, with only defensive specialist Magnus Jernemyr and right wing player Albert Rocas leaving.
Barca are again among the main contenders for going all the way to Cologne, where they are still the only non-German team to win the trophy (in 2011) and have been in the final of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 three times in three participations.
However, Barcelona have a difficult journey to the top, as the Spanish record champions (20 titles) have been drawn into a tough group with the new powerhouses Paris Handball and Vardar Skopje. Additionally, the winner of the wild card matches between Metalurg Skopje and Pick Szeged, Swiss debutants Thun and the winner of qualification tournament 2 are their opponents make up Group C.
Despite the clear season goal “try to achieve all possible titles” club manager Xavier O’Callaghan is humble going into the new campaign.
“Our main objective is to proceed to the Last 16 in the best possible position. It will be very difficult because we play in a very strong group,” said O’Callaghan.
Team captain Víctor Tomás is more optimistic about his team’s chances.
“Our objective is to show good handball, reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 again and to win the final tournament this time.
“We are in a very competitive group and in Europe it is always very difficult to win away games. The appearance of Paris Handball on the top stage is very good news for handball,” said the charismatic right winger.
 Three questions to coach Xavi Pascual:
What are your expectations for the upcoming season of the VELUX EHF Champions League - concerning your objectives and your group opponents?
Xavi Pascual: I wish to play the best way we can. We will try to be on top of the table. I guess we will play in one of the strongest groups this season. Teams like PSG and Vardar will be high hurdles for us.
What does the participation in the VELUX EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?
Xavi Pascual: Without any doubt is the most important competition for clubs in the world. For us a main focus is to be among the best teams in Europe. Every year the competition is getting stronger because the team’s levels are growing year by year.
What teams are your personal favourites to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and for winning the title this season – and why?
Xavi Pascual: It’s difficult say before the start of the competition. A lot of teams had a lot of changes in their squads. Everybody has the same teams in mind. FC Barcelona, Hamburg, Kiel and Kielce can return to the VELUX EHF FINAL4, but Veszprem, PSG, Kolding, Rhein Neckar Löwen and Flensburg are also teams with the level to make it to Cologne.
FC Barcelona Intersport (ESP)
Qualification for the 2013/2014 VELUX EHF Champions League season: Spanish Champion
Coach: Xavi Pascual, since 9.2 2009
Newcomers (including former club): Nikola Karabatic (Pays d’Aix Handball), Kiril Lazarov (BM Atlético de Madrid), Joan Saubich (NaturHouse La Rioja)
Left the club (including new club): Magnus Jernemyr, Mikel Aguirrezabalaga (Dinamo Minsk), Ángel Montoro (Fenix Toulouse), Albert Rocas (KIF Kolding)
VELUX EHF Champions League records:
Participations (including 2013/2014 season): 17
Winner (7): 1995/1996, 1996/1997, 1997/1998, 1998/1999, 1999/2000, 2004/2005, 2010/2011
Final (3): 2000/2001, 2009/2010, 2012/13
Semi Final (1): 2007/2008
Quarterfinal (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, 2012/13
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
Asobal Cup winner: 1994/95, 1995/96, 1999/2000, 2000/01, 2001/02, 2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13
TEXT: Björn Pazen / cor
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