FC Barcelona vs. El-Jaish Sports Club 39:29 (19:14)

Barcelona, one of the most important handball clubs all over the world is on its way. The defending champion and the big favourite for the title was one or two numbers too big for the brave team from El-Jaish. The army-club from the capital of Qatar fought tough. But after an 11:9 for the host after 20 minutes the team from Spain turned the match, increased speed and pressure and with a burst of speed the Catalonians were back on track. The 19:14 after 30 minutes were a pre-decision. The second half was a demonstration of Iberian-handball-art. Barcelona dominated in the kind of a champion, broke the last resistance from the host and won finally with a 10 goals difference. So the team from the Iberian Peninsula is the big favourite for the final on Friday 12 September. But attention: European Champions league winner Flensburg was the favourite for the semi-final against Al-Sadd and finally the underdog from Qatar left the arena as winner. El Jaish and Flensburg-Handewitt will play the match for the third place.

 

Xavier Pascual (coach from Barcelona): If my team will ply tomorrow as today it will be very difficult to win against. We were in a really good shape today and for me it is a pleasure to coach this team.

(Nikola Karabatic, player from Barcelona): This victory was important for us and we are happy about it. We saw in the other semi-final that everything can happen. The teams from Qatar are becoming better and better from year to year.

Zoran Kastratovic (coach from El-Jaish): It is difficult to give a summary of the match. Finally we only play on the same level for 15 minutes. Congratulations. I can try that we will fight for 100 % tomorrow for the third rank.

Amine Khedher (player from El-Jaish):  We were playing very well for 20 minutes. But Barca is able to increase the pressure and this was too much for us. So we made too many mistakes and we scored not so well at the last 15 minutes.