Cruel end

FC Barcelona - Flensburg-Handewitt 39:41 (36:36, 32:32, 17:18)

Karabatic and Noddesbo led Barça's scoring in the first half, but Barça were never able to open more than a two goal advantage against the Germans, for whom Glandorf and Eggert were a threat down both wings and a late brace from Eggert and Weinhold sent Flensburg in 17:18 up at the break.

With Karabatic sent to the sin bin and Barça a man down, Flensburg stretched their lead to three goals early in the second half and some good saves Andersson and strikes from Mogenson and Glandorf were putting Barça under the cosh before to add more misery , Noddesbro had to go off injured. Just when things were looking toughest though, Saric inspired a brilliant come back with some brilliant stops and Barça scored eight quick goals to just one for the Germans to take a four goal lead (26:22) after 11 minutes.

Barça looked to be cruising to victory when Tomic extended the lead to five (29:24) on 17 minutes, but they suffered a complete collapse in the final ten minutes which allowed Flensburg back into the game and a last gasp equaliser from Glandorf took the semi-final into extra time. Two early goals from Entrerríos weren't enough to break the deadlock in extra time and the game went down to penalties, where Andersson made a great stop from Karabatic and the Germans scored all of theirs to go through to Sunday's final 4:5 and deny Xavi Pascual's side the chance to go for the section's ninth European Cup. Instead they will play Vezprem in the third-fourth place play off.