Sydney surprised the handball world but Barca win his second match
Sydney Uni HC - FC Barcelona 18:34 (12:15)
"David" Sydney annoys "Goliath" Barcelona - but only for 30 minutes: The first half of the match was a miracle. Underdog Sydney started like a rocket, while Barcelona slept well - so the team from down under took the lead by 4:1. Five minutes later the defending champion started its engine – 5:5 and after the first 15 minutes of the first half the favourite had reached a "normal" result with 10:5.
But the real miracle was, that Sydney fought back again and after 24 minutes the spectators were surprised about an 11:11 draw. The half time result - 15:12 for Barcelone – was a big success for Sydney and for the champions from the Iberian Peninsula a little bit embarrassing. But after the break Sydney was paying a big price for the tough 30 minutes. The star ensemble from Catalonia woke up and attacked with its typical power. From then on the Spanish Champion was on its way. Sydney got more and more in difficulties. Barcelona overran the defence from the underdog and finally the result after the full time was 34:18 for the big favourite. But the first half of this match will be more than only a nice memory for the team from Sydney.
Philipp Enders (coach of Sydney Uni):
Congratulation to my team. We are proud about our first half. Finally the result was clear. But we played against one of the top club teams of the world. They are so strong and with a lot of physical power – normally, if you know that we have training sessions twice a week, Barcelona twice a day.
Michael Romain Alcaraz (goal keeper Sydney Uni):
Our training was very hard since January and we were waiting for the day to play against this top team. So it was a great success for us. Our performance at first half was a sensation
Xavier Pascual (coach of FC Barcelona):
I was not surprised about the history of the match. My team was tired after the match yesterday evening and we want to play with respect and with a view of our sources for the tournament. Congratulation to Sydney for the tough fight!
Wael Jallouz (player FC Barcelona):
Our main goal was to reach the semi-final. Now we have four points and we are on our way. That makes me happy and I'm happy too to meet tomorrow the team from my home country Tunisia.
