Barcelona are through to yet another EHF Champions League final. The Catalan giants controlled most of their semifinal against Aalborg, but had to work much harder than expected before securing a 37–32 victory after extra time. Following a 28–28 draw at the end of regulation, Barça quickly took command in overtime and booked their place in Sunday’s final.
The second semifinal in Cologne turned into far more drama than it initially appeared. Barcelona were the better side for long stretches, building their advantage on a strong defensive performance and solid goalkeeping from Emil Nielsen.
Aalborg struggled to find solutions against Barça’s physical defense. After 14 minutes, the Spanish side led 8–4, with the Danish champions managing only four goals. At the other end, both Nielsen and Niklas Landin delivered several impressive saves in an entertaining goalkeeper duel.
Barcelona appeared to be in full control for much of the game. They carried a 15–12 lead into halftime and could easily have been further ahead. Aalborg found it difficult to convert their chances, while line player Luis Frade caused major problems for the Danish defense.
When Barça moved ahead 21–17 in the second half, the match seemed to be following a familiar script.
But Aalborg refused to go away.
Kristian Björnsen and Thomas Arnoldsen led the comeback as the Danish side gradually clawed their way back into contention. With five minutes remaining, Björnsen cut the deficit to 27–26, and suddenly the semifinal was alive again.
Arnoldsen eventually equalized at 28–28 with just 90 seconds left on the clock.
Aalborg even had the final possession of regulation and opted to attack seven against six. However, Barcelona held firm, and after an offensive foul, the game headed into extra time.
Barça take over in overtime
Aalborg actually looked to have the momentum at the start of extra time.
The Danish side led both 29–28 and 30–29, while substitute goalkeeper Fabian Norsten made several important saves after entering the game. But when Aalborg had a chance to seize full control, Emil Nielsen produced a crucial foot save on a clear opportunity for Sander Sagosen.
That proved to be the turning point.
Barcelona ruthlessly punished a series of costly Aalborg mistakes in the seven-on-six attack. Domen Makuc made it 31–30 before Blaz Janc stole the ball and scored. Moments later, another turnover led to another Barcelona goal, and suddenly the Spanish side had opened a 33–30 lead before the break in extra time.
Three goals in just over a minute effectively settled the contest.
Aalborg never recovered, and Barcelona eventually cruised to a 37–32 victory.
The eleven-time Champions League winners are now through to another final, where they will face Füchse Berlin on Sunday.
Aalborg can leave Cologne with their heads held high after a remarkable comeback effort, but over the course of 70 minutes Barcelona were the stronger team — particularly thanks to their more consistent defense and goalkeeping when the match was on the line.