The Danish and Spanish champions face off in the second semi-final of the EHF Champions League. GOhandball has rated the teams ahead of this weekend’s Final Four.
As always, handball fever has taken over Cologne as Europe’s best teams battle it out for the Champions League title. In semi-final 2, Aalborg, seen as the clear underdog of the Final Four, will take on Barcelona.
GO Handball has rated the teams from 1–5 ahead of the clash, with advantage for the Spanish giants.
GK:
Aalborg: 4
Barcelona: 5
In goal Fabian Norsten shares duties with the ever-reliable Niklas Landin. A goalkeeper duo of high quality, and even though Landin is not quite at the same level as a few years ago, he can still completely shut the door on any given day.
In Barcelona’s goal stands Landin’s Danish successor and the world’s best goalkeeper, Emil Nielsen. Should he, against expectations, fail to deliver, the Spaniards can bring in Hallgrímsson between the posts. An outstanding duo and a clear five.
LW:
Aalborg: 3
Barcelona: 4
Danish winger Buster Juul-Lassen has handled Aalborg’s left wing together with Norway’s Alexander Blonz. Two solid options, but still a step below the very top level at the wing.
Ian Barrufet and Daniel Fernández form Barcelona’s duo on the left wing. At just 22 years old, Barrufet has shown a high level this season, and together with Fernández, who has delivered over 85 percent shooting efficiency in the Champions League its top quality.
RW:
Aalborg: 3
Barcelona: 5
Kristian Björnsen brings plenty of experience and has had a strong season. Backup Patrick Wiesmach is, however, a slightly weaker alternative.
Aleix Gómez and the Final Four usually go very well together. The winger has been scoring for fun this season and provides Barcelona with a real X-factor. Blaz Janc is a more than capable backup.
Pivot:
Aalborg: 4
Barcelona: 5
Felix Möller has developed into a key player for Aalborg and together with Simon Hald Jensen, he forms a solid central block.
Frade and Fabregas give Barcelona two strong options both defensively and offensively. Key players if the Spaniards are to succeed this weekend.
LB:
Aalborg: 4
Barcelona: 4
Sander Sagosen has shown he still operates at the highest level, while Sweden’s Lukas Nilsson provides a strong alternative. Add Thomas Arnoldsen, who can also shift to left back, and Aalborg has both quality and depth.
Barcelona rely on Timothey N’Guessan, who remains a powerful offensive weapon. Carlsbogård is an option as well, though he contributes primarily on the defensive end.
CB:
Aalborg: 4
Barcelona: 3
Juri Knorr can be considered one of the best playmakers in the world, something he has proven in both the Bundesliga and with the German national team. Alongside Thomas Arnoldsen, Aalborg have two players capable of controlling games at the highest level.
Barcelona are led by Domen Makuc and Petar Cikusa. Perhaps not the most spectacular names, but they have run Barcelona’s offense in a very effective way.
RB:
Aalborg: 4
Barcelona: 5
Mads Hoxer has established himself as one of Europe’s top right backs and comes off several strong seasons with Aalborg. Patrick Helland Anderson provides solid depth behind him.
Dika Mem may not be quite at the level he was a few years ago, but the Frenchman still has a ceiling few can match and could very well decide the game on his own.
Total:
Aalborg: 26
Barcelona: 31
No surprise here, most would agree that Barcelona are clear favorites. For Aalborg to pull off an upset, players like Knorr, Sagosen and Landin will likely need to turn back the clock a few years and reach their absolute peak level.
Otherwise, Barcelona’s depth and quality should be enough, and if Emil Nielsen happens to be on top form, it could turn into a fairly comfortable ride for the Spaniards.