Aalborg, without four key players, could not provide an upset in Barcelona this evening. With a formidable Emil Nielsen in goal, the home side won the game 35–27.
It was a big night in Barcelona when Barca and Aalborg, the two Champions League finalists from last season, faced off. Barca won the final last year and was the clear favorite in this game, especially considering they won three out of three games in the Champions League and Aalborg, with four points in three games, having to play without four key players.
Niklas Landin, Lukas Nilsson, Thomas Arnoldsen, and Mads Hoxer could not play in this game, making Aalborg very thin, especially in the back court.
Barca started the game red hot, and after they scored 5–1, Aalborg took their first timeout. The away side coach, Maik Machulla, was not happy and screamed at his players for not doing what they agreed upon ahead of the game, shooting from long distances instead of going for the one-on-one opportunities.
Aalborg played better after that, and the score at the half was 16–13. Aalborg got back in the game because Marinus Munk played great in the back court, and Fabian Norsten started to save more shots.
In the second half, Barca did not play around. They got their largest lead of the game when they scored the goal that meant 21–15 early in the second half, and from that point on, they were in complete control.
Why in control? Emil Nielsen had one of those games that he so often had. 17 saves, and a lot of them were tough saves as well. Barca was the better team, but Nielsen was the icing on the cake for the reigning champions, even though Fabian Norsten had just as many saves for Aalborg.
Barca won the game, 35–27, and are still perfect in the Champions League this season. Aalborg will have to hope that their injured players are back in action as soon as possible.