Barça overcome early scare to book semi-final berth

The reigning champions secured their place among the top four sides in the IHF Men’s Super Globe, despite being down 0:5 after eight minutes. Boasting a superb attack, Barça bounced back and  secured an impressive 36:32 win against Zamalek, setting up a semi-final against Brazilian side EC Pinheiros.

QUARTER-FINAL
Barça (ESP) vs Zamalek SC (EGY) 36:32 (18:17)

It was not the start Barça envisioned for their title-defending campaign in Jeddah, with the Spanish side being down 0:5 after only eight minutes. A mix of costly mistakes, a pair of saves from outstanding goalkeeper Karim Hendawy and two missed shots from right back Melvyn Richardson helped the Egyptian side build a healthy lead – and prevent the Spanish powerhouse from scoring for the first 10 minutes.

Zamalek continued to pounce and take advantage of an unfocused Barça defence, but the Spanish side quickly bounced back, thanks to their outstanding attack. With line players Ludovic Fabregas and Luis Frade running riot into Zamalek’s defence, scoring four goals each, the score was tied by the 24th minute (14:14), as Barca went ahead at the break, 18:17.

It was an entirely different performance from Barça in the second half, as the Spanish powerhouse looked more focused and did not miss as many clear chances like in the first half, as Zamalek were not able to take back the lead.

Right back Dika Mem finished the game on six goals, while Frade recorded seven – however, Barça really upped their tempo in defence, limiting Seif and Yehia Elderaa to only five goals among them.

Eventually, Barça secured a 36:32 win, setting a game against Brazilian side EC Pinheiros in the semi-final, while Zamalek, who were cheered on by hundreds of fans, will head to the placement round 5-10.