Barça and Füchse duel for Super Globe trophy

Same occasion, same teams: like in 2017, Barça Lassa and Füchse Berlin will play each other in the final of the IHF Super Globe in Doha, Qatar, on Friday (17:00 CET).

The Spanish side, already record winners of the unofficial club world championship with three titles, beat VELUX EHF Champions League title holders Montpellier 37:30 in the first semi-final after being down 18:19 at the break. Later, Berlin defeated Al-Sadd for the third time in the third semi-final they played against other, this time by 26:20 (11:9).

Fourth Super Globe Final for both teams

On Friday it will be the fourth Super Globe Final for both teams: Berlin took the trophy in 2015 (beating Veszprém) and 2016 (PSG); Barça won in 2013 (Hamburg), 2014 (Al-Sadd) and 2017 (Füchse). While Barça have won each final they played, Füchse have reached the final each time they took part in the event.

Montpellier started the semi-final stronger and more efficient in attack. Mainly thanks to 10 goals from youngster Melvyn Richardsson, the French side led at half-time and remained ahead until 20:19.

Barça accelerated and in the end overran Montpellier, which it had also beaten in the VELUX EHF Champions League less than two weeks ago, after Montpeller had won their Last 16 clash last season.

Like in the quarter-final, Casper Mortensen was Barça’s best scorer, together with Timothey N’guessan. They both nettes seven times.

The EHF Cup winners were too strong individually

In the second semi-final, Al-Sadd gave Berlin a tough fight but the EHF Cup winners were too strong individually, mainly in defence, and reached their fourth consecutive Super Globe Final. The first half was in the balance, but Berlin decided the match when they pulled ahead to 20:15. Best scorers were the two Danes, Jacob Holm and Hans Lindberg, with six goals each. “We are extremely proud to make it to the final again,” said Füchse manager Bon Hanning.

While Kevin Struck was ruled out until the end of the year after picking up an ankle injury in the Tuesday’s quarter-final, this time Christoph Reissky had to be brought to hospital. “We do not know, if he can play the final,” Hanning said.

Montpellier will face Al-Sadd for the bronze medal on Friday.

IHF Super Globe 2018:

Wednesday 17 October:

- Placement round 5-8:
Al-Najma vs Hammamet 26:27 (14:14)
Taubate vs Sydney 38:18 (16:12)

- Semi-finals:
Barça Lassa vs Montpellier HB 37:30 (18:19)
Füchse Berlin vs Al-Sadd 26:20 (11:9)

Friday 19 October (all times CET):

12:00: Placement match 7/8
14:00: Placement match 5/6
16:00: Bronze medal match
18:00: Final
20.15: Winners’ ceremony

All photos courtesy of IHF