Barcelona booked their place in the EHF Champions League final after a dramatic 37-32 extra-time victory over Denmark's Aalborg in the semifinals at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany.
The match ended 28-28 after regulation time following a thrilling finish. Barcelona led 15-11 at halftime, but Aalborg fought back to level the score and force extra time. In the closing seconds of regulation, both teams had opportunities to secure victory, but neither managed to find the decisive goal.
Barcelona dominated the extra period, outscoring Aalborg 9-4 to seal a five-goal victory and secure a return to the European final after missing out last season following a semifinal defeat to Germany's Magdeburg.
Danish goalkeeper Emil Nielsen played a crucial role in Barcelona's success, making 16 saves from 45 shots for an impressive 35 percent save rate. Right wing Aleix Gómez finished as the match's top scorer with eight goals. The Barcelona squad also includes Egyptian international Seif El-Deraa.
The Catalan giants have now reached the EHF Champions League final for the 18th time in club history and will be aiming to lift a record-extending 13th European title.
In the other semifinal, Germany's Füchse Berlin defeated fellow Bundesliga side Magdeburg 40-35 to reach the final for the second consecutive season.
The victory served as revenge for last year's championship defeat, when Magdeburg beat Berlin 32-26 in the final.
Danish star Mathias Gidsel once again led the way for Füchse Berlin, scoring nine goals from 12 attempts. The German club is now seeking its first-ever EHF Champions League title.
The winner of the competition will qualify for the 2026 IHF Men's Club World Championship, which is scheduled to be held in Egypt later this year.
Barcelona will face Füchse Berlin today at 7:00 p.m. local time at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, in a highly anticipated showdown for the European crown.
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