Defending champions SC Magdeburg have suffered their first defeat in the Handball Champions League and missed out on group victory for the time being. The team from the city on the Elbe lost 29:36 (16:16) against record winners FC Barcelona in front of 6,480 spectators. Magdeburg's top scorer was Felix Claar with seven goals. SCM will have to hope for some help on the final matchday if it is to finish first after all.
There were unusual mistakes on both sides in the opening minutes. SCM goalkeeper Sergey Hernandez - in Barcelona from the summer - got into the game well and had an advantage in the goalkeeping duel. Nevertheless, the visitors led (3:4/10th) and were initially unable to pull further ahead in an evenly-matched game. Barcelona led by three goals shortly before the break (13:16/25), but Magdeburg fought back until the half-time whistle.
