Atlètic Barceloneta delivered a statement performance in the headline clash of Round 17 in the Spanish League, crushing CN Barcelona 19:9 in a one-sided derby that underlined their dominance at the top of the table.
Barceloneta made a flying start, racing into a 3:0 lead. However, Barcelona responded impressively, drawing level at 4:4 before the first break and even edging ahead early in the second quarter at 5:4.
That proved to be as good as it got for the visitors.
Barceloneta quickly regained control with a 4:0 run to move 8:5 ahead. After Paul reduced the deficit to 6:8, the contest turned completely. Between the 15th and 26th minutes, Barceloneta unleashed an eight-goal scoring streak, blowing the game open at 16:6 and effectively ending the contest long before the final whistle.
Bernat Sanahuja and Unai Biel led the charge with four goals each, while Pol Daura scored three for Barcelona.
Sabadell ruthless, Sant Andreu stun Mataró
CN Sabadell were equally emphatic, dismantling Mediterrani 23:6. Roberto Valera and Sergi Cabanas each netted four in a dominant team display.
The surprise of the round came in Mataró, where CN Sant Andreu claimed a 10:8 away win over Mataró. Sant Andreu set the tempo early and never allowed the hosts to fully settle. Mataró equalized twice in the third quarter (5:5 and 8:8), but Sant Andreu struck twice in the final period while keeping their defence intact to secure a crucial three points.
Elsewhere, Terrassa defeated Encinas de Boadilla 16:10, Tenerife beat Caballa 16:11, and Catalunya overcame Rubí after a penalty shootout (17:15).
Title race tightening at the top
After 17 rounds, Barceloneta remain firmly in control with 48 points from 17 matches. Sabadell sit three points behind on 45 (with a game in hand), while Barcelona remain third on 39.
Standings (Top 6):
- Barceloneta – 17 – 48
- Sabadell – 16 – 45
- Barcelona – 16 – 39
- Terrassa – 16 – 33
- Mataró – 17 – 30
- Mediterrani – 16 – 19
At the foot of the table, Encinas de Boadilla are still searching for their first points of the campaign.
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