Barceloneta returned to the summit of the Spanish League with a commanding 18:8 victory over Sabadell in the standout fixture of Round 18, avenging their narrow 14:15 defeat from earlier in the season.

In what was expected to be a tightly contested derby, the reigning champions instead delivered a one-sided performance, asserting control from the opening whistle. Barceloneta raced into a 4:0 lead and never looked back, finishing the first quarter firmly ahead at 7:2. From there, they maintained their intensity and discipline, preventing Sabadell from mounting any meaningful comeback.

The attacking display was spearheaded by Vince Vigvári, who netted five goals in a dominant individual performance. Bernat Sanahuja added four, while Alberto Munárriz contributed three, underlining Barceloneta’s depth and efficiency in front of goal. For Sabadell, Cabanas, Barroso, and Bonet each scored twice, but their efforts proved insufficient against a relentless opponent.

This latest encounter marked the seventh meeting between the two sides this season—and Barceloneta’s sixth victory. The Catalan giants have consistently had the upper hand, having already beaten Sabadell in the Catalonia Cup and Spanish Super Cup, as well as twice in the Champions League. Just last week, they also secured an 11:5 win in the Spanish Cup final.

Elsewhere in Round 18, Terrassa produced an impressive 18:9 win over Catalunya, while Rubi edged Caballa in a penalty shootout after a tightly fought contest. Sant Andreu secured a solid 15:8 victory against Mediterrani. Matches between Barcelona and Mataro, as well as Tenerife and Encinas de Boadilla, were postponed.

With the win, Barceloneta move back to the top of the table on 51 points from 18 matches, narrowly ahead of Sabadell on 48. Barcelona sit third with 42 points but have a game in hand, keeping the title race finely poised as the season enters its निर्णcing phase.

Results – Round 18
Sabadell 8:18 Barceloneta (2:7, 3:2, 1:4, 2:5)
Catalunya 9:18 Terrassa (3:6, 1:4, 4:5, 1:3)
Caballa 11:12 Rubi (PSO 4:5)
Sant Andreu 15:8 Mediterrani (4:2, 4:2, 3:2, 4:2)
Barcelona vs Mataro – postponed
Tenerife vs Encinas de Boadilla – postponed

Standings

1. Barceloneta – 18 – 51pts
2. Sabadell – 18 – 48pts
3. Barcelona – 17 – 42pts
4. Terrassa – 18 – 36pts
5. Mataro – 17 – 30pts
6. Mediterrani – 18 – 22pts
7. Tenerife – 17 – 22pts
8. Sant Andreu – 18 – 21pts
9. Caballa – 18 – 21pts
10. Rubi – 18 – 16pts
11. Catalunya – 18 – 11pts
12. Encinas de Boadilla – 17 – 1pt