When the players of FC Barcelona climbed Europe's handball throne for the tenth time with a historic record, they let their emotions run free.

After the sovereign 36:23 (16:11) against the Danish title holder Aalborg HB in the final of the Champions League, the winners danced exuberantly across the floor and later euphorically waved the winner's cup.

"It is wonderful.

Everyone played perfectly.

I am proud to be part of this team, ”said Croatia's star director Luka Cindric.

With the runaway victory, the Spanish record champions crowned a flawless season without defeat in front of 500 spectators in Cologne.

For the Catalans it was the ninth triumph in the premier class introduced in 1994, before they had won the European Cup in 1991.

Paris Saint-Germain secured third place in the Final Four with a 31:28 (17:13) in the French duel against HBC Nantes.

High lead before the break

In a one-sided final, the Danish outsider, who surprisingly eliminated the star ensemble from Paris in the semifinals, was only able to keep up in the initial phase.

After a quick 5: 2 lead (6th minute), Aalborg failed to score for almost nine minutes, so that the favorite was able to set the course for victory with a 7-0 run to 9: 5 (15th).

Before the break, Barcelona pulled away for the first time on six goals at 15: 9.

The comfortable lead was even increased to 13 goals after the move - a unique demonstration of power in a premier class final.

Barcelona win every game

The winner's best thrower was Aleix Gómez with nine hits, and Gonzalo Perez de Vargas shone with a strong performance between the posts.

Spain's national goalkeeper parried 14 throws from the Danes, who looked drained after the surprising semi-final victory against Paris.

Barcelona, ​​on the other hand, played themselves into a frenzy.

“We really wanted this success and worked hard for it every day,” said French international Dika Mem. “It was a great game.

We are very proud."

For Barcelona it was the 20th victory in the 20th Champions League game this season - a record! With the triumphant march through, the team of coach Xavier Pascual Fuertes rehabilitated itself impressively for the painful defeat in the final in December 2020 against THW Kiel. The German record champions failed in the quarter-finals because of Paris, and SG Flensburg-Handewitt was eliminated by Aalborg.