Barça Takes On The Unstoppable HBC Nantes In The Champions League Quarterfinals

The Palau, Scene of a Duel of Titans: Barça Takes on the Unstoppable HBC Nantes in the Champions League Quarterfinals

The Barça giant is seeking its eighth consecutive Final Four against a Nantes in a state of grace that dreams of European revenge.

The handball champions warm up for a tie that promises strong emotions. He Barçaauthentic king of Europe with 12 titleswill face the HBC Nantes in the quarterfinals. The first leg will be played in France between the April 29 and 30while the return will take place in the emblematic Palau blaugrana the days May 6 and 7. This privilege of closing the tie at home is a direct reward for the culé team, which sealed its pass as undefeated leader of group B.

Nantes comes to this event after a display of power in their round of 16 match. After a narrow victory in the first leg in Denmark (33-34), the French devastated the GOG in the second leg with a forceful 40-28. This result only confirms the dream season that the French team is having in 2026. Their record is simply spectacular: 14 wins in 14 games disputed to date, distributed between Cup, League and Champions. In the maximum continental competition, they add six consecutive winsincluding prestigious victories against rivals of the caliber of the One Veszprem (33-31) and the Füchse Berlin (34-37).

For Barça, this tie represents a new assault on its historical dominance. The Barça team aspires to reach their eighth consecutive Final Foura figure that speaks of its uninterrupted excellence. If you achieve it, it would be your 14th presence in the final phase in the last 17 editions. Opposite them they will have a Nantes on an overwhelming streak, a team that, although it has only played one European final in its history (losing it in 2018), arrives with morale through the roof. Curiously, that year 2018 was the last time that Barça did not step on the Lanxess Cologne Arenaupon being eliminated in the round of 16 by Montpellierwho would ultimately win the title.

Nantes has its own names who know the Palau well. The exazulgrana Valero Riverawho at his 41 years is in the twilight of his career, he demonstrated his quality with nine goals without error on the GOG track. Next to him, Nicolas Tournatauthor of 6 pointsand Aymeric Minnewith 5 goalswere the top scorers. The presence of Valero Rivera at the Palau will, without a doubt, be an emotional reunion for the culé fans. The goalkeeper Nacho Bioscatrained in the Blaugrana youth team, also contributed to the French victory with eight stopsdemonstrating his great moment of form.

The Nantes squad is full of Spanish and international talent. In addition to Biosca, the central Ian Tarrafeta and the extreme Kauldi Odriozolaboth Spanish internationals, are part of the team. The French first line is reinforced by two top-level players: the talented central defender Aymeric Minnealready signed by him Flensburgand the left side Thibaud Brietcoveted by half of Europe. At the pivot, Nicolas Tournat is a key piece, while the goal is made up of a solid couple with Ivan Pesic together with Biosca. The extreme Noam Leopold This year he has emerged as one of the great revelations of the championship.

The history between Barça and Nantes In official competitions it clearly leans in favor of the Catalans. Of the 12 matches previous, Barça has added nine winsa draw and only two defeats. Last season, both teams met three times: a thrilling draw in France (31-31), a resounding victory for Barça in the Palau (36-30) and a loss in the third place match in Cologne (25-30). That match in Germany was especially bitter for the Blaugranas, who arrived weakened after a refereeing controversy and the narrow defeat in the semi-finals against the Magdeburg (30-31).

Nantes will seek to surprise and reach their fourth Champions League semi-finala milestone that would add more shine to his exceptional season. In front, a Barça that, as always, will start with the favorite sign. The French team has only managed to reach the final once, in 2018, after beating the PSG. His other two semi-final appearances ended in defeats against himself. Barça (in 2021) and the Füchse Berlin (in 2025).

HBC Nantes' good moment is not limited to the Champions League. The team led by Grégory Cojean is in a privileged position both in the League as in the French Cup. In the domestic league, they are second, just two points from Paris SGthreatening to break the 11 consecutive year reign of the current French champion. In addition, on April 15, they will face the Nîmes in the semifinals of the Cup, looking for a new title for their showcase.

Round of 16 (second results):

• HBC Nantes – GOG: 40-28
• Industry Kielce – Pick Szeged: 32-32
• Wisla Plock – Sporting: Thursday (6:45 p.m.)
• PSG – One Veszprem: Thursday (8:45 p.m.)

Quarterfinals (dates: April 29-30 and May 6-7):

• Barça – HBC Nantes
• SC Magdeburg – OTP Bank Pick Szeged
• Füchse Berlin – One Veszprem or Paris SG
• Aalborg – Orlen Wisla Plock or Sporting CP

Frequently Asked Questions:

When will the quarterfinal matches between Barça and HBC Nantes be played?
The departure will be between April 29 and 30, and the return on May 6 and 7.

How many Champions League titles does Barça have?
Barça is the top historical winner with 12 titles.

What is the form of HBC Nantes?
Nantes is in a sweet moment, with 14 wins in 14 games in 2026 and six wins in a row in the Champions League.

Who are the outstanding Spanish players in Nantes?
Ian Tarrafeta and Kauldi Odriozola are two Spanish internationals in their ranks, in addition to goalkeeper Nacho Biosca.

Has Nantes ever won the Champions League?
Nantes played its only European final in 2018, which it lost.

What is the historical balance between Barça and Nantes?
Barça dominates the record with nine wins, one draw and two losses in 12 games.

What other teams are competing in the Champions League quarterfinals?
Pairings include SC Magdeburg, Füchse Berlin, Aalborg, among others.

What objectives does Nantes have in the French League and Cup?
Nantes is second in the league and is in the Cup semifinals, looking to break PSG's dominance.

Has Barça been in all the recent Final Four?
Barça is seeking its eighth consecutive Final Four, which would be its 14th in 17 years.

Where is the Champions League Final Four played?
The Final Four takes place at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne.

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