The azulgrana was also awarded as the best goalkeeper in the competition
Carlos Ortega’s men will play a friendly match against Toulouse to prepare for the Final 4
Barça closed the ASOBAL League last Thursday with a victory against Ademar León that allowed them to finish the tournament undefeated, for the first time in the ‘Ortega era’. The rest of the League was definitively closed this weekend and with all the homework done, the organization held the gala today in Madrid to award the best players of the season, and pay tribute to those who retire.
In Barcelona key, the great star has been without a doubt the goalkeeper Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas as a great protagonist. The Barcelona player not only received the award for the best goalkeeper of the tournament, but was also chosen as MVP. Besides, Ludovic Fàbregas, took the prize for best pivot; and Thiagus Petrus, as the best defender in the competition.
The award for best coach this time went to Antonio Rama, coach of Fraikin Granollers, who has closed a brilliant course by reaching the Europa League final and also finishing the league in European places. The Valles team also received the award for the ‘Match with the highest attendance’. On the other hand, there was a special mention to Julen Aginagalde (Bidasoa Irun), Ivan Nikčević (TM Benidorm), Carlos Chocarro (Helvetia Anaitasuna), Ander Ugarte (Bidasoa Irun), Iker Serrano (TM Benidorm) and Nacho Moya (REBI Balonmano Cuenca), who say goodbye to this professional handball season.
Next challenge, Europe
Although the squad has enjoyed a weekend off after finishing the league, Carlos Ortega does not want his players to relax and has planned a friendly for this week, with a visit to Toulouse, sixth ranked in the French league. A duel that will take place this Thursday from 8:00 p.m. and that will serve as training for the European competition in which the Catalans defend their title.
Carlos Ortega could also make history, becoming the person with the most Champions in their showcases (he has six as a player and one as a coach), surpassing Andrei Xepkin, who has seven.