Headache for Veszprém, joy for Szeged

In the first return leg of the Group phase, Group F leader Gummersbach travelled in Veszprém, while Group H leader Pick Szeged visited in Sarajevo.

The second goal of Sesum gave the lead to Veszprém for the first time in the 6th minute. Gummersbach were able to keep pace with fast breaks, but as former Veszprém goalkeeper Fazekas could not save the shots from the wings, the hosts took a 3-goal lead with the goals of G. Iváncsik and Vujin (9-6).

The Germans speeded up and came closer after Veszprém got suspensions. Peric had a good period, he saved clear chances and Veszprém had a five-goal lead all of a sudden.

Coach Gislason made a substitution: Stojanov replaced Fazekas. In addition, Pungartnik started scoring.

Ilyés made a foul against Gunnarson, which was his third suspension in the 25th minute already.

After the 20-16 halftime result, the guests seemed to have fallen asleep in the break. It was 24-18 already for Veszprém when the German team could react. Unluckily for Veszprém, both Iváncsik brothers had to leave the court for injuries early in the game.

Gunnarson and Zrnic took the initiative and brought the guests back to a draw in the 49th minute (30-30).Vujin and Sesum tried everything, but Gummersbach were more determined this time.

The endgame was dramatic: Vujin was pulled by Pungartnik who received a red card, but the remaining four seconds were not enough for Veszprém to score the winning goal.

The 35-35 draw means that Gummersbach remain on top of Group F, while as a result of Celje’s defeat in Iceland, Veszprém have the advantage over the Slovenians.

Szeged show in Sarajevo

The Bosna Sarajevo vs Pick Szeged game started with a couple of great Puljezevic saves in front of the great Bosnian supporters.

Harmandic and Ghionea were scoring on the two sides, but Szeged took a comfortable lead already by the 13th minute. Kapisoda was key figure of Bosna once again, but Pick controlled the game even despite many suspensions. Virtually everyone had a great day in the visiting side, and the 200 Szeged supporters celebrated 8-19 at half time.

The game was full of tension after the break and a double suspension for Andjelkovic and Veselinovic opened the second half. Puljezevic still saved everything and Pick took a 9-23 lead. Sarajevo tried everything to come closer, but it only brought a double suspension for them.

The goals of Zvizej and Ghionea meant a tragic 12-27 result for the hosts when Szeged brought in the second string for the remaining minutes. The Hungarian side could still keep the distance at 15-30.

The Bosnians were fighting for their honour and supporters, especially Toromanovic was active, still they could not come any closer than 13 goals.

This 24-37 result means that Pick Szeged are looking sure to reach top spot in the group, while Sarajevo have less chance to reach the qualification.