Massive Győr and Budućnost victories

Close duels were expected in today´s matches of the four highest-ranked teams of the two groups, but both Győri Audi ETO and Budućnost showed top form to outclass title holder Larvik and Romanian champions Oltchim, respectively. 

After their massive and well-deserved victories the current group leaders now have the maximum of six points in the bank and already have one foot in the semi-final.

Group 1

Győri Audi ETO (HUN) vs. Larvik (NOR) 31:22 (17:9)

A highly effective and marvelous Anita Görbicz and outstanding goalkeeper Katrine Lunde Haraldsen led the Hungarians to a fantastic victory over the title holder: coach Karl Erik Bøhn´s team now calls for the EHF Champions League title!  

A hellish atmosphere awaited the reigning champions from Norway in the Magvassy Mihály Arena in Győr, where the fans had gathered several hours before the start.

It was the away side that scored the first goal in the match through Isabel Blanco, but then seven goalless minutes followed for coach Ole Gustav Gjekstad´s team and this great entry to the game cemented the success of the Hungarians in this spicy duel. 

In that phase the hosts scored six straight strikes and Larvik were unable to answer. Their coaching staff was forced to call an early time out to implement new ideas.

Hungarian centre-back Anita Görbicz was on top form, scoring several marvelous goals from distance, 7 metre penalties, as well as assisting her team-mates.

After the one minute break, the title holder found the rhythm of the game and started to score, catching up minute-by-minute.

Both teams were very fast in executing their attacks, and therefore many errors crept in. Opposing goalkeepers Katrine Lunde Haraldsen and Cecilie Leganger showed some super heroics in their goals. 

Larvik came as close as three goals, but the hosts, boosted by their loudly cheering spectators, produced a top game with some beautiful combinations in front of the Norwegian defence, and increased the lead to five goals after 20 minutes.

Due to the intense game, the Norwegians lost several balls and Győr punished every mistake, using the Larvik trademark, the fast counter attack.

Both wing players, Jovanka Radičević and Orsolya Vérten, shone, and with their team-mates performing on a very high level and scoring several eye-catching goals, the difference between the two teams had increased to eight goals at half time. 

Larvik emerged from the cabin with great determination to start a massive catch-up phase. Amanda Kurtovic and her team-mates gave everything, reducing the difference to five goals.

However, the agile Anita Görbicz continued to impress as the main director of the hosts´ attacking game plan and with the great self-confidence of the Győri Audi ETO players, everything they touched today turned to gold.

There was no question about today´s winner. Győr showed a mature and disciplined game, to the joy of thousands of spectators, as they totally humiliated Larvik in every aspect of the game.

Group 2

C.S. Oltchim Rm. Vâlcea (ROU) vs. Budućnost (MNE)  24:34 (13:18)

Budućnost gave a fantastic show in Romania as they outclassed Oltchim in a one-sided duel, with victory already cemented after 30 minutes.

The clash of the two group favourites started as a close duel, as the lead has changed several times. The hosts kept going in front, only for the Montenegrin champions to level again.

Loudly cheering, vociferous Oltchim spectators in the Traian hall pushed the home side to a two-goal lead, with Ekaterina Vetkova scoring to make it 8:6 after 12 minutes.

Despite Oltchim´s tight lead of two goals, Budućnost started taking the initiative with goalkeeper Clara Woltering showing athletic heroics between the posts.

With an improved defence, Budućnost put up a massive wall on the defensive line in front of the German international and coach Dragan Adžić´s team scored four straight strikes, turning the match into a 10:8 lead.

The Romanians seemed shocked and without a rescue plan. Coach Radu Voina changed his goalkeepers but this change didn´t result in anything positive for Oltchim, as Budućnost remained focused, and with their quality defence, they disturbed every Romanian attack. 

Bojana Popović and her colleagues used the shock-effect on the Romanians and left the court at half-time with a five-goal lead.

The intermission did little to improve things for the Romanians, as Budućnost remained fully focused. They increased their lead minute-by-minute, building a mighty 10-goal difference between the two teams after 42 minutes.  

Oltchim collapsed totally and gave up the match. Their opponent continued to impress in every aspect of the match, and had no problems in collecting the two away points.