Unpredictable return games in the group of deathArticle
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GROUP C PREVIEW: It is payback time away from home for Montpellier and Vardar while Celje hope to finally make home fans happy at Zlatorog

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Unpredictable return games in the group of death

Upsets were common place in the fifth round of VELUX EHF Champions League Group C after winless Medvedi snatched a point in Montpellier and MKB-MVM Veszprém won in Skopje thanks to their dramatic last minute comeback. The return legs promise yet another set of high-quality games as Celje also play host to Rhein-Neckar Löwen with a vengeance.

MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN) vs HC Vardar (MKD)  
Saturday 22 November 2014 at 16:30 hrs local time live on ehfTV

Veszprém might be called lucky to have escaped with a narrow win in Skopje, but a team that keeps Vardar at 23 goals without their defensive leader is praiseworthy. László Nagy made it to the bench in Skopje and might return to the line-up for the return leg but the world class right back is still doubtful.

Vardar felt they deserved more after coming agonisingly close to beating Veszprém but as visitors they will have to figure something out about Veszprém’s defence, against whom they had a lot of problems even at home. Igor Karacic, who was deservedly voted player of the round, can once again show them the way but someone else will have to measure up to the Croatian marksman from his teammates.

Veszprém are calm but vigilant before the second leg of this huge clash, the away win boosted their confidence but Carlos Ortega prepares his team for an equally tough game at home.

Expect a tight match that is based on massive defending as Vardar try to avoid being taken over by Löwen and Veszprém eager to hold on to their 100% record both in the group and against Vardar.

Try beat Bence's prediction for the game in our Facebook competition.

Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) vs Montpellier Agglomeration (FRA)
Saturday 22 November at 18:30 hrs local time live on ehfTV

The Russian champions caused one of the biggest upsets of the group phase when they were just eight seconds from beating Montpellier in France. Dragan Gajic came to rescue but the French outfit may sorely miss the point Medvedi left Montpellier with.

The draw may seem startling at first but it is justified when taking Montpellier’s missing players into account as Matej Gaber, Jure Dolenec and Borut Mackovsek were all sidelined and are still doubtful before the return leg.

On the other hand, Medvedi welcome their opponent on a high. Having put up a good performance in Mannheim before they finally got off the starting grid with a well-earned point in Montpellier and are now on a three-game unbeaten run against the French outfit, which includes winning the last two home games against Montpellier.

One should expect a high-scoring match as the two teams scored the most goals in Group C so far.

Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO) vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER)
Sunday 23 November at 17:00 hrs local time live on ehfTV

Celje went really close to getting the better of their opponents on a number of occasions this season but could only hold on to their lead once (at Chekhovskie). The Slovenians had the upper hand in Mannheim for a good 40 minutes before Löwen finally found fifth gear and took over at the end.

The return leg is shaping up to be a huge game for both sides as Celje need a win to avoid falling way behind qualification spots while Löwen may have a chance to leapfrog Vardar in the group. In order to reach their goal Celje have to stay focused for the full sixty minutes while Rhein-Neckar need to be more clinical in attack.

Just beyond half-time of the group phase Celje reached a point where good performances and even excellent halves are no longer enough if they want to reach the Last 16, the Slovenian team needs to start winning games.

Löwen remained spotless after seven games against Celje but their unbeaten run will be put to a stern test on Sunday, when they visit a team now clutching at straws. 


TEXT: Bence Martha / cor
 
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