MATCH REVIEW: La Rioja struggled to keep up with the visitors, who proved too strong for the Spanish side in this first leg of their Last 16 bout
Veszprem close to the quarter-final after massive win in Logrono
MKB-MVM Veszprem easily beat Naturhouse La Rioja in the Last 16 of the VELUX EHF Champions League in Logrono.
The Spanish team did have some good spells in the game but Veszprem proved their strength by cruising to an eight-goal victory.
LAST 16
Naturhouse La Rioja (SPA) vs MKB-MVM Veszprem (HUN) 23:31 (10:15)
Veszprem took off to a flying start taking a 4:0 lead early on, but after Jota Gonzalez took a timeout La Rioja came back at the Hungarian outfit on the 10 minute mark.
Renato Sulic kept Veszprem ahead as the home side remained close for most of the first half, but never really threatened to equalise.
The notorius Veszprem wall was as solid as ever and the weak attacks by the Spanish side resulted in just 10 goals by the first half end against one of the most prolific teams of the VELUX EHF Champions League.
Veszprem kept their lead but La Rioja had one last attempt of a come back inspiring a rally closing the margin to just one goal.
Carlos Ortega halted this by taking a timeout and Veszprem once again put their foot on the gas.
The visitors never let the Spanish seven catch a breath as Veszprem extended their lead and won by eight goals practically putting their qualification to the quarter-final beyond doubt.
Ilic and Sulic were joint top scorers for the Hungarian side with nine each while Fernandez Perez netted six goals for La Rioja.
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Bence Martha / bc