Elverum grab first points after win over Leon

Tine Poklar and Endre Langaas were key to Elverum Handball's win over Abanca Ademar Leon, who were previously undefeated in this year's VELUX EHF Champions League competition. Elverum climb up the standings, while Leon remain third in Group D.

• Elverum take first win after two two-goal defeats
• Abanca Ademar Leon suffer their first defeat of the season
• Tine Poklar and Lukas Sandell score seven goals each

GROUP D

Elverum handball (NOR) vs Abanca Ademar Leon (ESP) 30:25 (18:13)

For two thirds of the first half the game was balanced with neither side able to take the edge, but even neutral fans must have seen the hunger in the Elverum players' eyes to take a win needed to keep them in the contest with the best in Group D.

Michael Apelgren's men succeeded with great efficiency at the end of the first half as Endre Langaas on the line and Tine Poklar in the back court had the biggest impact on the 18:13 half time lead.

The atmosphere in the Terningen Arena was electric throughout the encounter, a boost every team needs in such a crucial match.

Morten Neergard got the fans on their feet with several spectacular saves. Lukas Sandell stepped in to cover for Poklar, to keep the white sea in the stands cheering after the break.

Leon were chasing the score throughout the second half, but closest they got was a two-goal difference. Elverum's aggressive, compact and fluid defensive wall did not allow the visitors back in.

As the teams entered the closing stages of the match, it was obvious it would only be matter of the final score to decide as Elverum were firmly sitting on their lead. Sandell's seventh goal put the hosts five ahead, and they duly celebrated their first two points of the season.