Thüringer keep hopes alive with win against Podravka

Thüringer HC had failed to win any EHF Champions League matches so far this season, so their tie against Croatian champions HC Podravka Vegeta was crucial - and they managed to pick up two key points wiht a 31:23 win.

• Both sides had a 100 per cent penalty shot success rate
• Iveta Luzumova netted 10 times for Thüringer
• Natalia Chigirinova scored eight times for the hosts

GROUP C

HC Podravka Vegeta (CRO) vs Thüringer HC (GER) 23:31 (10:14)

The home side started the match strongly, scoring from the first three shots while their defence proved effective.

As Thüringer’s wall became as hard as concrete the teams continued to exchange goals. Natalia Chigirinova was particularly strong for the hosts, scoring every time she tried for the goal, but the visitors moved ahead towards the end of the first half.

Herbert Müller’s squad did not slow down in the beginning of the second half. Only three minutes after the start of the half Podravka called a time out, but it was ineffective.

Goals from Iveta Luzumova and Emily Bölk meant Thüringer were able to move clearly ahead and they never again relinquished their lead.

With the win Thüringer still have the chance to qualify for the main round, trailing their final opponents RK Krim Mercator by just two points. The support of their home crowd could prove vital.