MIDWEEK PREVIEW: Two struggling teams which combined for only three wins in their past 10 games are trying to build momentum for the Last 16 phase
Löwen host Kielce in battle for fourth place
Winning the World Championship with Denmark in January did not translate in an easy job for Nikolaj Jacobsen at club level, as Rhein-Neckar Löwen are struggling in the VELUX EHF Champions League.
The German side lost both games in February, against Vardar and Brest, and is trying to overtake an injury-hit Kielce, which lost three backcourt players due to injuries.
Talant Dujshebaev’s team is currently fourth, a place that Löwen have set their eyes on. The team which finishes fourth will play the second leg of their Last 16 tie at home.
GROUP A:
Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER) vs PGE Vive Kielce (POL)
Wednesday, 20 February, 19:00 hrs local time, live on ehfTV.com
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Hit by injures, Löwen lost four of their last five games, Kielce three of their last four
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Both teams have qualified for the Last 16 but are fighting for fourth place, currently held by Kielce with 14 points; Löwen have 12
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Kielce will miss backs Alex and Daniel Dujshebaev as well as playmaker Luka Cindric though injury
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The two sides met 14 times in European Cup competitions: Kielce won six times, Löwen five. Kielce also won their first meeting this season (35:32)
TEXT:
Adrian Costeiu / ew