GROUP C/D PREVIEW: The four teams which emerged from Groups C and D must now battle over two legs for the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16
Knockout action begins in Lisbon and Plock
After 10 gruelling rounds in the fascinating Groups C and D, four teams remain in the race for the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16.
The two group winners, Bjerringbro-Silkeborg and Dinamo Bucuresti face tough away trips in the first leg matches, both of which take place on Saturday evening.
GROUP C/D KNOCKOUT
Orlen Wisla Plock (POL) vs Bjerringbro-Silkeborg (DEN)
Saturday 23 February, 18:00 hrs local time, live on ehfTV
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the two teams met in the group phase in 2016/17: BSV won 33:24 at home, Plock won 28:25 in the reverse fixture
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world champion Nikolaj Markussen is missing for BSV with a toe injury and the left back will miss the rest of the season
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Plock needed a penalty shootout to win their midweek league match against Górnik Zabrze after drawing 23:23, BSV beat Lemvig 33:27
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Group C/D’s toughest defence, Plock conceded 250 goals, face the best attacking record, BSV scored 323 goals
Sporting CP (POR) vs Dinamo Bucuresti (ROU)
Saturday 23 February, 18:00 hrs local time, live on ehfTV
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both sides recorded identical group phase records of seven wins and three lossesp
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potential for a goal-fest in Lisbon as the second and third best attacking records in Groups C/D clash
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Dinamo’s top scorer Amine Bannour has returned from injury and scored nine goals in the most recent league win over CSM Bacău
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Sporting’s had mixed fortunes at home in the group phase with two losses from five games, while Dinamo picked up two away victories
TEXT:
Chris O'Reilly / ew