LAST 16 PREVIEW: Wisla Plock dream of their first quarter-final berth in VELUX EHF Champions League history, but they will have to overcome MOL-Pick Szeged, who have been a staple of consistency this season
Plock aim to deliver another stunner
It was an otherworldly comeback that saw Orlen Wisla Plock progress to the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16 phase. The Polish side were down by six against Bjerringbro-Silkeborg with only 30 minutes to go in their Group C+D Play-off double header, before they limited the Danish side to five goals and completely turned the tables in the final half.
However, Plock will have their work cut out for them when they meet MOL-Pick Szeged – a staple of consistency this season, especially on the home court, where the Hungarian side are unbeaten.
Plock will try to contain the Hungarian champions in Poland, after winning five home games in the group phase only to be beaten by Silkeborg 26:22 in the first-leg play-off.
LAST 16, FIRST LEG
Orlen Wisla Plock (POL) vs MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN)
Sunday 24 March, 16:00 local time, live on ehfTV.com
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Wisla are looking for their first ever quarter-final berth, after equalling their best performances in the VELUX EHF Champions League
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It will be a special game for Szeged goalkeeper Marin Sego and playmaker Dmitry Zhitnikov, who both played in Plock for two seasons
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These sides have met four times in the premium European competition, with Szeged winning three games and Plock one
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Plock will miss veteran line player Renato Sulic, who was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct in the last game against Silkeborg
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Szeged have qualified for the quarter-finals four times, but their all-round performance this season – including the only victory against PSG by any team – makes them a clear contender for a VELUX EHF FINAL4 berth
TEXT:
Adrian Costeiu / cg