2023-05-11 21:15

Telekom Veszprém played against Kielce in the first leg of the Champions League’s quarterfinal. Építők led the first attack, but Remili’s shot was saved by the guest goalkeeper. The first 4 goals were scored by Kielce, had to wait 5 minutes for the first home goal, Remili scored. Veszprém played in powerplay and with two quick goals came back by 2 goals (10. min 4-6). ElDeraa scored a brace, but Kielce could keep the distance (6-8). In the Polish team the goalkeeper was on fire, he made many big saves. In the 23. minute Kielce called the first timeout, despite of that they had the lead (10-12). Mahé scored two penalty goal, Ilic called a timeout, but for the break Kielce built a 3 goals lead.

The second half started with a missed guest attack and a Veszprém’s penalty goal. Veszprém defence got stronger, Kielce could not score in the first 5 minutes. Big hits, faults and high intensity were in the game with many 2 minutes suspensions on both side (38. min 17-18). After 40 minutes Veszprém equalised with Marguc’s penalty, the Arena almost exploded. At the middle of the half Veszprém ran away by 3 goals after 3 stolen balls. The Polish team answered back with 2 goals, and they called a timeout 10 minutes to go (24-23). The endgame started in crazy atmosphere at draw result. In the last-minute Kielce got the lead from penalty, but Lauge equalised with a buzzer beater goal.

Telekom Veszprém – Barlinek Industria Kielce 29:29 (13:16)

Telekom Veszprém: Corrales, Cupara – Nilsson, Elísson, Ligetvári, Marguc 3, Lauge 3, Strlek 6, Lukács, Remili 5, Mahé 4, ElDeraa 6, Ilic 1, Pechmalbec 1, Vailupau, Sipos

Barlinek Industria Kielce: Kornecki, Blazejewski, Wolff – Sanchez-Migallon, Olejniczak, Kounkoud 1, Sicko 4, A. Dujshebaev 6, Tournat 4, Karacic 1, Moryto 5, D. Dujshebaev 3, Surgiel, Gebala, Karalek 2, Nahi 3

2-minutes suspensions: 10 minutes and 4 minutes

7 meters: 6/4 and 4/4

STATEMENTS

Coaches

Talant Dujshebaev: We played really well in the first half. I am satisfied and happy with our performance. I would like to congratulate Veszprém that they were able to come back into the match in the first half and of course I also congratulate Momir Ilic, they showed today that Veszprém is one of the best teams in the world.

Momir Ilic: I would like to congratulate both teams! It was a fantastic day for all handball lovers. We saw great players on both sides of the pitch. I think the TV viewers saw a good match today. We did not start the match well, we missed a few shots, so Kielce was able to advance. Then, in the end, small things decided. That was only the first half, we will see what brings the second 60 minutes in Poland.

From inside the game

Benoit Kounkoud: It was a huge battle, we fought until the end. This match was only the first leg in this duel. We try to prepare the best possible for the second game.

Manuel Strlek: Both teams deserve a congratulation. It was a fantastic atmosphere today here in the Arena with an amazing handball. Both teams have a chance to qualify to the Final Four. Unfortunately, we started badly, but we could came back in the game. The second game will decide everything.

Here are a few pictures from the match:

MEGOSZTÁS