2025-02-13 20:53

In the 11th round of the Champions League, our team played at home of Dinamo Bucuresti. Compared to the weekend squad, our head coach made three changes: Remili, Végh and Gáncs-Pető left out, while Marguc, Cindric and Janowszky came in the squad. At the beginning of the match, Xavi Pascual sent the following team to the field: Corrales, Descat, Kosorotov, Cindric, Fabregas, Sandell and Marguc. Our Russian left back started the match great, scored two goals in just 3 minutes and also fought out a seven-meter penalty (3rd minute, 2-3). The goals continued to fall, but neither side was able to break through. In the 8th minute, the entire hall went silent, the audience remembered the former player of both clubs, Marian Cozma. After Fabregas's eye-catching goal, we had a three-goal advantage (15th minute, 9-12). Towards the half of the half, our head coach made several substitutions, with Pálmarsson and Casado also coming on. After a steal, Marguc scored from the fastbreak, making the difference to five-goal (21st minute, 10-15). Fabregas also got a little rest for the last ten minutes, Pechmalbec came in his place. At that point, we were leading 16-10. Bucharest managed to add one goal from this difference before the break, so we could expect to continuation with an 18-13 lead.

After the break, Xavi Pascual sent the starter back onto the field. The second half started with less action, we had to wait until the 35th minute for the first goal, when Descat scored from a penalty. After that, we increased the difference by producing a 3-1 period, and after Cindric's goal we were already eight goals ahead (38th minute, 14-22). The home team responded with a 6-1 period, which brought them back to the match and their deficit was only three. Our head coach called a timeout, after which Veszprém's 3-4 goal lead seemed to be stabilizing. By then, Pálmarsson, Casado and Pechmalbec were also on the field. However, after our Spanish playmakers’ goal, we could calm down a bit, as we were leading by 6 goals again (51st minute, 22-28). Corrales made several saves in this part of the game, which we took advantage of in attack and turned the crunch time with a 31-23 lead. In the last minutes, two of our academy players, Hoffmann and Janowszky also got their chance. In the end, we won the first Champions League match of the year 33-26, which means we confidently lead our group.

Dinamo Bucuresti – One Veszprém 26:33 (13:18)

Dinamo Bucuresti: Cupara, Cozmaciuc – Vujovic 5, Dedu 3, Djukic 2, Blazejewicz, Negru 1, Langaro 5, Gomes, Pascual 2, Kasparek 1, Stanciuc 1, Akimenko 4, Lumbroso 1, Ali Zein 1, Militaru

One Veszprém: Corrales, Jensen – Grahovac, Descat 9, Sandell 5, Hoffmann, Ligetvári, Marguc 3, Cindric 3, Pálmarsson 1, Pechmalbec, Janowszky, Vailupau, Casado 3, Fabregas 5, Kosorotov 4

2-minutes suspension: 4 minutes and 4 minutes

7 meters: 4/3 and 5/5

STATEMENTS

Coaches

David Davis: We worked today to keep these two points here, of course it wasn't easy, because, as I told the guys, we have to fight for it, we have to give it our all. I think we're on the right track. Next time we'll fight even harder and play an even better game.

Xavi Pascual: First of all, I would like to thank the people here, the Dinamo family, for the welcome today. It almost feels like I came home. This is not about the match, it was something special for me. We controlled the game from the beginning, of course we had mistakes in defence, but we were able to switch, play handball faster and Rodrigo helped us. We also had problems in the second half, but that's how it is, pressure is important to be able to improve.

Players

Calin Dedu: It was a special match for me, playing against Veszprém, remembering Marian Cozma. It was a great game. We prepared well, Pasqui was our coach for 3 years, so we knew what to expect. David told us to fight, we gave it our all and I think we can be satisfied. 

Luka Cindric: First of all, I would like to thank the fans as well, today was special for me too. I enjoyed today's game, I met my friends here. After a long break, we returned to the Champions League and showed what we can do, we dominated the game. I wish Dinamo all the best!

#RedUnited #HandballCity #StrongerTogether

MEGOSZTÁS