F6 bronze medal match replayed
The rematch of the bronze medal game between and Eger (HUN) and Recco (ITA) from last May’s Final Six is the highlight of the second round in the Champions League. The other Italian team, Brescia meets 2014 winner Barceloneta (ESP) in the other big clash of the day while the traditionally exposed Croatian-Serbian battle, Jug v Partizan promises something special too.
Group A
The game of the day in this group is due in Brescia where the Italians face off Barceloneta (ESP). The host side began its campaign with a somewhat surprising loss in Hannover. Considering the number of potential F8 candidates, these points might be painfully missed in the end thus achieving a positive result at home against Barceloneta is a kind of must for Brescia. In the meantime the Spanish champion played a brilliant match with Olympiacos (GRE) on Day 1, earned a valuable point and any result excluding a loss in Italy would further boost their chances to book a spot in the Final Eight after missing the cut last time.
An encounter between a Croatian and a Serbian side always considered a special feature, however, the young team of Partizan (SRB) might not cause too much trouble to Jug. Though the Croats, runners-up last season, suffered a shocking defeat in Moscow a fortnight ago, this game offers a fine chance to put aside their disappointments.
Two opening-day winners clash in Budapest where OSC (HUN) meets Hannover (GER). The Hungarians have the better chances but the German side already caused an upset by beating Brescia. Another win would upgrade their position from underdogs to favourites in the group.
Olympiacos (GRE) should mind losing points in Barceloneta – blew away a two-goal lead in the last minutes – but the Greeks can quickly earn their first win this season. They are traditionally strong at home and Dynamo (RUS) might find it hard to cope with the pressure coming from the hosts.
Group B
No doubt, the battle of Eger (HUN) and Recco (ITA) is the highlight of Day 2. It’s the rematch of the bronze medal game played in the Final Six at Budapest. Though Recco demolished the Hungarians last May (15-6) but there were much tougher contests between these two sides in the previous years when they met in the prelims.
The other Hungarian team, Szolnok makes its home debut: the title-holder team doesn’t look forward to a tough challenge while playing with Steaua. The Romanians might have had an easier opening than clashing with the two Hungarian clubs in the group in the first two rounds. After losing to Eger at home now they travel to Szolnok where the home players are in upbeat mood, being fresh from winning the European Super Cup on Saturday.
Jadran (MNE) can further strengthen its position in the hunt for the F8 berths as they visit Alphen (NED). The Montenegrins had a big win on Day 1 over Spandau and now they can add three more points as the Dutch would struggle to recover from the sound beating they had suffered in Recco.
Recovering and earning the first points are the main targets both for Spandau (GER) and Sabadell (ESP) – this should result a thrilling game in Berlin.
Champions League, Day 2
Group A
18.15 Jug Croatia Osiguranje Dubrovnik (CRO) v Partizan Belgrade (SRB)
19.30 Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) v Dynamo Moscow (RUS)
20.30 A Hid-OSC Budapest (HUN) v Waspo 98 Hannover (GER)
20.30 AN Brescia (ITA) v Atletic Barceloneta (ESP)
Group B
18.30 ZF Eger (HUN) v Pro Recco (ITA)
18.30 Spandau 04 Berlin (GER) v Astralpool Sabadell (ESP)
18.30 Szolnoki Dozsa-Kozgep (HUN) v Steaua Bucharest (ROU)
20.30 AZC Alphen (NED) v Jadran Carine Herceg Novi (MNE)
Please also see the other file attached featuring quotes from the coaches and players of the respective teams.
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7 November 2017