Nantes tie all-time record to beat Kolstad, Barça dominate MOTW
The first two games on Wednesday on Round 4 of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League delivered two completely different scenarios, while the later ones saw records being broken, Barça dominating Match of the Week and a real thriller between Magdeburg and Kielce.
Veszprém easily overcame Dinamo Bucuresti and took the points for the third time this season. Spectators in Berlin had to wait until the last second to see their team take two points. Against a Plock team that displayed a fierce resistance, Jerry Tollbring sealed the deal for the hosts on the buzzer. Nantes shook Kolstad off, netting 26 goals in the first half alone. In the rematch of last season’s EHF FINAL4 final Barça defeated Aalborg with a stunning performance from Emil Nielsen. In the second German-Polish clash of the evening Kielce made the score even by taking the points in Magdeburg.
It was an emotional and tough match. After the Club World Championship, I hoped the team would be focused, and I am very happy that they showed this side of themselves. The defence performed fantastically, and we were able to score many fast breaks. Our goalkeepers usually perform well because of our strong defence, but today was exceptional - our wall did an excellent job. If we continue like this, we can achieve great things in the future. The fans created an amazing atmosphere again, and I think it will be difficult for anyone to play here.
I am very happy to be able to return to Veszprém. And the way they welcomed me, it is indescribable. It was very emotional. Turning to the match, it was a very bad game for us. And Veszprém performed just as well as in the last 10 days. They did not even give us a chance except for the first 5-10 minutes. It was an easy game for them, congratulations on the victory.
We are really happy about the next two points at home. We knew it will be a physically hard game. Maybe we were a bit afraid of this game. But I think we had the game under control. In the second have we could lead with two or three goals – but in the end its Champions League and anything can happen. I am proud of how we defended with a strong goalkeeper in the back.
I congratulate Füchse for the victory, but also to all my team. We played very well with an amazing attitude during 60 minutes. Our defence was very very good through all the match. In our attack we also played good, especially in the first half. In the second have we missed some clear situations and Milosavljev was amazing in the goal. Sport is like this, small details decide a match. The attitude of the teams is amazing, the team is working like animals. It was a pleasure to play here in this arena.
I’m very proud of the team. We started very well and played good handball. We are very happy for the win. We made the difference in the second half with a great defense and a great match by Emil Nielsen.
We didn’t start the match well and it was difficult to come back. We had some good moments, close in the scoreboard, but it wasn’t enough. We showed character and we played well as a team. We even tried 7 vs 6, but it wasn’t enough.
Against Szeged we were disappointed so today we are really happy with the victory and the way we’ve reached this victory. Good defence, a lot of movement. Congratulations to my players, they made a great match during 60 minutes.
It was an amazing game from Nantes. We lacked energy and power in defence. I know we are able to play a better match next week.