Aalborg defeat GOG in all-Danish play-off

PLAY-OFFS, FIRST LEG

MOTW: Aalborg Håndbold (DEN) vs GOG (DEN) 30:28 (16:12)

• in order to have a chance to beat GOG despite suffering many injuries, Aalborg had to pull out the perfect defensive performance, and that is what they did, conceding only 12 goals in the first 30 minutes
• the hosts delivered on the other side of the court as well, with Kristian Bjørnsen netting four times in the first half alone to help Aalborg take a maximum advantage of five goals in the 26th minute
• apart from Simon Pytlick and Emil Madsen, who both scored nine goals, GOG were never able to find offensive solutions in the second half
• on the other hand, Aalborg counted on Mads Hoxer and Marinus Munk, usually substitutes, to feed the scoreboard as their team stretched out to a four-goal lead again after the break
• GOG had the opportunity to reduce their deficit to one at the last second but Simon Gade stopped Madsen’s last shot
• the teams will meet for the return leg next Thursday, with the match due to be played in Odense

Henrik Møllgaard steps up

Prior to this game, the 35-year-old back court player had only scored seven goals this season. On Thursday, due to several of his teammates being unable to play, Henrik Møllgaard had to step forward, and he did it in style.

The Player of the Match was the only Aalborg player not to leave the court at any point, and both defensively and offensively, he was the real leader for his team. He might only appear on the scoresheet thanks to his three goals, but with five assists and a steal on top of those strikes Møllgaard made a significant contribution as Aalborg look towards the quarter-finals.