Zvezda remain unbeatable for Hypo

Hypo and Zvenigorod Zvezda met in the final of the Champions Trophy in Chekhov. The fans can still remember two exciting and close matches between the two teams in last season`s CL finals.

This game was not less interesting either. Though there have been changes in Zvezda, the new squad proved to be just as tough opponent for Hypo.

The local organisers have not forgotten about the retiring players of the team. The two players who have definitely finished their careers, CL winners with Zvezda and world champions with Russia, Romaneskaya and Kareeva were greeted before the start of the game by the club and the fans.

The first half was as equal as possible, finishing with a 14-14 draw. While the fans have seen a balanced home team with Andryushina, Dimitrieva, Vetkova and the others sharing the goals, Hypo were led by three individuals. Oh, Acimovic and Do Nascimento showed above the average performance, the others relied on them. Defending was very strict on both sides with many tough fouls and suspensions.

Changing lead

The second half began with Zvezda dominance. The hosts were better in fast breaks and also a stunning Andyushina contributed to a 19-16 Zvezda lead in the 38th minute. In this period Hypo could only score from the 7-m shots of Tóth.

When the Korean playmaker Oh speeded up, Hypo took back the lead. In the 51st minute it was already 25-22 for Hypo. Nevertheless, Zvezda could come back and equalise again with the help of goalkeeper Suslina at 25-25.

The last minutes brought a lot of tension with Hypo unable to score in the last minutes. Even Oh failed to hit the target and the goals of Vyakhireva and Sokol sealed the game.

Zvezda held the trophy at home with a 28-27 success!

Comments after the game

András Németh (coach, Hypo): It was a great final, I have to congratulate the winner! We are not yet in top form, but this was a game only, a good game as always against Zvezda!

Evgeni Trefilov (coach, Zvenigord): It was a game when the coach gets a heart attack. This was the fifth game against Hypo this season. Sometimes one team win, sometimes the other. It is a very good school for the players everytime.

Hypo have a great coach and management and they always perform well. Also Larvik have a good team and the youngs of Volgograd are also difficult for anyone. But we won, and we are very happy about this title!