Semi finals already completed

After Oltchim Valcea had reached the semis last weekend, now all four participants of the next stage are known: Larvik, Györ and Viborg qualified for the round of the last four teams. But still there’s a lot of tension before the last five matches (including the one on Sunday), as all four can become first in their groups – what might be decisive for the chances in the semi finals. Larvik beat Leipzig very clearly, Viborg beat Wolgograd and now have six points and can’t be overtaken anymore by Hypo, even if the Austrians win their both last matches - as the Danes have won the direct encounter.

Larvik have eight points now, Györ seven after a thrilling draw in Ljubljana. Larvik has the better position in the fight for group’s number one now. If they beat Krim on Saturday, they rank first at the end. If both are equal in points, Györ’s ahead in the final ranking as the Hungarians had won the direct encounter thanks to a better goal difference. To become number one in group B, Oltchim need a victory against Hypo on Sunday – then the top match Viborg against Valcea next weekend doesn’t have a meaning for the ranking anymore.

Group I:

Larvik HK – HC Leipzig 31:21 (15:11)

Larvik did all they have to do to qualify for the semifinal on the last but one match day. Again line player Heidi Löke was the match winner for the Norwegians whowon their fourth from five matches in the Main Round. Löke was unstoppable and scored eleven goals, as Sulland hit the back of the net eight times. For Leipzig it was the fifth defeat in the fifth Main Round match – and the clearest one in this season.After the 5:5 Larvik improved and extended their lead goal by goal to 15:9. As goalkeeper Lene Rantala stood strong HCL couldn’t come closer – in contrast: Larvik won the duel with a ten goal difference. “It was a great day,” Löke said: “My team mates helped me a lot to score my goals.” And Tine Stange added: “We’re ready for the semis! Those two points were highly important. Thanks to Györ, as we’re both through already.” Top scorers for Leipzig were Eriksson and Rösler with each four goals.

Krim Mercator – Györi Audi ETO 24:24 (10:11)

It was a real thriller until the last second in Ljubljana, as the host had the chance to win the match due to a free throw after the final whistle. But the Slovenians failed, and the Hungarians celebrated the draw like a victory – as they’ve reached the semifinals thanks to this point with currently seven points. Even if Györ lose against Leipzig on the last match day and Krim (five points) win at Larvik, theHungarians are through thanks to the direct encounter (3:1 points after one victory and one draw) against Krim.

Both teams missed one of their top stars, as Krim had to replace Andrea Lekic and Anita Görbicz couldn’t play for Györ.

The first 15 minutes were completely imprinted by strong defense sides and a lot of mistakes and nervousness in attack, as the score was only 4:3 for Györ. On Krim side Liudmila Bodnieva showed a strong performance, for Györ goalkeeper Katalin Palinger was the top player in the first 30 minutes. As Aurelia Bradeanu showed no nerves from the penalty line, the Hungarians extended their lead to three goals and had the great chance to leave the field for the break with a two goal lead. But as they were to hectic in their last attack, Krim reduced the gap to 10:11 at the break. The second half started with the first Krim lead and continued with one penalty shot after the other. In minute 41 the eleventh penalty was thrown – another sign for the tough fight in the defense. As both team still made a large number of mistakes and played still total nervous in attack the number of goals remained low. Krim led most of the time but couldn’t increase the distance. But the game seemed to be decided two minutes before the end and the score of 24:22 for Krim. Goalkeeper Stefanisin saved a penalty shot, Ljubljana was in ball possession, but failed in attack. Györ reduced to 24:23 – and goalkeeper Palinger saved another penalty shot. 30 seconds before the end Bradeanu (top scorer with eight goals) scored the equalizer. Krim tried all, coach Martha Bon put a seventh field player on the court, but her team couldn’t score anymore.

Group II:

Viborg HK – Dinamo Volgograd 35:28 (15:9)

The reigning champion has reached the CL’s semi finals for the sixth time in club history with now six points, three points ahead of Volgograd currently. Despite all injuries and pregnancies Viborg HK took both points against the Russian champion in a very easy way and decided group B’sparticipants for the semis three matches before the end of the Main Round, as they followed Oltchim Valcea. The Danish champion was leading all of the match and broke the famous Volgograd defence by counter attacks. The match couldn’t be compared with the first game of both opponents in Russia, as Viborg only had won by one goal. Rikke Skov, Bojana Popovic and Cristina Varzaru were the outstanding players of the Danish team, which was in lead with ten goals intermediately and really chased Volgograd through the hall. But still it was obvious that Viborg need a strong line player, as veteran Olga Assink wasn’t as strong as injured Anja Althaus, for example.