Leipzig remain on top

Group B: HC Leipzig  - DVSC-Korvex 31:25 (16:11) 

They danced, they shouted, they cheered with their 2747 fans: HC Leipzig fulfilled their dream start and remain spotless after the second round of the EHF Women’s CL. In group B they beat Hungarian debutant DVSC-Korvex Debrecen 31:25 after a 16:11 lead at the break and have four points on their account after their sensational win in Itxako last Saturday.

The Germans started perfectly with a strong defense and a high efficiency in attack and led 7:3 (minute 12) and 13:6. But as Debrecen’s defense improved Leipzig were forced to errors and they lacked some concentration – but despite this fact the lead was still quite clear at the break.

But Debrecen fought hard, saw their chance to take the points from Leipzig – due to several errors in the HCL attack the Hungarian reduced the gap goal by goal after the 22:16 – and eleven minutes before the end they were close to turn the match completely as the distance was only one single goal at the score of 24:23.

But as both teams were nervous in this decisive stage Leipzig took the profit from this temporarily confusion also thanks to goalkeeper Katja Schülke and paved the winner’s way with the 28:25. As Karolina Kudlacz hit the back of the net by penalty shot for the 29:25 all the tension flew away from the Germans which have an optimal base now with four points. Top HCL scorer was Ania Rösler with seven goals.

For Debrecen it was the first ever CL defeat after surprisingly beating Hypo in round 1.

Statement after the match:

Heine Jensen, coach of HC Leipzig: „We controlled the first half, but then the number of our mistakes was too high. But as Debrecen nearly had overtaken us, we remained calm – and this was the key to success that we kept our patience in attack. Fortunately we won – even as it was a well-deserved victory. We don’t start dreaming of something now, but keep our feet on the floor. We have a very good base for the future, but in this group every team can beat any other team. It’s great to be number one – and at least one and a half week we’ll remain on top, this looks great.”