Easy going for Madrid

VELUX EHF Champions League, Last 16, leg 1:

Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI) vs. Atletico Madrid (ESP) 27:36 (11:15)

They wanted to repeat the last season’s sensation, but in the end they were taught a lesson: After Kadetten Schaffhausen had beaten Montpellier in the home match of the Last 16 in 2011, the Swiss champions now had no chance against Atletico Madrid. Led by strong goalkeeper Jose Xavier Hombrados and tall shooter Nikolai Markussen the Spaniards were absolute dominant in Switzerland. In the end the 36:27 away victory in the first leg means more than a pre-decision on the way to the Quarterfinals. Next Saturday both unequal teams meet again in the Spanish capital.

For Kadetten the VELUX EHF Champions League is – not surprisingly – close to the end. The good news that their coach Petr Hrachovec had extended the contract and that the BBC arena was nearly sold-out did not give wings to the Swiss champions. They fought hard, but Madrid played in a completely different league – despite missing injured left wing Jonas Källman (picture).

The Spanish defence stood strong, Hombrados was like a wall and in attack either counter attacks or distance shots hit the back of the net.

In the final stage of the game and when the guest had extended the gap to ten goals at 34:24  Madrid coach Talant Dushebajev gave playing time for the youngest player of the squad, goalkeeper Antonio Diez. So the age difference of both keepers on the field was 21 years – as Kadetten goalie Arunas Vaskevicius is 38.

And Markussen crowned his performance with a spectacular final direct free throw after the final whistle from nearly ten metres – hitting the goal for the 36:27.

On Wednesday THW Kiel had opened the Last 16 of this VELUX EHF Champions League season with an even clearer 36:24 victory at Plock.