Cadenas thanks fans for inspiration

“We played eight against seven and that made the difference,” said Wisła Płock coach Manolo Cadenas, after his team defeated Montpellier 28:23 to secure qualification to the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase.

Energy boost

Wisła lost the first game in France 27:29, but were optimistic before the rematch. In Płock, the hosts were in front from the beginning until the very end, thanks, in Cadenas’ opinion, to the huge impact the brilliant fans in the Orlen Arena had.

“We had much more energy than Montpellier. That energy came from our fantastic fans, who were our additional player. Moreover, we had the amazing Marin Sego, who gave us the safety we needed today,” said the Spanish coach.

“Both games were difficult, but in the second we played much better. We were wiser after the first game. There was something new in our players’ heads and we managed to qualify,” added Cadenas’ assistant Krzysztof Kisiel.

“We received energy boost from the stands and that was decisive. It’s a pity though, that a team such as Montpellier will not play in the Champions League, but that’s sport,” said Ivan Nikcević, who scored 10 goals over the two legs.

Polish rivalry goes to Europe

Wisła move on to face THW Kiel, KIF Kolding, Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral, FC Porto and major rivals Vive Targi Kielce.

For the first time in the competition’s history, two Polish teams will play in same group and Polish fans are very much looking forward to two more games between these great rivals, with the first meeting in round three.