Simicu lead Constanta to huge win over Lugi

HCM Constanta made a huge step forward for the EHF Cup Finals in Berlin. Alexandru Simicu scored 10 goals and Marius Sadoveac added six as the Romanian champions beat Lugi HF 31:21 in the first quarter-final leg on Saturday.

Men's EHF Cup, quarter-final, 1st leg:
HCM Constanta vs Lugi HF 31:21 (15:10)

The “sailors” had their work cut out in the first ten minutes of the game, after Lugi made a great start. The Swedish side fought brilliantly in defence and surprised Constanta in offence. Therefore, the guests built a two-goal lead after 18 minutes (7:5).

However, boosted by a huge crowd, Constanta’s players answered with one of the greatest 15 minutes in the club’s history. The Romanian champions overcome the deficit and even created a five-goal advantage at half-time (15:10).

The home team's show continued early in the second half. Simicu, the best Romanian player in 2013, Csepreghi and Cutura were unstoppable and the lead continued to grow. By the time Lugi woke up, HCM had a 10-goal advantage, which Zvonko Sundovski’s players managed to preserve until the end of the match.

With the big win Constanta put themselves in a driving seat to join the EHF Cup Finals hosts Füchse Berlin at the tournament, which will take place on 17/18 May in the Max-Schmeling-Halle. The second leg will be played on Saturday, 26 April in Lund, Sweden.

"It’s a great win, but we are not qualified yet, we still have 60 minutes to play before going to Berlin,” said Constanta coach Zvonko Sundovski after the match.