Kolding remain on course for Last 16

KIF Kolding Kobenhavn took sole ownership of top spot in VELUX EHF Champions League Group B after snatching a seventh win in as many meetings with Orlen Wisla Plock, thanks to a late turnaround.

VELUX EHF Champions League Group B 

Orlen Wisla Plock (POL) vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN) 28:29 (15:14)

The Polish club led for 25 minutes of the second half but failed to hang on for a first success against the Danish champions as Cyril Viudes scored with 16 seconds remaining to give the visitors a 29:27 edge.

The Danish ambassador in Poland, Steen Hommel, was among a small group of Danish supporters in the Orlen Arena, and he watched on as the hosts held the upper hand for much of the game.

Manuel Cadenas’ side appeared to be in control early on, with physically strong defence prevailing against the Danish club’s uncharacteristically disjointed attack.

Plock prospered at the other end too and Kolding could not cope with the play of Kamil Syprzak, who scored four first half goals, profiting from inventive, attacking passing.

The visitors only had goalkeeper Kasper Hvidt to thank for the deficit not growing beyond three goals in the first half. This allowed Lasse Anderson to close the gap to 15:14 at the break, with three goals in quick succession soon after entering the game. 

From the start of the second half, the enthusiastic crowd saw a stronger Kolding defence, but its impact was weakened by the fact that the visitors continued to miss opportunities in attack, Rodrigo Corrales Rodal pulling off a number of fine saves.

But it would not be enough.

Kolding's greater experience told, and the Danish side eventually wrestled control of the game away from the hosts in the closing stages before Viudes dealt the decisive blow.

It was Plock's third defeat in the first five games whille Kolding occupies top spot, although FC Barcelona can draw level with victory against SG Flensburg-Handewitt on Saturday.