Hamburg open group phase with home win

HSV Hamburg got a start according to plan, as they took on Gorenje Velenje in the first match of the Men's EHF Cup Group Phase 2014/15, but it was not until the end that the home team managed to create a deciding lead.

GROUP A

HSV Hamburg (GER) vs Gorenje Velenje (SLO) 33:28 (15:14)

HSV Hamburg and Gorenje Velenje had the honour of opening the group phase of the EHF Cup, as they met in the Sporthalle Hamburg on Wednesday night.

Both clubs have fine memories from the EHF Champions League, but this season, they are both seeking their spurs in the EHF Cup.

Hamburg got off to the better start of the two experienced teams, as they won by five goals in front of 1,589 spectators.

However, it took a while – most of the match in fact – before Hamburg decided the matter.

The Slovenian visitors were the better team and the beginning, leading 4:1, but Hamburg managed to catch up during the first half and be one goal ahead at half time.

For the first part of the second half, the match still remained equal, but towards the final buzzer, Hamburg created the deciding distance. For Hamburg, the right side of the attack was dominating, right wing Hans Lindberg and right back Adrian Pfahl scoring seven goals each, the same number as right wing Mario Sostaric scored for Velenje.