Fernandez stars as La Rioja comfortably beat Presov

Left wing, Angel Fernandez, scored more goals than the entire Presov team in the first 12 minutes, as the Spaniard and his teammate Albert Rocas ran riot. The gritty Slovak team limited the damage in the second half, losing ultimately by eight goals in Round 3 of the VELUX EHF Champions League.

GROUP C

Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP) vs TATRAN Presov (SVK) 37:29 (21:15)

If the standard for a perfect 12 minutes was not invented yet in handball, Naturhouse La Rioja’s Angel Fernandez Perez got close against TATRAN Presov. The Spanish left wing exposed the Slovakian champions with a flawless performance, scoring eight goals from as many shots, to put his side ahead, 10:5.

It was the determining period of the game, as La Rioja took the lead and never looked back. The Spanish favourites employed an aggressive defence, which resulted in pacy counterattacks, the main ingredient for the Spanish win.

Presov, who lost their previous two games by 10 goals, managed to stay afloat in the second half, with an exciting display. A more vigorous defence and more assertive attacking play, with impressive shooting from Radoslav Antl and Viachelsav Sadovyi. The two were instrumental in keeping Tatran's hopes alive.

It was not enough, however, to secure Tatran their first win this season in the VELUX EHF Champions League. Angel Fernandez’s 14 goals made sure La Rioja won comfortably. The Spaniards are now tied for second place with Futebol Clube do Porto, whom they beat last week.