Neagu shines on hometown return

“When you play against Cristina Neagu, the best player in the world right now, there is so little you can do.”

Cristina Varzaru’s words may come as a praise for her former teammate. But the words of the three-time winner of the Women’s EHF Champions League are justified by Neagu’s amazing form in the last two seasons.

The Romanian ace was last year’s joint top scorer with Andrea Penezic and scored 22 goals in three matches this season, only two behind the leading Alexandrina Barbosa Cabral.

It was Neagu, a player born and raised in Bucharest, who single-handedly delivered blow after blow to a passive CSM defence in the clash of the titans in Group D on Sunday.

Riding the Romanian’s superb form, Buducnost won 28:22 and are currently on the top of the group, extending their unbeaten streak to 19 games.

With nine goals from 16 shots, the 26-year old left back was Buducnost’s best player, scoring with powerful shots from the nine-meter line or after skillfully piercing the opposing defence.

“We are happy for the win, but we hope to repeat this game in Podgorica. In fact, we need to prepare better for this game, because Bucuresti will have learnt something from their first defeat,” said Neagu after the game.

Hungrier than ever

Two years ago, the Romanian star stated that her only objective is to stay healthy, after two scary injuries that concluded in two years off the court.

Now, Neagu is hungrier than ever and can become the third Romanian ever to retain the Women’s EHF Champions League trophy after Luminita Hutupan and Cristina Varzaru.

“It’s a long way until the FINAL4 in Budapest next May. We have a young team, but we know each other very well. And we have a big advantage: Buducnost will not underestimate any opponent, no matter the name”, added Neagu.

But the next step is coming on Sunday and the title holder will have to face again CSM Bucuresti.

“I think CSM are a very good team, with very good players. They made interesting transfers and, in my book, they will be a FINAL4 contender come May,” concluded Neagu.

Neagu’s celebrations were, however, reserved. A casual Friday in Bucharest turned into a nightmare. A fire broke out at a local club, killing 30 people and wounding another 150.

“A life cannot be compared with a victory on the field. When we are injured, we feel that our world is over. But what happened there was a real drama. Even if I try, I cannot put in words what I am feeling now,” said Neagu, who did her warm-up routine wearing a t-shirt inscripted with the words “Here with you. Rest in peace”.