Veszprém back on track after easy win

The defeat at PSG two weeks ago did not affect or stop MVM Veszprém as they cruised to victory at Celje on Sunday afternoon. The Hungarian record champions returned to the second position of Group A, just one point below the French side to remain hunter number one of Karabatic & Co.

Celje still wait for their first point on home court in this VELUX EHF Champions League season. After Plock’s victory against Besiktas yesterday, the gap to the Last 16 spot is separated by three points, credited to the team of Branko Tamse.

GROUP A:
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO) vs MVM Veszprém (HUN) 27:30 (11:17)

For the international comeback of Veszprem’s top star Laszlo Nagy, after suffering a broken finger, his team left no doubts from the throw-off, of which side would finish victorious. Five days after their draw in the SEHA-Liga top match against Vardar Skopje, the Hungarian record champions were full of energy and impetus to forget their only VELUX EHF Champions League defeat two weeks ago in Paris.

Right from the start, their defence was on full throttle, goalkeeper Roland Mikler was brilliant and in attack Veszprém successfully fired from all cylinders. The away team was simply unstoppable - whether from the back court area, such as Nagy or Momir Ilic, from the six metre line by Renato Sulic (top scorer with eight goals) or through counter attacks, such as from the former Celje winger, Gasper Marguc.

Celje's coach, Branko Tamše, saw his team struggling at the beginning but they were able to bounce back with a closer final score. “I do not know why, but we started the match very badly, with turnovers, and without good shots on goal. Veszprém is too experienced and took the advantage we could not reach any more. In second half we improved, especially in defense and at the end, we managed to lower the goal difference. Today, Veszprém was a better team and deserved to win.”

After less than seven minutes, the lead had grown to 6:1 and meanwhile, Celje could not figure out how to score. Later on, the Slovenian side became too hectic in attack to break through Veszprém’s barrier. Boosted by their red wall on the stands – hundreds of Hungarians had crossed the border to Slovenia to support their team in this traditional top-class clash – Veszprém were still in turbo mode in the middle of the first half to further extend the gap to 9:3 in minute 13, keeping this distance until the halftime buzzer (17:11).

When Nagy netted in to put the score at 19:12 only two minutes later, Celje fans expected a disaster – but from that moment on the fighting spirit was back on the hosts’ side. After the lead of 25:18 in the middle of the second half, Veszprém reduced their speed and precision, having decided that the deal was sealed.

Gasper Marguc, the former Celje player, was pleased with Veszprém's performance. “We began the match in a great way. We really prepared well and we knew what Celje’s main advantages were. For 45 minutes, we played well and did not allow any fast breaks, but at the end we did not keep up the pase. The home team did what they do best and Celje was able to close the gap, but at the end I think that we deserved to win.”

Led by their top scorer Luka Zvizej (six goals), the hosts reduced the margin goal by goal – but never endangered Veszprém’s win. The final three goal distance definitely does not reflect the dominance of the victorious team.