Kadetten take first Champions League win in 51 weeks

After seven straight defeats, Kadetten Schaffhausen took their first win in the group phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League. By losing 25:27 at Schaffhausen, Plock gave away a great base for the Last 16 spot.

• Eight goals of Hungarian Gabor Csaszar paved the way to Kadetten’s first win of this international season

• Kadetten’s previous Champions League win was against Baia Mare (24:23) on 3 December 2015

• Due to this result, none of the 28 group phase participants are without any point anymore.

• Plock suffered setback after two straight wins against Kiel and Kadetten

GROUP A:

Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI) vs Orlen Wisla Plock (POL) 27:25 (12:14)

Goalkeeper Aurel Bringolf and top scorer Gabor Czaszar were Kadetten‘s heroes on Saturday night.

When the final whistle was blown and just after the ‚empty-goal‘ goal of Plock’s goalkeeper Rodrigo Corrales, players, mascot, coach and management danced on the court of the BBC Arena.

With still six matches ahead, and now only three points behind sixth-ranked Plock, Kadetten even have the chance to make it to the Last16. In case of another defeat, that dream would have been over now.

Poor period

Kadetten had a poor period between minutes 15 and 23. After leading 6:5, they scored only once as and Wisla overran them in style, forging ahead to 11:7.

But the hosts found back their rhythm and pace, and reduced the gap by improving their defence.

At the break, with the score of 14:12 in favour of the visitors, everything was open again. And when Csaszar netted for to make it 16:16, Kadetten had the momentum on their side.

Lead changed nearly every minute

Until 21:21, the lead changed nearly every minute, but a double strike by Andrija Pendic and Lucas Meister provided the Swiss champions with their first two-goal lead.

Plock’s resistance was finally broken when another double strike by Ron Delhees and Pendic decided the thrilling encounter at 26:22.

Top scorer for the Polish runners-up was Russian Dmitry Zhitnikov with five goals.

Post-match-statements

Piotr Przybecki, Plock coach: "We are very disappointed, especially with the second half. It was a very hard, tough game and we made too many easy mistakes. Kadetten were the better team."

Valentin Ghionea, Plock right wing: "They played better than us, and in addition they have Gabor Csaszar, an amazing player."

Lars Walther, Kadetten coach: "I am very happy tonight and proud of my team. Everybody was going to the limit. And we saw that it is much easier to be an excellent goalkeeper with a good defense. Today we saw good teamwork."

Aurel Bringolf, Kadetten goalkeeper: " Tonight we stood together as a team. Also the fans were a big support for us."