Tatabanya open group phase with home victory

Grundfos Tatabanya KC celebrated their first group phase win in history when they opened the Men’s EHF Cup 2016/17 Group Phase versus Maccabi CASTRO Tel Aviv, who are the first Israeli team ever in this stage of European cup competition, on Wednesday night. 

• Tatabanya defeated their second Israeli opponent this season, as they eliminated Maccabi Srugo Rishon Lezion in Qualification Round 3

• Centre back Chen Pomeranz from Tel Aviv was top scorer of the match with 10 goals, while Montenegrin right wing Milos Vujovic scored seven for Tatabanya

• The game was moved to Audi Arena in Györ as Tatabanya’s usual home ground does not meet the requirements for European cup matches

Men’s EHF Cup Group C
Grundfos Tatabanya KC (HUN) vs Maccabi CASTRO Tel Aviv 27:24 (12:10)

The match was equal most of the way, but Tatabanya managed to take a decisive lead in the last 10 minutes. 

The home team also had the initiative most of the first half, as they went from 3:3 to 6:3 and kept the three-goal lead for the rest of the period.

After the break, it did not take Tel Aviv – led by Pomeranz’s lethal shots – long to catch up, and for the following 15 minutes the game was equal with the lead changing hands. 

Tatabanya decided the matter in the last 10 minutes when they took a lead of four goals – a gap that was impossible for the visitors to close.

“I’m proud of my team because we faced a tough challenge today that we could manage quite well,” said Pomeranz after the match. “We did some very good things today but on the other hand we know where we have to improve. Our next game will be a home hall. Therefore, I hope we can collect two points and defend our house.”