Five reasons why Sporting CP made it to the group phase

Sporting CP qualified for the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase after a 35:34 thrilling final against Alpla HC Hard, which went to extra time.

This is only the second time Sporting have made it to the group phase after their debut in 2001/02.

Join us, as we look at five reasons why Hugo Canela’s men came out on top in Eastern Slovakia. 

1. Matej Asanin.

The two-metre tall Croatian goalkeeper was the unbreakable hero of the game. When Manuel Gaspar stood in goal at the end of the first half, Matej Asanin limped onto the bench in pain with knee injury. Few would have thought, that he would go back in goal for the second half.

Not only did he go back in goal, but his remarkable saves won the match for Sporting. With five seconds remaining in extra time, his save of Dominik Schmid’s effort earned Sporting CP a Champions League group phase berth.

2. A wide roster.

Whilst there was very little to separate Sporting CP and Alpla HC Hard, one thing was notable towards the end of regular time, and even more so at the end of the extra time.

Sporting CP had a wider roster, and therefore could effectively rotate the players during the tournament, allowing the key players to rest without dropping the quality of play on the court.

Key players, like Tiago Rocha on the line (alternating with Michal Kopco), or Frankis Carol with nine goals in the final, were physically more fit than their counterparts from Alpla HC Hard.

3. Hugo Canela.

A coach can influence the players’ offensive and defensive formations, how he divides the playing time of the key players, and the tactics that work the best to beat the opponent.

Hugo Canela played for Sporting for 10 years and his connection with the club can be seen in his coaching during the game. He showed great passion, a deep knowledge of the team, and the required calmness at crucial moments.

The co-operation of back court with line players, the rotation of players, and the adaption to the opponent’s game plan, were aspects that helped Sporting to have the edge, when it mattered the most.

4. Hunger for success.

Whilst potentially more debatable, it could be said that Sporting CP, in comparison to other teams, have shown the biggest hunger for success after their comeback to the elite club competition.

They have prepared for this moment for a year, and reaped the spoils of their hard work in their performance on the court. Indeed, they were waiting for 16 years to win the domestic league to get their chance to feature in the Champions League.

Nevertheless, in the final they succeeded with the help of a little bit of luck, albeit, well-deserved luck.

5. TATRAN Presov and Alpla HC Hard's weaknesses.

Although there is no definite answer as to what TATRAN Presov and Alpla HC Hard missed, there are indications of what went wrong for both sides.

TATRAN Presov’s manager Slavo Goluža, and his team, do not yet seem to have an optimal chemistry between them. Presov missed Oliver Rabek and his goals from the back court, whilst the defence struggled to help goalkeeper Igor Chupryna. Presov were caught by surprise by a well-prepared Alpla side and the Petr Hrachovec’ tactical masterplan.

Indeed, Hrachovec, the Czech coach in charge of Alpla HC Hard, did his homework superbly. His team was a positive surprise of the tournament.

Tactically well-prepared, with effective 0-6 and 1-5 defensive systems, which changed to man to man marking at times during the final. They had intense pressure coming from the back court, which scored goals in crucial parts of the matches. Hrachovec was very calm during the timeouts and motivated his players.

Perhaps only a lack of quality on the bench caused Alpla to run out of steam in the end.