Rostov upset Györ in thriller

The clash between the two title holders – EHF Champions League 2016/17 winners Györ and EHF Cup champions Rostov – lived up to expectations, with a very tight, exciting battle in Russia on Saturday evening.

In the emotional closing minutes, Rostov clinched a narrow 23:22 win, thereby ending Györ’s winning streak.

"We were not able to find our rhythm in previous games, but today we proved that we are a team, that we are back, we are ready to fight," said Rostov's Anna Vyakhireva. "Everybody in the team put their investment in our victory."

• Györ lose their first points in the competition
• Rostov, Györ and Midtjylland all have four points in Group B
• Ana Paula Rodrigues is Rostov’s top scorer with seven goals
• Stine Oftedal nets five times for Györ

GROUP B
Rostov-Don (RUS) vs Györi Audi ETO KC (HUN) 23:22 (12:12)

Despite counting a number of outstanding attacking players in their squads, both Rostov and Györ struggled to find the goal in what was a low-scoring contest, especially early in the game.

The home team enjoyed a better start to lead 2:0, by Györ soon drew level. The first half continued with the same pattern – as soon as one team created a narrow advantage, the pendulum swung the other way.

The 12:12 draw at half-time was an accurate reflection of the game on court. Rostov led 12:11, before Eduarda Amorim drew level seconds from the buzzer.

Györ coach Martin Ambros asked for a time-out 10 minutes into the second half, as Rostov established a three-goal lead for the first time (18:15).

Mayssa Pessoa, who had replaced Anna Sedoykina in Rostov’s goal, made a number of great saves – but the Hungarian team fought back and drew level at 22:22 in the 57th minute.

Rodrigues then scored her seventh goal in the game, which turned out to be the match winner. During the last minute, Györ had two chances to salvage a point, but Nora Mørk shot above the goal, and Amorim’s shot was parried by the brilliant Pessoa.

"We did our best and we are disappointed," said Oftedal. "It was a hard game for everybody. We had good and bad moments. It’s a pity that we are going home without points, but we will be back with more power."