The significance of the number three

The number three has always had a peculiar significance. In many cultures, it is associated with the most important events, people and objects. It has a mystical, almost magical meaning, and we are all familiar with the terms “three times a charm”. The Pythagoreans, for instance, taught that three was the first true number.

Speaking of truth, the strangely unique Women’s EHF Champions League Round 3 was as true as they come.

With so much happening last weekend, we bring you the most important things noted in a recap of one of the most unusual rounds we have ever witnessed – all relevant to the sign of number three, of course.

A trio of Perfect 10s

Isabelle Gullden and Cristina Neagu had an unusually quiet night in Denmark on Sunday. But the goalkeepers in the remaining fixtures were not given a rest.

In the unusual round, as many as three players reached the 10-goal mark. Iveta Luzumova, Kim Naidziniavicius and Ana Gros each scored 10 in their teams’ respective triumphs.

The trio now lead the Women’s EHF Champions League top scorer chart, with in-form Thüringer sharpshooter Luzumova first with 31 goals, followed by Gros (Metz) and Naidziniavicius (Bietigheim), on 23 each.

The stand-out performances also mark the turning of the tide for the German sides, Thüringer and Bietigheim, who recorded their first wins in the competition, while Metz fortified their leading spot in Group D as they maintained a perfect record.

Former champions fall

It could have all been a coincidence, of course, but we prefer not to believe that.

Four of the former Women’s EHF Champions League winners (Györ, CSM, Buducnost and Larvik) succumbed to defeats – all in one round. All in round number three.

Three of them were beaten away from home. Györ were defeated 23:22 by the awakened Rostov-Don, while CSM stumbled against Nykøbing in Denmark, losing 25:22. Buducnost were put to the sword by Metz, 27:23.

Furthermore, three of the above, former champions – Györ, CSM and Buducnost – lifted the elusive trophy in the past three seasons.

Meanwhile, Krim, still to play their Round 3 match away against Vistal Gdynia on October 25, are the only remaining former champion in the competition with a chance to escape the bad omen of the three. Can they do it?

Three straight wins

Despite the dusk of the former champions, the number three may not be considered a bad omen for everyone.

The Women’s EHF Champions League is now led by Vardar and Metz, both with three straight wins. Three out of three.

The two in-form sides displayed a textbook example of how a well-prepared team translates to early form. For the only two undefeated teams after three rounds in the competition, the perfect start may pay early dividends.

But, unlike Vardar, whose early form may have granted them a slight edge over the likes of CSM and Györ, Metz are given only an outside chance for the FINAL4.

However, the French team have improved their odds considerably following the rampant start and lethal form. This may or may not be a good thing.

As much as winning brings confidence, yields respect and spreads fear among rivals, it also adds a bigger bounty to their heads. This applies to both Metz and Vardar, whose group rivals are already plotting how to end their inspired run.