Nexe snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

Friday evening’s opening match of the Men’s EHF Cup Group Phase did not disappoint the neutrals, but there was plenty of disappointment for home side Tatabanya.

Playing in Györ, the Hungarian side looked set to secure the two points throughout the match, but Nexe struck when it mattered most and got their campaign off to a perfect start.

• Milos Vujovic top scored with a eight goals for the home side
• both Ante Gadza and Marin Jelenic netted six times for Nexe as they closed in during the second half
• the Croatian team took the lead for the first time with just three seconds left to play

GROUP B
Grundfos Tatabanya KC (HUN) vs RK NEXE (CRO) 27:28 (18:14)

Tatabanya started the match as head coach Vladan Matic had planned before the game, with a focus on being “efficient against Nexe’s well-known power play attacks and scoring from fast breaks.”

In front of their adopted home crowd in Győr, the Hungarian club found it surprisingly easy to find the back of the net against the SEHA League’s best defence, which has conceded an average of 22.6 goals per match.

Despite trailing by four at half-time, Nexe showed their confidence in the second half and were supported by saves from the experienced Perica Lelic and talented young keeper Moreno Car. 

Tatabanya barely held on to their lead during a nervy goalless spell and when Milos Vujovic finally broke the silence with a penalty with 13 minutes left to play, his eighth goal of the game, momentum appeared to be on their side.

Nexe finally drew level with just over a minute to play and a save by Car handed the Croatian side a golden opportunity to grab victory.

With three seconds left to play, Patrik Leban popped up with his first goal of the day and the first two points of the group phase go back to Croatia.