02.03.2007, 01:00
New attendance record in Kölnarena

15,000 supporters are expected for the second leg between Gummersbach and Valladolid. This would mean a new record for a CL game.

New attendance record in Kölnarena

The CL quarterfinal second leg on Sunday at 18.00 hrs between VfL Gummersbach and CBM Valladolid is a premiere for Kölnarena as well. It will be the first time that the a game from the number one club competition is played here after a number of EHF Cups, Club European Championship and World Championship.

12,000 tickets have already been sold for the game and around 15,000 supporters can be expected. With a crowd like this, VfL Gummersbach will set a new Champions League audience record.

The fans expect a great game. The first leg was 36:36 and everything is still open. To get into the best four teams of Europe – probably of the whole World – VfL Gummersbach need a victory or a draw with fewer goals than in the first leg. In this case the away goals will take VfL to the semi-final.

In case of a 36:36 draw on Sunday, the match will be decided automatically with 7-meter throws, no extra time will be played.

Needless to say, both teams go for a good result. VfL Gummersbach played in the Kölnarena for the first time on Wednesday and they gained a great victory against Flensburg leading the table.

CBM Valladolid, the team of Spanish national team coach Juan Carlos Pastor, is known for their good away performances. They have national players of great experience in their squad.

To reach the CL quarterfinals would be the greatest success for VfL since 1991 when the club won the German Championship. This is an extra motivation for the players.

Alfred Gislason, VfL Gummersbach coach:

“Everything is open before this second leg. Valladolid have a very good team. The Spaniards also know that the chances are fifty-fifty. We must play very well on Sunday at we must not at any point believe that it is over. I know Valladolid very well. I was not surprised by the first leg, but the Sunday’s game will be a different situation. Everything will be decided in the one game. We are not yet in the semi-finals and all the players must bare it in mind. I also count on the great stimulation of the Kölnarena that we experienced during the World Championship and our home games against Flensburg. The positive atmosphere of the team will remain for the next days. Everyone are highly motivated and waiting for the incredible game on Sunday.”

Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson, team captain of VfL Gummersbach:

“We do not have an advantage, we cannot take it easy. Every player must know – and they know it as well – that this game decides about the semi-final. We are ready for it. I am pleased about the game and the atmosphere in the Kölnarena.”

There are still tickets available for the game. The gates of Kölnarena open at 16.00 hrs before tha game that begins at 18.00.

The minute by minute results of the match will be broadcast live on Eurohandball.com. Check out the Live Ticker on our websites.

TEXT: www.vfl-gummersbach.de