Montpellier lost important points

Gorenje’s victory against Montpellier was not a sensation after two pretty good matches in the Main Round of the Champions League. However, the French defeat can be decisive for them in the run for top spot in Group 2.

The match started with none of the teams playing aggressive defense. It brought lots of goals on both sides and they were changing the lead for almost all the first half.

Jure Dobelsek was injured early in Gorenje that could not stop Mladen Bojinovic and Cedric Bourdet. Both sides made many mistakes – Gorenje had 9 technical mistakes and missed 12 shots, while Montpellier had 5 plus 9 missed shots. Luckily for the hosts, goalkeeper Primoz Prost was in good form in the key moments. The half time ended 14:14.

Sovic believed in his team

"We talked in the break about our defence. We knew that we can do it much better. I believed in us, I believed in our victory. We stayed focused all the 60 minutes and did not allow Montpellier to force their own tempo upon us," said Sabstjan Sovic.

Sovic was one of the key players in second half. While working hard with the 5-1 defensive formation with Sovic in front of the wall, he also took the initiative in attack.

His goal and that of Pavel Baskhin, together with some superb assists to Matjaz Mlakar, took Gorenje took a 3-goal lead in the 42nd minute. Montpellier had no more strength and ideas. Without Joel Abati, Michael Guigou, Jan Sobol and David Juricek, Montpellier lost important two points in Slovenia that could be decisive at the end of the group phase.

"Gorenje showed their qualities this match. They are a team that cannot be beaten easily," said Patrice Canayer.

He added: "We came to Slovenia to win but going home with empty hands. We did not play on a high level today. We still have our objectives in the Champions League, but the door is closing in a bit after this defeat against Gorenje."