14.03.2008, 04:26
Best defence vs best offence

Zvenigorod and Hypo are both qualified for the semi-finals, so their battle will be a good test before the decisive matches of the women's CL.

Best defence vs best offence

Zvezda Zvenigorod already secured their place in the semi-finals and the Russian team will go to Vienna without any pressure. On the other side, Hypo will try to stay unbeaten in the competition.

It is obvious that the form of Zvezda is imporving. Their experienced coach Trefilov carefully scheduled his team to be on top in time for the toughest matches. One of them will be played on Saturday as Zvezda, with the most efficient attack of the CL, will face Hypo, with the best defence of CL.

The club of Zvenigorod won EHF Cup in their very first European season last year. In their second European season they already secured their place in the CL semis. But knowing the great ambitions of the three-time World Champion Trefilov, the Russians are aiming to the top.

Top scorers and semi-finalists

It's interesting to see that the first three top scorers of the CL so far (Görbicz, Tóth and Polenova) are from Győri, Hypo and Zvezda – teams already in the semis. The fourth and fifth players on the list (Maier and Postnova) play for Oltchim Valcea and Lada Togliatti – teams who still have a chance to reach the semi-finals.

Revenge

In their first CL match, Zvezda were defeated by Hypo in Zvenigorod by 29:33. It was the first home defeat of the Russian team in European competitions ever. A very painful experience for Trefilov, considering the fact that this defeat came only a few weeks after he gold medal won at the World Championship in France with the Russian national team.

For sure, he will try to complicate the life of his counterpart Németh. To defeat the only undefeated team in the CL on their court would be a great signal before the semi-finals for Zvezda.

The match Hypo Niederösterreich vs Zvezda Zvenigorod will be played on Saturday at 20:15hrs. The referees will be Kenneth Abrahamsen and Arne M. Kristiansen from Norway. ORF Sport plus will broadcast the match live.

TEXT: Ivan Ambros