17.04.2008, 12:18
Confident Lada Togliatti

The Russians have shown great form recently in their domestic league with Postnova in the lead.

Confident Lada Togliatti

After the CL quarterfinals in 2003, 2004 and 2006 and the CL Final last season, Lada Togliatti have a chance to obtain make their second CL finals in two seasons. The opponents are the same as last season in the semi-finals.

Many things happened in the Russian Championship recently. After a surprising defeat from Dynamo (30:25), Lada defeated Zvezda in Zvenigorod by 31:30. Gumyanov’s team started the play-offs on the top of the Russian Championship table.

Great form of Postnova

Best scorers in the Russian derby were Dmitrieva with 8 goals and Polenova with 6 for Zvezda. In Lada Postnova scored 11 goals and Klimova 5.

In the semi-finals of the Russian Championship Lada Togliatti will face Don-Rostov, while Zvezda Zvenigorod will have much tougher opponents, Dynamo Volgograd.

The good results at the domestic championship can make miracles with Lada in the CL semi-finals. After defeating Győr and Zvezda, Lada are in rising form. Postnova plays brilliantly and she will be a great challenge for the defence of coach Németh.

The big question will be: can Hypo continue on this high level or will they be tired of winning?

Lada Togliatti will meet Hypo on Sunday in Togliatti. The referees will be Martin Gjeding and Mads Hansen from Denmark.

TEXT: Ivan Ambros