12.02.2010, 12:21
Medvedi win and go through

Lights out for Valladolid in Russia.

Medvedi with a clear victory

Without any problems Chekhovskie Medvedi beat Pevafersa Valladolid with the clear score of 36-24 (16-12) in a very one-sided game. In the beginning of the second half the Russians managed to compile an important ten goal lead which the Spaniards never could overcome.

Valladolid did not show enough aggressiveness, an attitude that is punished in the EHF Champions League. The disappointing result puts them in a very tough position for qualifying to the last 16.

Chekhovskie Medvedi was the better team from the very beginning of the match, playing focussed and showing that they are one of the strongest clubs of the league.

Still it took the Russians until right after the halftime break to decide the game. The local team started fulminate and could overrun their opponents with an impressive 5-0. That crucial phase definitely decided the game.

Valladolid coach Juan Carlos Pastor lost the tactic battle with Vladimir Maximov which allowed the Russians an easy and secure second half. It was mainly the defensive work of the home team that made the difference and led to the victory.

The good saves of keeper Oleg Grams additional to the amount of goals scored by middle back Vasily Filippov (7) and left back Alexey Rastvorsev (8) lead Chekhovskie Medvedi to the victory.

Raúl Entrerríos Rodriguez and Óscar Perales Pérez tried their best for the Spanish team but their goals were not enough to turn the game.

The Russians are now in second position of Group A and have already qualified for the next round of the EHF Champions League.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi