23.02.2011, 09:20
Kadetten tame the Russian bears

Important victory for Swiss champion at the start of Round 9 of the VELUX EHF Men’s Champions League.

Kadetten tame the Russian bears

Kadetten Schaffhausen made a huge step towards the Last 16 on Wednesday evening. By beating Chekhovski Medvedi 32:29 (15:16) they did not only tame the Russian bears in Group C but increased the gap to the places five and six. Schaffhausen jumped on the third place now one point ahead of Szeged, as Chekhov missed the chance to win the group already after nine Rounds. In case of an Aalborg victory in Minsk on Sunday Schaffhausen is already qualified for the Last 16 before their last Group Phase match in Valladolid.

The first half was absolutely equal with advantages for the Swiss side until the final stage. But already in this period the Russians lacked ideas in attack and did not find their usual style of play. Kadetten were tactically well prepared and scored from the wing positions to avoid to shoot through the tall middle block of Chekhovskie. Though the Russians led 16:15 at the break.

The second half was equal until minute 47 and the score of 23:22 for Kadetten. Thanks to some missed chances of Medvedi and saves of goalkeeper Björgvin Gustafsson Schaffhausen increased the gap to 26:22. And when Alexey Rastvortsev received a direct red card after a foul against Elio Bucher Kadetten decided the match having a man advantage for four minutes. As Leszek Starczan scored the 28:23 the Swiss coach Petr Hrachovec jumped for joy, but he had to stand some high tensioned minutes in this very tough final stage as his team received several suspensions.

But even with one player less on the field Jurca scored the 31:26 and finally decided this game in Winterthur. After beating Szeged and now Chekhovski Kadetten made forget the home defeat against Minsk two weeks ago and now can wait calmly for the results of the direct opponents Szeged, Minsk and Aalborg.

Medvedi can be overtaken by Valladolid as number one still, if the Spaniards take at least three points from their last two matches.

TEXT: Björn Pazen