05.05.2012, 07:45
Slim two-goal advantage for Györ

Close and exciting thriller gives equal chances for the return tie.

Slim two-goal advantage for Györ

Györi Audi ETO KC (HUN) - Buducnost (MNE) 29:27 (13:12)
EHF Women's Champions League Final, First Leg
Veszprém Arena, Veszprém, Hungary

The Veszprém Arena was the setting for an amazing first leg tie where Györi Audi ETO defeated Buducnost in a thrilling match and will take a two-goal advantage to Podgorica for the return match on Sunday (13 May).

The hosts had a storming start in the sold-out venue, quickly building a 3:0 lead leaving the Montenegrins stunned and unable to react.

Györi Audi ETO KC´s goalkeeper Katrine Lunde Haraldsen showed from the very first minute that she was mentally well prepared and 'on fire', aiming for her third EHF Women’s Champions League trophy. The Norwegian international saved two penalties, one from Bojana Popovic and the other from Katarina Bulatovic.

The first Buducnost goal was scored by former Győri Audi ETO KC player Ana Đokić, and that was followed by one from Popovic. Despite employing a ’man-marking’ system on the goal-scoring ace, the Hungarians were unable to effectively defend against her throughout the whole game.

Both teams showed a very strong defence, and due to this, Buducnost's Dragana Cvijic received her second two minute penalty after just 13 minutes. This gave coach Dragan Adžić headaches regarding his defensive line, but Đokić produced a quality performance to keep her side alive during the whole match.

Despite Győr leading, Bojana Popovic netted again and again, so the Montenegrins tied the match before half-time at 12:12.

A tight game had been established with exciting moments from both sides. Both goalkeepers displayed several heroics in their goal and their team-mates gave their utmost on the open court.

Győri Audi ETO KC showed a more focused performance halfway through the second half and current top scorer Anita Görbicz gave an outstanding performance, hitting the net of Clara Woltering without problem. This allowed her side to increase the lead to five goals after 48 minutes (23:18) and Adzic had to react with a time out.

The one minute interruption allowed Buducnost to gather fresh energy and Woltering gave lots of confidence to her team-mates, which resulted in some great goal-scoring efficiency.

Again Bojana Popovic took responsibility. She ended on 14 goals and with her important strikes Buducnost closed the gap to just two goals by the final whistle.

For the Hungarians, the poor finish means that they will only take a slim two-goal lead to Podgorica next weekend which means that the return tie will be as exciting as this first leg duel.

TEXT: Márk Hegedüs