14.02.2015, 04:00
Kielce maintain perfect winning streak

GROUP D MATCH REVIEW: KS Vive Tauron Kielce ousted Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral, 36:32, earning their nine straight win in the VELUX EHF Champions League

Kielce maintain perfect winning streak

Fighting for their lives in the most balanced group in this year’s European top flight, the French champions’ hopes for a Last 16 berth hit a concrete wall, after losing against the Polish powerhouse.

VELUX EHF Champions League Group D
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral - 36:32 (19:15)

A bright start saw Dunkerque leading early, as Kielce’s defense had troubles gearing up and earning stops. But as soon as the attack stepped up a notch, the Polish champions were unstoppable.

A 3:0 run, sparked by Spanish line player Julian Aguinagalde, saw Kielce took the lead, 6:5, for the first time after nine minutes peeled off the clock.

It was the turning point of the game as the Polish team never looked back. Powered by sharpshooters Bielecki and Tkaczyk, Kielce extended their lead right at the end of the half, having a four-goal advantage at half-time, 19:15.

With an improved defense and a perfect counterattack record – six goals from six attempts – the Polish powerhouse dictated the tempo of the game, controlling the lead at their own will in the second half.

Not even William Annotel’s goal – the first in the European career of Dunkerque’s goalkeeper – managed to change the situation of the game, as Kielce won confortably, 36:32. Aguinagalde, Bielecki and Cupic’s were the Polish champions top scorers, each of them putting six goals in Dunkerque’s goal.

While Kielce persist as the only team in the VELUX EHF Champions League with a clean record, nine wins in as many matches, Dunkerque will have to better Kadetten Schaffhausen, who won 25:23 in their reverse fixture, to be sure of progressing to the next phase of the competition.

TEXT: Adrian Costieu / cor