Bitter rivals cross swords in the final
Merciless Buducnost will have their counter attacks and defensive mastery to call on against the well rested and inspired Larvik for the final match of the 2014/15 Women's EHF Champions League on Sunday.
MVM EHF FINAL4, final:
Larvik (NOR) vs Buducnost (MNE)
The first match day in Budapest came to a close, with nothing but non-stop intensity, excitement and spells of sheer brilliance, showing the best women’s handball has to offer.
Larvik were the first to draw blood with a dominant performance in their semi-final encounter, putting claim to their new trophy after enjoying their handball in Budapest.
“The final will be interesting. There are two distinctly different teams and two different approaches. Buducnost play so different to us, and it will be a challenge to see who will come on top,” said Linn Kristin Riegelhuth Koren, who will be chasing her second Women's EHF Champions League title on Sunday.
Job half done
It is clear now we that are going to have another reprise in Budapest. Buducnost will play in the final against a well-known opponent Larvik, who they beat on the road to their first Women’s EHF Champions League title in 2012.
“The experience of playing in the final last year will serve us well going up against a team like Larvik – they have great individuals, but their best strength is the entire team. We have prepared for this challenge, and will be up to the task tomorrow,” said Dragan Adzic.
Judging from the dominant performances in their semi-final clashes, both Larvik and Buducnost will look to finish the job on Sunday. Ole Gustav Gjekstad rested his key players in the closing minutes of the game against Dinamo, having a fresh team at his disposal for this big match.
"This is new for me and it feels incredible. I’ve been injured for a long time, and it has been mentally hard for me, to reach a Champions League final has been my dream, and now I’m here," said Larvik’s defensive anchor Marit Malm Frafjord.
Reprise or a whole different story
Buducnost showed their tried and tested method is still the golden standard for women’s handball, and are eager to do it again against the well-known rival, relishing a second chance to lift the trophy in Budapest.
“We know why we are here, and we know what we came for. We are going to prepare well for tomorrow, and put our claim on the trophy that we missed out on last season,” said the quintessential end-to-end Buducnost right wing Radmila Petrovic.
After reaching their third final, Larvik will be satisfied with nothing else than a victory in Budapest. The Norwegian powerhouse showed enough versatility so far in the competition to match any game plan including Buducnost’s.
“When our backs are having a tough time scoring, they turn to the wings, or the line player. That way we have the opportunity to add a new element to our game, and really make the opponent think of what we will do next,” said Linn Kristin Riegelhuth Koren, of her team’s ability to play against different defensive structure.
However, Ole Gustav Gjekstad has left the public in suspense regarding his gameplan for the final match, while Dragan Adzic keeps everything out in the open, and for everyone to see. With the two well-known rivals fighting for the EHF Champions League title, the question remains – will it be yet another reprise, or a whole new story? Watch and find out at Papp Laszlo Sportarena on Sunday May 10 at 17:00 hrs.
TEXT: Nemanja Savic / br / bc
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