16.02.2016, 02:50 GROUP A PREVIEW: Highest tension prior to Round 12, when Celje host Flensburg and Zagreb travel to a traditional duel in Veszprém |
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Three teams aim for top spot; three for two Last 16 ticketsTwelve matches lay ahead in Group A, and the only definite things are that Besiktas will miss the Last 16 and that Flensburg, PSG, Veszprem and Kiel have clinched their berth for the knock-out stage. Prior to the Round 12 of 14 in the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase that was a big question, but still to be resolved is the ‘Zagreb, Plock, Celje’ question - which of those teams will finish in the unlucky seventh position and miss the Last 16? Another question is: who from Flensburg, Paris, Veszprem will skip the Last 16 to directly qualify for the quarter-finals as the group winner? Proving how tight this group was, none of those questions could have been answered before Round 12 – in a round with the pairing of a former Champions League Final and one of the most traditional duels in the history of the competition.
THW Kiel (GER) vs Orlen Wisla Plock (POL)
The first leg of this pairing was a night to forget for the Polish runners-up, who conceded the clearest home defeat in years (37:23).
Being equal in points with Flensburg and having a one point on Veszprem, PSG seem to have the easier programme prior to the top clash against Flensburg on 6 March.
But this most likely will not to be enough to conquer PSG’s den. Celje - still without any home win in their regular fortress Zlatorog Arena this season - need points to remain in the race for the Last 16 and to get closer to Plock and Zagreb.
Flensburg, on the other hand, want to defend their first position in this group, and currently are equal with PSG and one point ahead of Veszprem.
Celje did not only underline their ambitions by the win at Plock in Round 11, but took their only point on home court so far against Kiel (23:23) - so Flensburg will be aware of the danger despite of the clear 30:20 win in the first leg. Though Zagreb (22 participations) and Veszprem (21) are two of the most traditional Champions League teams, they have only faced nine times by now. On home court, Veszprem have never lost against the Croatian record champions, having one draw and three wins on their tally. In the first leg of this season, 15,000 fans saw a close and lucky 21:20 win for Veszprém in Zagreb. In the SEHA Liga, in which both have home matches prior to their direct Champions League duel on Sunday, Zagreb lost 19:23 at home, so they will be waiting for their chance for revenge in the Veszprem Arena on 29 February. Zagreb showed a great mentality in their previous Champions League match, but lost to PSG, while Veszprem netted in 38 times at Istanbul to prove their attacking abilities. Prior to their final top match in Flensburg, Veszprem need a victory to remain in the race for the number one sport of the group, while Zagreb could possibly book their Last 16 ticket in case of an away win, having nine points on their account so far. TEXT: Björn Pazen / bc |
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