Buducnost know what to expect in Baia Mare
Ever since the current Women's EHF Champions League system was introduced three years ago, Buducnost has always been present in Budapest and played both finals. The path is set for the current title holder to continue their 100% presence record, as they will be the overwhelming favourites against the Romanian side.
HCM Baia Mare (ROU) vs Buducnost (MNE)
Saturday 2 April, 14.00 hrs local time, live on ehfTV
HCM Baia Mare are developing a pattern in the Women’s EHF Champions League, as the Romanian team get into their stride in the main round, after a disappointing group phase.
For the second year in a row, HCM started the second phase of the competition with zero points, only to end on a high, with five wins in their six matches in Group 1.
However, the ten points were only enough for the fourth place in the hardly-fought group. Baia Mare will now have to knock out the current title holders if they want to achieve their first Women's EHF FINAL4 berth ever.
But the timing could not be worse. While HCM has already virtually lost the Romanian title after a surprising 32:26 defeat at the hands of Corona Brasov on the 3rd of March, Aurelian Rosca’s team is also navigating through a flurry of injuries.
Melinda Geiger could have played her last game for HCM, as the right back has already ended her season with a torn meniscus, while experienced right wing Adriana Nechita is also out.
Baia Mare’s injury woes continued last week, with defence specialist Gabriella Szucs breaking her hand in the win against H.C.M. Roman (27:22) - a season-ending injury for the Romanian player.
"We can beat any team in Europe, if we have the right mindset and try to do everything in our power to win. We have to be united," said Luciana Marin, Baia Mare’s center back.
Without three of his most important players, coach Aurelian Rosca will have to tweak both HCM’s attack and defense in order to compete at the highest level with Buducnost. The latest rehearsal turned up good, as Baia Mare won against SCM Craiova on Monday 31:21.
But even then it might not be enough. The current title holders have already lost two games, but those defeats came at the hands of Györi Audi ETO KC and HC Vardar.
"I am satisfied with the way we prepared and we analysed this game. I think Baia Mare has great players in Pineau or Jezic and their team have high class. We know what to expect there and I can only hope that the players that came back from their national teams are well-rested," said Dragan Adzic on Buducnost’s website.
It will also be a special game for Romanian left back Cristina Neagu. Last year’s topscorer will play against Romanian opponents for the second time this season, after Buducnost already clashed with CSM Bucuresti.
After qualifying for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with the Romanian national team, Neagu will have to face Ungureanu, Perianu, Tanasie, Elisei, Munteanu, Marin and her best friend, Patricia Vizitiu, for a place in the Women's EHF FINAL4.
"Of course, it will be a special game for me, but I am hoping to leave Baia Mare with a win. I did not speak with the girls about the game, we only focused on the qualification during the pre-olympic tournament in Denmark," concluded Neagu.
TEXT: Adrian Costeiu / es
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