08.04.2016, 03:37
FTC in search for an unprecedented miracle in Györ

QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEW: Overturning a 13-goal deficit against the notorius home wall in Györ is a superhero job, but FTC at least want to end their great campaign on a high note.

FTC in search for an unprecedented miracle in Györ

Györ handed a devastating home defeat to FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria in the first leg of the quarter-finals, robbing the Hungarian champion of their unbeaten home record. The 13-goal victory has sealed the question of semi-final berths, however Ferencváros will not go down without a fight.

Györi Audi ETO KC (HUN) vs FTC-Rail Cargo Hungária (HUN)
Saturday 9 April, 17.00 (CET) live on ehfTV

 "Maybe that’s as far as you can go with an almost all-Hungarian squad, especially when you meet an opponent, whose Norwegian and Dutch stars played in the World Championship Final a couple of months ago," said Gábor Elek three days after the heavy home defeat.

Ambros Martín’s team was laser sharp in Dabas, their defence resembled the notorious Györ wall that rocketed the team to the throne in 2013 and 2014. Nycke Groot had a dominant presence all game long while Yvette Broch, Heidi Loke and the unstoppable Eduarda Amorim took care of FTC’s attacks with amazing confidence.

To make matters worse for the home side, Kari Aalvik Grimsbø also had an outstanding match in goal.

Györ have never suffered a home defeat of such epic proportions that would still send Ferencváros to the Women's EHF FINAL4 and signs that could boost FTC’s confidence are hard to find.

It is obvious that the margin is huge, but even if roles are to be exchanged and Ferencváros have the best, Györ the worst day of their campaigns on Saturday, it is hard to believe the visitors stand a fair chance to cause an upset.

However, FTC are determined to end their otherwise beautiful Champions League run on a high note, for which their key players have to come up with something extraordinary.

Nerea Pena, whose 4 goals out of 12 shots at home – alongside Zita Szucsánszki’s 4/10 – doomed FTC, will have to show again that she is a true leader. And the Budapest outfit could also use some goals from the line.

Apart from last year’s absence, Györ made it to the semi-final of Europe’s elite competition in every year of the past decade and judging by the massive performance in the first leg of the quarter-final against FTC they are definitely a force to be reckoned with.

As FTC-bound Anikó Kovacsics put it after the first leg: "Györ have what it takes to go all the way."

TEXT: Bence Mártha / es