24.09.2018, 08:00
Flawless second half sees Besiktas cruise past Metalurg

GROUP D REVIEW: Metalurg collapsed in the second half, as Besiktas recorded their first win of the season, 30:22

Flawless second half sees Besiktas cruise past Metalurg

GROUP D: HC Metalurg (MKD) vs Besiktas Mogaz (TUR) 22:30 (13:14)

• Metalurg could not sustain the same rhythm for more than 35 minutes, as they remain winless this season in all competitions.

• Besiktas kick-started their campaign after losing in the first round and are hoping to mount a challenge for a play-off berth.

• Montenegrin right wing Marko Lasica was Besiktas' best scorer, with seven goals, while left back Halil Jaganjac scored seven times for Metalurg

A two-defeat start in any typically tight group in the VELUX EHF Champions League is virtually the path to elimination, therefore both Metalurg and Besiktas were desperate for the first wins of the season.

With a six-game losing streak behind them, but also with the youngest team in the competition, Metalurg needed four minutes to score the first goal, yet Besiktas had taken a 3:1 lead after six minutes.

30 minutes and four lead-changes later, Besiktas were holding a slight advantage, 14:13, with everything to play for.

However, the youth and the lack of experience was there on display for the home side, who failed to record more than nine goals in the second half.

Besiktas forced their way to the first win of the season, 30:22, with an away tie against Chehovskie Medvedi to follow.

TEXT: Adrian Costeiu / at