26.09.2018, 12:20
Löwen prove too strong for previously unbeaten Meshkov

GROUP A REVIEW: Meshkov Brest could only cope for ten minutes in Mannheim, as Rhein-Neckar Löwen earned a lopsided 33:27 win in the VELUX EHF Champions League

Löwen prove too strong for previously unbeaten Meshkov

The Belarussian side could have had their best ever start in the VELUX EHF Champions League if they had won their third consecutive game, but failed to take the lead or even challenge for a good result in Germany.

After a heartbreaking loss against Kielce last week, Löwen came back roaring and earned their second win of the season.

• Brest won against Kristianstad and Montpellier in the first two rounds, but failed in Mannheim
• Vardar remain the only undefeated team in the group, prior to their game against Veszprem this weekend
• 39-year old left wing Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson was once again Löwen's top scorer, with six goals
• Löwen will face Vardar next week, while Meshkov try to make home advantage count against Veszprem

GROUP A

Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER) vs HC Meshkov Brest (BLR) 33:27 (18:13)

It was a clash between a high-octane attack and a sturdy defence which, usually, means that a fiery encounter is in store. 

This is exactly what happened, as Löwen tried to dictate the rhythm, while Brest slowed it down for the first 10 minutes. When the hosts imposed their will, the difference started to grow, as Löwen took a 13:9 lead, thanks to an impressive offensive outing from Swedish line player Jesper Nielsen, who scored four goals in the first half.

Previously undefeated, Brest relied once again on left back Aleksander Shkurinskiy, but the Belarusian side did not have the weapons to cope with the Lions' attack. 

A 7:2 run to start the second half, spurred by Icelandic left wing Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson was enough for Löwen to earn their second win of the season, 33:27, as Brest showed their first signs of fatigue and never looked strong enough to challenge for the win, leading coach Manolo Cadenas to comment, "We tried a lot today but Rhein-Neckar Löwen had always the answer. This game will help my team to improve."

The victorious coach Nikolaj Jacobsen was pleased with his sides performance despite a few absentees, "We did a very good game without three important players. Abutovic, Petersson and Tollbring were out, but the guys on the field did a very good job. We nearly made any mistakes and that is a great thing. There is no easy game in CL, every team can beat every team so we are happy about our second home win."

TEXT: Adrian Costeiu /at