HC Meshkov Brest: Pesic, Matskevich – Kankaras 1, Kulak, Panic 7, Shkurinsky 3, Yrynok 1, Obradovic, Accambray 3, Shumak 1, Baranau, Razgor, Selviasiuk, Djukic 8 (5), Vailupau, Malus 3

 

Telekom Veszprém: Sterbik, Cupara – Manaskov 4, Yahia 3, Moraes 2, Tonnesen 4, Gajic 1, Nilsson 2, Marguc, Lauge 6, Strlek, Terzic, Blagotinsek 1, Nenadic 3, Lékai 2, Borozan

 

Penalties: 5/5 and 0/0

Suspensions: 6 min. and 14 min.

 

 

Our SEHA – Gazprom League opener started with a minute of silence, honoring the mother of Belorussian founders of the Meshkov Brest, who passed away not so long ago. Veszprém started the game with the goal of Lauge. Brest took long offense, with which they stayed close to their opponent. We had the lead in the 10th minute, 5:6, before drawing the first suspension. Both teams played with a lot of mistakes and undisciplined, many suspensions were given. The standing in the 15th minute was 7:8, then in the 19th minute, we took our first two-goals lead, thanks to Lauge. The difference stayed for the half time, the teams went on to the break with 14:16 Veszprém lead.

 

The home team started the second period with a missed chance, from which Lékai tried to score an empty net, but hit the crossbar from full court. Brest managed to equalize in the 33rd minute, and the team went head-to-head from here on out. Darko Djukic was especially in from our opponents. Meshkov managed to equalize again in the 45th minute, 22:22. Cupara saved in important moments, not letting the home team get the advantage. However, he could not do anything in the 53rd minute, when Brest took the lead. Tonnesen equalized right away, Lauge even took back the lead in the next attack. Excitement was even bigger when Brest took the advantage yet again, but Nenadic equalized from the next attack and even stole a ball to win the game for his team. With that, we managed to win our first SEHA League game of the season 27:28.

 

 

David Davis: We did not start, as we wanted to. Brest played good, with good tempo in attack and tough defense. We made a lot of mistakes and the game was not as we liked it. Usually I do not say things like this, but if the level of the referees will be like in this game, we are going to have a big problem, because nobody is going to be happy after the match. I am happy for the win, because we suffered and took points.

 

Máté Lékai: It was a real derby in the SEHA League today, because these are probably the best two teams in the league. It is hard to play here because the opponent is always a good one. We are in the beginning of the season and both teams can play better. It was a good fight, and we won, so we are happy. We have to improve and play better, more disciplined. We have to work, a lot at home because we are going to continue the SEHA League and the Champions League is coming soon.

 

 

Raúl Alonso: Congratulations to David and his team for the victory. We knew that we were playing with one of the best teams in the world. They have a top player in each position. We knew that we have to bring a higher level than last weeks. We could keep the game open until the end. MY players did an amazing job. We had tough weeks with preparations and injuries. It was the first big test to see where we are. Playing against Veszprém is always tough. To be at the same level today, is something to be satisfied with. We are moving to the next target from tomorrow. If we can increase the level step by step, we can be a team that can beat the bigger ones. Thanks to the arena for the support.

 

William Accambray: It was a tough game against a really good team. It was a big test for us, and we only had one day to prepare for this because we had a game on Saturday. We played well and until the last minute nobody could tell who will win. Veszprém did it, so congratulations to them. I think that it is positive for us that if we can keep this level we can do great things.

 

 

Photo: Dávid Vörös