Telekom Veszprém: Sterbik, Cupara –  Yahia 1, Moraes, Gajic 5 (4), Nilsson 1, Marguc, Lauge 2, Strlek 7, Blagotinsek 1, Nenadic 7, Mackovsek, Borozan 5

 

MOL-Pick Szeged: Alilovic, Mikler – Maqueda, Stepancic 4, Canellas 6, Henigman, Radivojevic 6, Gaber, Sostaric, Bánhidi 3, Kasparek, Bajus, Bombac 5, Rosta, Zhitnikov 4

 

Penalties: 5/4 and 3/3

Suspensions:  4 min. and 12 min.

 

On the first derby of the season Veszprém and Szeged clashed in the Veszprém Aréna. Veszprém led the first attack and Lauge reached a penalty, that Gajic scored. Sterbik started in the goal and saved the first shot with a nice move. Lauge doubled the advantage, but Bombac scored the first Szeged’s goal and Blagotinsek got 2 minutes suspension. Sterbik saved many times and with Strlek’s goal the result was 4-3 in 9. minute. It was a hot atmosphere and tough fight on the court from the beginning. Gajic scored his third penalty with safe hand, but Bombac could keep his team close. In the middle of the first half there was only one goal between the two teams (8-7). Nilsson suffered a small injury and Moraes changed him, also Borozan came and scored a huge goal. Strlek equalised from powerplay in the 23. minute (11-11). Borozan was on fire, he already scored his third goal. Two minutes before the break Szeged took a timeout and equalised again. The teams scored alternately and the whole first half was balanced.
 
Szeged started the second half and we could see 1-1 fast goal on both side. Veszprém had two men advantage and ran away by two goals. Gajic missed his fourth penalty; Alilovic came in the match with big saves. In the 40. minute was draw again on the scoreboard (19-19). Nenadic took the lead again from penalty. In the 44. minute Cupara changed Sterbik and with Strlek’s fastbreak goal the home lead increased to 2 goals, then Nenadic scored a huge goal. After two fast guest goals the difference was one goal again (50. min 25-24). After a short video check Blagotinsek got 2 minutes suspension. Strlek was extraordinary and with his seventh goal the result was 28-26. Borozan scored in a very important moment. In the last minute Szeged had a chance to equalize, but Cupara made a big save and kept the victory home.
 

David Davis: As I said before the game, I expected to make a good spectacular so everyone can enjoy the game in Hungary. I think everybody could enjoy handball with good defenses and contra attacks. The game was complicated as always, in attack and defense as well. I think we did a good match, but Szeged had every chance to equalize at the end but we managed to win. It was an intense game. We are fighting with the injuries, just as everyone else. Our supporters were amazing again, like always. To beat Szeged is always important for the club, so I am happy with the result.
 
Manuel Strlek: First, I congratulate to my team and the staff, we played a really good game with great energy and concentration. I also congratulate to Szeged. The fans could enjoy an extraordinary match. Big thanks for the supporters, they were our 8th player. It was a close game, both team could have won this game. I think we will play big matches against Szeged in the future.

 

Juan Carlos Pastor: Congratulations to Veszprém for the victory. There was a very good atmosphere in the Arena today. Congratulations to my players as well. It is clear for me, that we have a lot to improve in offense and defense as well. Veszprém could get a three-goal lead in the second half, but the key was the suspensions we suffered in the second period. Mostly Strlek could get goals from his clear chances. We fought until the end, but we could not score on the last attack. I hope that both teams will be more complete for the next encounter and we may play an even better game.
 
Mirko Alilovic: I want to congratulate to Veszprém for the fair game and the victory, but also for my team, we played good. It would have been a draw, but we missed our last attack. We fought until the end and it is a good thing seeing the future. We had chance, but we have to work hard in the future. It shows that we are on a good way and we can be even better. Nobody can say, that this match was not an important one. We have to concentrate the following part of the season and try to be better.
 

 

Photo: Dávid Vörös