DAY REVIEW: Barça and GOG extend winning streaks
An eventful evening in the Machineseeker EHF Champions League produced once again fiery clashes, with two of the matches producing 68 and 66 goals respectively, as Barça and GOG were pretty much flawless from an attacking point of view, clinching crucial wins against FC Porto and Telekom Veszprém HC.
The Hungarian powerhouse conceded their first loss of the season, while HC Zagreb secured their maiden win, with a dominating display against Kolstad Handball, with the Norwegian champions being stopped in their tracks, due to a monster effort on defence by the Croatian side.
I have to be completely honest and say we didn't expect it to be this easy. We were well-aware of how good their transition is, and once we've managed to slow it down, and basically take their strongest weapon away from them, we've given ourselves a chance to win this one.
Their goalkeeper had a great game, kudos to him really. It was a really good, physical performance from their side, while we on the other side had way too many ups and downs and that's simply something you can't allow yourself to do on this level.
Veszprém are one of the favourites, so it’s a big win for us. We had many good individual moments today it was first of all a very good day for the team. Of course, it’s a very important victory for us and we are happy for our six points in the first three matches.
We expected fast goals, and we tried to avoid them, but we couldn’t. Their goalkeeper also had an amazing day. I told my players that this can happen. Sometimes you play good, but the other team is better. And today GOG played fantastic.
Barça were the fair winner of this match, but congrats to my players as well. They fought and they were brave. We began the match very well, our defence was aggressive and on point. We took our risks and the team responded accordingly.
We had a great match, because it’s always complicated to come here, and in the anniversary of the club. We knew the hall would be packed and the fans supporting. FC Porto had a great first half, we would not expected 5-1 so early. But in the second half we did an fantastic entry, took it over and I’m happy.
We fought for 60 minutes and we can thank Rémi (Desbonnet) for some important saves at the end of the game. We showed good spirit and proved that we fight to the end.
In the second half the red card changed the plan of the match. But I only have good words for my players, they gave everything. In the last 10 minutes we missed some shoots but we had a chance to win. We will continue to work hard.
Thursday's action in pictures
