DUNAFERR  NK - CBM ASTROC SAGUNTO 35-28 (15-17)

The atmosphere was worthy of a Champions League match, as the house was packedwith 1200 spectators. There was a lot at stake for both sides since Dunaferrhad lost against Ikast previously in an away match, while Astroc Sagunto couldhave taken a major step towards the top spot of Group A after last week’striumph over Buducnost Monet on home soil.

Both teamsapplied the 3-2-1-defence formation, which meant that there were quite a fewtough tackles. The visitors found the way to crack this kind of defence: theirwings, Guerola and Oncina excelled throughout the first half, hitting the backof Palinger’s net several times. The home side could rely on a usual performancefrom Radulovics, who scored from the backcourt and utilised the penalties withan unwavering hand. Right wing Palffy was another prolific scorer this time,but the visitors showed a better performance overall, and led deservedly by twogoals at halftime (15-17).

The second half brought a drastic change in the course of the game. AstrocSagunto managed to keep up for roughly ten minutes before Dunaferr managed toincrease the tempo of the game, forcing the visitors to make errors. The stealsresulted in fastbreak goals by Nagy, Gáspár and Pigniczki, while pivot Kulcsarwas brilliant against an established defence. Medved, Oncina and Guerola couldnot repeat the excellent performance of the first half, while Palinger foundher form. By the 24th minute, the margin increased to ten (32-22). Some of theplayers and Sagunto’s coach, Cristina Mayo, could not really control theirtemper. Palffy and Cuadrado were suspended at the same time, while thevisitors’ trainer was given the red card and had to leave the arena.  In the remaining time, the Spanish teamcould only narrow the gap to seven goals (35-28).

Text: Sandor Joo (handball.hu)