CBM Astroc Sagunto hoped to have 120 minutes to dream about the Champions League final, but already after the first 60 minutes of the Spanish team's semifinal tie against Viborg HK that dream is not likely to come true...

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CBM Astroc Sagunto hoped to have 120 minutes to dream about the Champions League final, but already after the first 60 minutes of the Spanish team’s semifinal tie against Viborg HK that dream is not likely to come true.

After a 31:26 away win in the first leg match in front of 800 spectators, Viborg have an extremely good chance of qualifying for their third Champions League final ever.

Concentrated Danes

Before the match Viborg coach Tomas Ryde had been a bit anxious about Astroc Sagunto’s aggressive 3-2-1 defence, but in fact, it was the Viborg defence, who was the strongest and most aggressive from the start. Furthermore, goalkeeper Valerie Nicolas was brilliant behind the strong Danish defence. No less than 20 saves did the French national team goalkeeper perform during the match.

At the other end of the pitch, Viborg’s fast and concentrated attacking play did not have much trouble with the Astroc defence in the beginning of the match, and having the initiative from the start Viborg took the lead 0:2, 1:4, 2:5, 3:6, and even 5:9, before the Sagunto players seemed to realise that they were on the way to being sent out of the Champions League semifinals, almost before they had begun!

The home team’s defence got more offensive and aggressive, and the attacking play became faster, lead by Monserrat Puche Diaz and Portuguese national team player Alexandrina Gabral Barbosa. Slowly the home team crawled closer, and after 24 minutes and 22 seconds they managed to equalise at 10:10.

A Viborg time out at this stage helped the visitors to another two goal lead at 10:12; but once again Astroc Sagunto was able to come back. Three Spanish goals in succession gave Astroc their first lead in the match - 13:12, which was also the half time score.

Increased Viborg pace

The start of the second half was equal. Viborg took back the lead at 13:14, but Astroc Sagunto managed to get one up again - at 15:14. This, however, was going to be the hosts´ last lead in the match.

While Astroc Sagunto seemed to run out of energy and ideas, Viborg proved able to increase the pace a further bit, and from 16:16 the Danes dominated the game completely, taking a six goal lead at 17:23. This lead was kept at 18:24 and 19:25 - and even increased to seven at 20:27 and 21:28.

Towards the end Astroc was allowed to reduce the distance a little, but through new six goal leads at 23:29, 24:30, and 25:31, Viborg could take the convincing 31:26 win and a five goal lead with them home for the second leg.

Monserrat Puche Diaz scored 11 and Alexandrina Cabral Barbosa 5 for Astroc Sagunto. Romanian right winger Christina Varzaru scored 6 goals for Viborg.

The second leg will take place in Viborg Stadionhal on Saturday April 22 at 19.00


Text: Peter Bruun