The rematch of the bronze medal game between and Eger (HUN) and Recco (ITA)
from last May’s Final Six is the highlight of the second round in the Champions
League. The other Italian team, Brescia meets 2014 winner Barceloneta (ESP) in
the other big clash of the day while the traditionally exposed Croatian-Serbian
battle, Jug v Partizan promises something special too.
Group A
The game of the day in this group is due in Brescia where the Italians face off
Barceloneta (ESP). The host side began its campaign with a somewhat surprising
loss in Hannover. Considering the number of potential F8 candidates, these points
might be painfully missed in the end thus achieving a positive result at home
against Barceloneta is a kind of must for Brescia. In the meantime the Spanish
champion played a brilliant match with Olympiacos (GRE) on Day 1, earned a
valuable point and any result excluding a loss in Italy would further boost their
chances to book a spot in the Final Eight after missing the cut last time.
An encounter between a Croatian and a Serbian side always considered a special
feature, however, the young team of Partizan (SRB) might not cause too much
trouble to Jug. Though the Croats, runners-up last season, suffered a shocking
defeat in Moscow a fortnight ago, this game offers a fine chance to put aside their
disappointments.
Two opening-day winners clash in Budapest where OSC (HUN) meets Hannover
(GER). The Hungarians have the better chances but the German side already
caused an upset by beating Brescia. Another win would upgrade their position
from underdogs to favourites in the group.
Olympiacos (GRE) should mind losing points in Barceloneta – blew away a two-goal
lead in the last minutes – but the Greeks can quickly earn their first win this
season. They are traditionally strong at home and Dynamo (RUS) might find it hard
to cope with the pressure coming from the hosts.
Group B
No doubt, the battle of Eger (HUN) and Recco (ITA) is the highlight of Day 2. It’s the
rematch of the bronze medal game played in the Final Six at Budapest. Though
Recco demolished the Hungarians last May (15-6) but there were much tougher
contests between these two sides in the previous years when they met in the
prelims.
The other Hungarian team, Szolnok makes its home debut: the title-holder team
doesn’t look forward to a tough challenge while playing with Steaua. The
Romanians might have had an easier opening than clashing with
the two Hungarian clubs in the group in the first two rounds. After
losing to Eger at home now they travel to Szolnok where the home players are in
upbeat mood, being fresh from winning the European Super Cup on Saturday.
Jadran (MNE) can further strengthen its position in the hunt for the F8 berths as
they visit Alphen (NED). The Montenegrins had a big win on Day 1 over Spandau
and now they can add three more points as the Dutch would struggle to recover
from the sound beating they had suffered in Recco.
Recovering and earning the first points are the main targets both for Spandau
(GER) and Sabadell (ESP) – this should result a thrilling game in Berlin.
Champions League, Day 2
Group A
18.15 Jug Croatia Osiguranje Dubrovnik (CRO) v Partizan Belgrade (SRB)
19.30 Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE) v Dynamo Moscow (RUS)
20.30 A Hid-OSC Budapest (HUN) v Waspo 98 Hannover (GER)
20.30 AN Brescia (ITA) v Atletic Barceloneta (ESP)
Group B
18.30 ZF Eger (HUN) v Pro Recco (ITA)
18.30 Spandau 04 Berlin (GER) v Astralpool Sabadell (ESP)
18.30 Szolnoki Dozsa-Kozgep (HUN) v Steaua Bucharest (ROU)
20.30 AZC Alphen (NED) v Jadran Carine Herceg Novi (MNE)
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