In Group A Olympiacos (GRE) can virtually secure its top position provided the
Greek side manages to achieve at least a draw in Dubrovnik (CRO). Olympiacos, the
only unbeaten team in the prelims, enjoys a massive 5-point advantage after seven
matches and despite all the problems of Jug, the Croats seem their most dangerous rival. Any result than a defeat would secure a smooth spring marching for the Greeks.
In the meantime Dynamo (RUS) is about to go on with chasing the Greeks. The
Russians has had a great run so far, another win against OSC (HUN) would place
them in a perfect position before the last six rounds. The Hungarians have struggled so far and that led to a change of their coach last weekend: Laszlo Toth already played the saviour’s role two years ago and the former international player might have a positive effect on the team again. They are all aware that this match in Moscow is perhaps their last chance to catch the train.
The same applies to Hannover (GER) which played a brilliant game in Barcelona (ESP), Darko Brguljan was phenomenal with six goals, still, the Germans came up short as the Spaniards could score the winner in the dying seconds. If Hannover could strike back it can reserve the chance to clinch a qualifying berth, another loss would probably end their hopes.
Brescia enjoyed an easy ride on Day 7 and another three points are in sight against
Partizan, though the game in Belgrade might be a bit more difficult. Still, the
Italians are the favourite and this win is essential to keep up with the others in this
extremely tight race.
In Group B the two highlighted matches feature the top four sides of the group.
Recco (ITA) is expected to earn another win against Spandau (GER), though they almost blew their 4-goal lead away in Berlin and that should make them cautious while preparing for another showdown with the surprise side of the prelims. The encounter takes place in Novara, as part of Recco’s campaign in Liguria to promote the Final Eight to be staged in Genova in June.
The all-Hungarian clash is the other big event of the day. Eger broke Szolnok’s four-
year unbeaten run in its home a fortnight ago – another victory, this time in Eger,
would be a tremendous boost for their F8 chances. At the same time title-holderSzolnok couldn’t afford another loss of points otherwise they will have no chance to catch Recco in the battle for the first place.
Eger’s fiercest rival Jadran (MNE) returned to the winning track after losing back- to-back matches at home to Recco and Szolnok. Triumphing in Sabadell (ESP) was a great feat for the young Montenegrins, another three points would keep them in the race for the F8 and would definitely kill the last slim hope of the Spaniards.
Steaua (ROU) also has some chance – in order to keep it alive the Romanians must beat Alphen (NED). This should not be a big challenge, they did it with ease in the Netherlands in the last round and it would also be their first win in their home pool.
Champions League, Day 8
Group A
18.30 Jug Croatia Osiguranje Dubrovnik (CRO) v Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE)
18.30 Waspo 98 Hannover (GER) v Atletic Barceloneta (ESP)
18.30 Partizan Belgrade (SRB) v AN Brescia (ITA)
19.15 Dynamo Moscow (RUS) v A Hid-OSC (HUN)
Standings
1. Olympiacos 19, 2. Dynamo 14, 3. Brescia 13, 4. Barceloneta 12, 5. Jug 10, 6. OSC
6, 7. Hannover 6, 8. Partizan 0
Group B
17.30 Jadran Carine Herceg Novi (MNE) v Astralpool Sabadell (ESP)
18.30 ZF Eger (HUN) v Szolnoki Dozsa-Kozgep (HUN)
20.30 Pro Recco (ITA) v Spandau 04 Berlin (GER)
20.30 Steaua Bucharest (ROU) v AZC Alphen (NED)
Standings
1. Recco 18, 2. Szolnok 15, 3. Spandau 15, 4. Eger 13, 5. Jadran 13, 6. Steaua 6, 7.
Sabadell 3, 8. Alphen 0
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