OSC Budapest has almost completed its mission, the Hungarians are to advance to
the prelims for the third time in a row as they won by a huge margin in Volgograd
(RUS). Playing on a home-and- away basis, a 7-goal advantage (7-14) gained in the
away leg has never been overturned in the past and no sign shows that OSC’s
qualification is in danger against Spartak.
The other three battles should be much more exciting. Brescia (ITA), Final Six
participant last May, faces a tough challenge in Kazan as its Russian rival staged a
fine comeback in Italy on Saturday (11-9). By scoring three goals in the last
minutes, Sintez reserved some hope for the second leg.
Though Marseille (FRA) finally went down at home against Jadran Herceg Novi
(MNE), still, the single goal advantage (6-7) doesn’t promise a safe journey for the
Montenegrins who wish to return to the big stage after missing the cut last
season.
Nothing separated Sabadell (ESP) and Crvena Zvezda (SRB) in Belgrade, the
Spainards had a better spell in the first half but the young Serbs hit back in the
second – the encounter ended in a 6-6 tie. Another balanced and highly tense
match is expected in Sabadell, predicting the winner is a hard call.
Winners will join the 12 wild card-holder clubs in the Champions League prelims
(first round is due next Wednesday), the four losing sides can continue in the Euro
Cup quarter-finals.
Champions League, Qualification Round III, 2 nd leg
Match A – 19.00: Jadran Carine Herceg Novi (MNE) v CN Marseille
First leg: 7-6
Match B – 19.15: A Hid-OSC Budapest (HUN) v Spartak Volgograd (RUS)
First leg: 14-7
Match C – 18.00: Sintez Kazan (RUS) v AN Brescia (ITA)
First leg: 9-11
Match D – 19.30: CN Sabadell (ESP) v Crvena Zvezda Belgrade (SRB)
First leg: 6-6
