Mikler and Borbely combine for 13 saves as Telekom Veszprem edge NEXE
Mikler and Borbély 13 védése a Nexe ellen
Telekom Veszprem have managed to reach fifth victory of SEHA Gazprom season beating NEXE at home with 27:23 (17:12). It was a tough battle in Veszprem Arena with Croatian vice-champions delivering serious resistance keeping the match close throughout all 60 minutes, just like they did against Meshkov and Vardar in last two rounds.
Sabate’s decision was to try to beat the team from Slavonia without Alilovic, Kopljar, Nagy and Ugalde hoping for his other star players to be on top level and fully motivated for the clash. After 11 minutes hosts were already 5 goals up (11:4) which was a gap they were able to keep until the half-time buzzer.
Coach Kordi’s guys were clearly aware that they have nothing to lose against reigning SEHA champions and CL runners-up showing much better performance in the second half and even winning it by 1 goal. Unfortunately for guest fans that was not enough for another sensation against favored opponent. Ivan Srsen scored 5 for NEXE but the key to their strong performance was rock-solid defense. Another line player - Blaz Blagotinsek was on the other side Veszprem’s best scorer with 4.
This was the last SEHA Gazprom League match for both teams in October.
Xavier Sabate, Telekom Veszprem coach:
Congratulations
to NEXE, they are a strong team. They’ve today proved why they have a week
earlier managed to defeat Brest. We’ve played well but missed a lot of shots in
the second half. I want a better attitude from some of my players. An attitude
of real champions. We have to be fully focused for 60 minutes, not 59 or less. I
am a bit angry because of our game today but despite of that I am very proud of
my team, my players and I believe in them to the fullest. We did not have much
time to prepare or to rest but there are no excuses. We’ve known this season
will not be the same as the last one because we will have more games. This was
our 23rd game this season. From now on we are preparing and focusing on Szeged
Chema Rodriguez, Telekom Veszprem player:
Congratulations
to NEXE, they’ve showed that they are a good team which knows how to play very
well. Every team in SEHA League is a tough opponent. They are a good team which
they’ve already demonstrated against both Skopje and Brest. I am happy about
this win.
Zdenko Kordi, NEXE coach:
I
would like to thank fans for the amazing atmosphere in the Arena. Tough period
is behind us, we’ve played both Vardar and Veszprem within a few days. I’d like
to congratulate Veszprem on a victory.
Vedran Zrnic, NEXE player:
I
cannot really say anything else but congratulate Veszprem. I have a lot of
friends here and I always like playing here. I wish them all the best in the
rest of the season.