It’s all or nothing. There is no way to think otherwise. O Sportingafter losing by three goals difference against Rhein-Neckar Lowen (29-32), disputes the second leg of EHF European League quarter-finalsnow at Pavilhão João Rocha, in Lisbon.
The group led by Ricardo Costa needs to produce a practically perfect performance against an opponent who caused a lot of difficulties in the first duel between the two teams. Despite the position they occupy in the Liqui Moly Handball-Bundesliga – 11th place -, the Germans proved to be a tough nut to crack in all aspects: in attack and defense, especially when it comes to free kicks from seven meters. David Spath almost always got the best…
Sporting
EHF European League 2023/24
Now, it will be necessary to improve performance on both sides of the court, despite the moment they are going through in the season. Two defeats in the last two games (against FC Porto and Rhein-Neckar Lowen) they mean the “worst” moment of 2023/2024. To get to Final Four of the EHF European League (an unprecedented scenario for the club), the three-goal deficit needs to be reversed.
If they win, they will join three more teams in the final stage of the competition. CS Dinamo Bucuresti, Skjern, IK Savehof, Flensburg-Handewitt, Fuchse Berlin or HBC Nantes. One of them will stamp the passport for Hamburg, the German city that will serve as home during the two days to decide the winner, as well as third and fourth place. The focus, for now, is on Lisbon.
Ricardo Costa in direct speech
The date: «It’s a completely different meeting and there is room for us to rectify many things we did there. It is true that efficiency was a theme and that goalkeeper David Spath made the difference, but I would also say that there was a demerit on our part in the way we rushed into some shots.”
Corrections to be made: «We cannot miss so many free kicks from seven meters in such a balanced game and we have to be much more aggressive and intense defensively. Players like Niclas Kirkeløkke, right-back, can’t score as many goals. He is a great shooter and there are more above average players, but, on our side, we have the feeling that we can do better. We want to do it here, in a game of overcoming. Despite the disadvantage, it is the opportunity of a lifetime to enter the final four.”
