Furious start of the SCM
The Bundesliga leaders started concentrated only two days after the important success in the East thriller against Berlin, took several throws away from the guests and was efficient in front of the opposing goal. The early five-goal lead (9:4/12.) forced Nantes to take their first time-out. Now with Mickael Robin in goal, the French prevented the SCM from advancing further (15:10/24.).
Nantes reduced the lead after the restart, but were often left behind defensively – especially against Damgaard. The guests were noticeably missing Aymeric Minne, who had injured himself in a duel in the first half. In addition, coach Alberto Entrerrios was missing after a corona disease. At 24:17 (42 nd ) the encounter seemed practically decided, but Nantes fought back to within a goal, but could no longer avoid elimination.
Nexe, Plock and Benfica still there
The venue of the final tournament has not yet been determined. Magdeburg did not apply, the people from the Elbe are the only Bundesliga representative this time after three clubs were in the “Final Four” in 2021. In the past 17 editions of the competition, the winner was only once not from Germany. In contrast to Magdeburg, last year’s finalist Füchse Berlin and TBV Lemgo from the Bundesliga trio that started the current competition failed in the round of 16. This year’s final round is completed by top Portuguese club Benfica Lisbon, Croatian team RK Nexe and last year’s Polish semi-finalist Wisla Plock.
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dpa/sid/cke