Defending champion SC Magdeburg took advantage of Veszprém’s home defeat against Barcelona.
The Magdeburgers won against the French runner-up Montpellier HB in front of 5,000 spectators with 28:24 (14:11) and are now level on points with Veszprém in third place in the table in Group B.
The best thrower for Magdeburg was Janus Dadi Smarason with eight hits. Even without the injured Philipp Weber, Michael Damgaard and Gisli Kristjansson, the SCM got into the game well, with Felix Claar filling the vacant position in the left backfield. Nevertheless, the guests had more access in defense and thus gained a narrow lead in an initially low-scoring game.
Magdeburg only led for the first time after more than a quarter of an hour (5:4/17th). Afterwards, the SCM missed the best opportunities, so the guests went back in front. But with a 5-1 run at the end of the half, Magdeburg secured a surprisingly clear lead at the break.
After the break, the guests had to speed up their game, but Magdeburg initially increased their lead (16:11/35.).
The SCM had to continue to work hard against the French cover and was unable to break away for a long time. However, their own defense now worked better, and goalkeeper Nikola Portner also improved. Nevertheless, the guests reduced the score to two goals (26:24) two minutes before the end. Magdeburg’s Smarason finally decided the game with his eighth goal to make it 27:24 (59th).