Courtesy: LEN
The return legs of the men’s Euro Cup and Challenger Cup both promise sheer excitements – Hungary’s Vasas forced a tie in Savona, while in the new competition Greece’s Apollon could earn a single-goal lead against Terrassa.
In Budapest, Vasas will target a first-ever Euro Cup win – and a first European triumph since 2002. Savona have different plans, of course, the Italians are poised to tie Brescia’s feat of winning this trophy four times in the past (named LEN Trophy). Savona triumphed three times so far (2005, 2011, 2012) and reached a final for the first time in ten years.
The odds favour Vasas which managed to come back from two goals down in the fourth period two weeks ago in the first leg. The Hungarians scored eight man-up goals in that game and missed two penalties and two 6 on 4s, so they were far from their best – and at home they had a menacing run in the competition: won by five in the eight-finals and by six in the quarters and the semis.
Savona had ups and downs in the away matches, almost bowed out in Ortigia (lost by four, after winning by five at home), then had a fine three-goal win in Tourcoing in the QF first leg and played a tie in Trieste in the semis – though a final is a different occasion where the mental strength will decide the outcome.
In LEN’s new competition, in the Challenger Cup, Apollon managed to handle Terrassa their first defeat in the series – but a single goal advantage is anything but calming. The Spaniards might have been the happier side at the end as they managed to come back from three goals down – and they have a unique record at home: both in the quarters and in the semis they won 15-12 (against Ludwigsburg, then against Enka Istanbul). They just need to reproduce that now to make history and lift the trophy in their home.
Both finals can be followed via free live streams, courtesy of the host clubs – visit www.len.eu
Euro Cup Final, 2nd leg
18.00 A Hid-VasasPlaket (HUN) v RN Savona (ITA) – first leg: 8-8
Challenger Cup Final, 2nd leg
18.00 CN Terrassa (ESP) v GS Apollon Smyrnis (GRE) – first leg: 11-12