TATRAN lose their hopes to qualify after defeat by HC Metalurg in Skopje

Posted on 28. November 2016.

In the 8^th round of Group C in the Champions League TATRAN Presov lost in Skopje to HC Metalurg 20:26. Their chances to qualify for the next stages of the Champions League remain minimal.

In the beginning of the encounter the Slovakian champions took 3:0 lead in the 9^th minute and even did not convert some other possibilities to score. They could rely on great and unbeatable goalkeeper Igor Chupryna, who was backed by excellent defence in the opening phase of the game. TATRAN lost their lead after missing several chances and Metalurg came back in the middle of the first half, when they managed to equalize to 5:5. Metalurg punished inefficient TATRAN on counter attacks and took two goal lead in the 20^th minute. After 30 minutes of the match TATRAN were 10:11 down.

In the first 7 minutes of the second half TATRAN did not manage to score a single goal. Metalurg extended their lead to 5 goals mainly thanks to the best player of the game Taleski. In the 48^thminute TATRAN reduced the score to two goal difference for the last time – 16:18. However, Metalurg managed to extend their lead to 6 goals once again. Ten minutes to go TATRAN were 16:22 down. In the final phase of the match Metalurg comfortably controlled their lead and took 2 important points. Finally, TATRAN lost to Metalurg 20:26, so their chances to qualify remain only at the theoretical level.

Despite losing the game, TATRAN could rely on excellent performance of their goalkeeper Igor Chupryna. However, Oliver Rabek was the only player of TATRAN who impressed after scoring 6 goals. The home team was led by Filip Taleski who scored 10 goals. Nemanja Obradovic and Alexander Gugleta added 5 goals each.

After 8^th round of the group phase of the Champions League TATRAN Presov are the bottom of Group C with 6 points. In the 9^th round the Slovakian champions travel to Norway to meet Elverum Handball. The game is scheduled for Sunday 4 December 2016 at 15:45 CET in Elverum, Norway.

Champions League 2016/2017 – Group C – 8^th Round – 27 November 2016

HC Metalurg Skopje (MAC) – TATRAN Presov (SVK) 26:20 (11:10)

HC Metalurg: Arsic, Tomovski, Dupjacanec – Petrov, Drogrishki 1, Kosteski, Obradovic 5, Taleski 10, Velkovski, Peshevski 2, Gugleta 5, Palevski, Pecenkovski, Kuzmanovski, Ilic 3, Arsenovski. Coach: L. Cervar.

TATRAN: Chupryna 2, Brazhnyk – Rabek 6, M. Sarpataky, Humenansky, Hrstka 2, D. Krok 2, Sadovyi, L. Sarpataky, L. Urban 1, Peskov 3, Vucko 3, Jankovic 1, Pales, Tsarapkin. Coach: R. Trtik.

Referees: Brkic, Jusufhodzic (AUS), 7m given/goals: 4/1 – 1/1, 2´penalties: 2 – 3, Spect. 3500.

Group C: