Nantes est allé à l'exploit en Pologne en s'imposant contre Kielce 34 à 31 en huitièmes de finale retour de Ligue des champions mercredi. Portés par Aymeric Minne et Emil Nielsen, les joueurs HBCN se qualifient pour les quarts de finale de la compétition.
Nantes achieved a real feat on Polish soil in Kielce. Alberto Entrerrios’ men, who had a goal to recover after going to France, won (34-31) in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League. Here they are in the quarterfinals of the queen competition of European handball.
French handball players have always known how to lead their boat in this part. After conceding the first goal of the match, they were ahead for most of the game, with opportunities to have a four-goal lead for a first half (15-13 in the end) during which the goalkeeper Emil Nielsen was the strong man of his team, making 15 saves on 46 shots. “We played really well as a team. It was a very difficult fight. Everyone played well, and it’s a big surprise for all of us, commented Danish “H” goalkeeper Emil Nielsen. It wasn’t easier than we thought, but I think we were better than we could hope for. It was a difficult season with a lot of injuries, and it was difficult in the fall for us, but we managed to turn the situation around. “
Rivera, Minne et Lazarov décisifs
In the second half, Kielce managed to lead in the score (23-22 in the 44th, then 25-24). But nothing will destabilize the gang in Alberto Entrerrios. Nielsen will further enhance himself by stopping two penalties. Valero Rivera (9/9 including 6 penalties) and Aymeric Minne will prove to be very valuable (8 goals, 80%), as will Kiril Lazarov pass. “I have a thought for those who stayed at home but played the first leg. It is also thanks to them that we won this match and that we qualify today. It was a big fight. This is my first year in the Champions League and I’m already experiencing such emotions and it’s great, ”reacted Minne.
Eliminés à 30-30 à trois minutes de la fin, les Nantais, boostés en défense, parviendront à finir plus forts que leurs adversaires pour se qualifier pour leur troisième quart de finale de Ligue des champions après 2018 et 2019.
For a place in Final 4, Rock Feliho’s teammates will face Veszprém or Vardar Skopje in the quarter-finals, the Hungarians being on a favorable waiver after a success (41-27) in the round of 16 first leg.