Montpellier win their eighth group game

Montpellier win their eighth group game

Montpellier secured the first spot in Group D after beating Chekhovskie Medvedi.

Patrice Canayer's team extended their winning streak to eight games from eight played, and will be the main contender for the Last 16 spot in the group phase knockout.

• Montpellier secure top spot in Group D, Medvedi are bottom
• Montpellier's are now on an 8-game winning streak, equal to their best ever winning streak in CL
• Scoring efficiency was the crucial difference between the two teams.

GROUP D

Montpellier HB (FRA) v Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) 34:23 (15:11)

Montpellier ousted their Russian opposition 34:23 and continue playing in excellent form as they secure the top spot in Group D.

Promising start

It took almost the whole first half for the French favourites to prevail, as Chekovskie were excellent in defence. Vincent Gerard was once again the man to help Montpellier get a comfortable lead, as he only allowed a single goal in between the 23rd minute and half-time.

Gerard's great form was demonstrated in the 26th minute when he saved Maxim Kuretkov's penalty shot with a spectacular leg move.

An avalanche of goals

Early in the second half, Vladimir Maximov took a timeout to stop the scoreline from getting worse, as Montpellier came out on fire in the beginning of the second half. But even his advice to Kirill Kotov did not help the Bears to get back into the fight for the points.

The comfortable scoreline allowed Patrice Canayer to give opportunities to a wide selection of his players.

The inexperience of Medvedi was apparent in comparision to the in-form and much more experienced Montpellier side, led by Vid Kavticnik and Jonas Truchanovicius in the back court.  Michael Guigou added his experience on the wing together with the agility and athleticism of Theophile Causse, who boosted a six-goal tally. He wa

Causse felt that Chekovskie caused them difficulty at the start of the match: 

"We were very concentrated tonight, even if at the beginning their rhythm posed us problems. We were serious and managed the match well."

Fully motivated

Even though Montpellier had not much to play for, they showed full motivation and determination. Their current form makes them strong candidates for the Last 16 spot, but first they have to fight their way through the group phase knockout.