Vipers stun Vyakhireva-less Rostov
Vipers had never beaten Rostov-Don in three previous attempts on court, but on Saturday they did it when it counted — in the first-leg DELO EHF Champions League quarter-final. A 34:27 victory gives the Norwegian side an advantage before the second leg on Sunday, where Rostov will need a strong comeback.
While Vipers Kristiansand were technically a home team Rostov-Don on Saturday, the game took place in Russia.
QUARTER-FINAL, FIRST LEG
Vipers Kristiansand (NOR) vs Rostov-Don (RUS) 34:27 (19:12)Â
- Rostov took a 6:3 lead 10 minutes into the match as Grace Zaadi scored three penalties
- Vipers hit back to score as many as 16 goals in the 20 remaining minutes of the first half, boasting a 76 per cent shot efficiency at half-time
- the Norwegian side led by 10 goals early in the second half, before Rostov, powered by Zaadi and Vladlena Bobrovnikova, improved their defence and closed the gap somewhat
- Rostov played without their leader Anna Vyakhireva, who was injured in a recent training session, as well as without her sister Polina Kuznetsova
- Vipers’ 41-year-old goalkeeper Katrine Lunde recorded 11 saves against her former team Rostov
Â
Mørk and Løke in good shape
Vipers’ experienced leaders Nora Mørk and Heidi Løke have suffered from injuries recently, and their participation in the quarter-final matches against Rostov was in question.
However, both Norwegian stars travelled to Russia, and both made a big contribution to their team’s win: Mørk ended the match with nine goals, and Løke added six.
I’m really sad. Vipers played good — with power and speed. As for us, we did a lot of mistakes. We did come back in the second half, but it was not enough. I hope we will play better tomorrow. I believe in our team.