They believed in it, even for a long time. Far from being favorites in their duel against SC Magdeburg, even more so after the long-term injury to their Egyptian left-back Ahmed Hesham was made official, Montpellier more than resisted for this sixth European outing. Despite strong resistance and good dispositions at the start of the game, the Héraultais ended up losing to the defending champion (28-25).
Dominators in the first period, carried by a saving Sebastian Karlsson in his big night clothes throughout the game (9 goals from his 11 attempts at the finish), the double European champions held their own in the sensation of the latest edition. Better still, it was the MHB which set its pace, taking advantage of some German collective errors (9-6, 19th). Valentin Porte’s band even entered the locker room with a two-goal lead on the scoreboard (14-12).
Portner scratching for his return
The second act, however, resumed on a good basis for the Tricolores. But the multiplication of inaccuracies and indiscipline finally finished weighing down Montpellier, guilty of numerous rushing errors in offensive transition. The change took place in the 42nd minute after a missed roucoulette from Kyllian Villeminot, scorer of 4 goals this evening, followed by the exclusion of Arthur Lenne for a headline. Without forgetting the few gifts in transition offered to the European champions (51st and 57th).
Strengthened by their individualities, Magdeburg was patient to definitively gain the upper hand. If Felix Claar (5 goals/11 shots), Matthias Musche (6/7) or even Janus Smarason (5/5) were valuable in blackening the score sheet, the German club was especially able to count on a very active Nikola Portner. seen at FDI Stadium. Passed by Montpellier between 2016 and 2020, the Swiss is credited with 15 saves (39.5% success) and calmed the heat of the Montpellier attack.
With this fourth defeat in six matches, Montpellier occupies fifth place in Group B before the match between GOG and Porto tomorrow. The double confrontation against the Portuguese after the break on November 15 and 23 is already shaping up to be a crucial meeting for the MHB with a view to qualifying for the playoffs.