Ciudad Real - man, they were so close. They had it almost in hand. But this season there is no miracle handball from VfL Gummersbach.
The Oberbergisher failed in the all-important main round play of the royal class with 23:25 (12:8) on Titelmitfavoriten Ciudad Real. Only a victory with two goals difference would have served the VfL advancement to the semifinals.
In the first half of the team of coach Alfred Gislason has the Spanish top-(13 million euro budget team with the most expensive handball team in the world) in a stranglehold. With a 12:8-rich leadership of the FC goes into the cabin. But since most of what the players have done in the tea, because at the beginning of the second half of Gummersbach forgives all opportunities. The Spaniards shoot within eight minutes with a 6:1-run the game.
Shortly before the end says it for Ciudad 23:21 - VfL of fighting spirit is broken. Ironically Gislason Icelandic Olafur Stefansson Specific ballert VfL with nine goals from the dreams.
VfL coach Alfred Gislason is articulated: "As a realist, it was clear that the qualification would have been for the semi-finals of the Champions League is a great sensation. But we were not a chance. "It also provides sporting director Francois Houlet way:" The opportunity was there, which is rare in Ciudad. But in the second half the boys had in front a little afraid, that was offensive enough. "
As already DHB Cup quarter-finals (30:33 v Hamburg), VfL throws this season another chance again advancement. And in the champions league next season will take place without Gummersbach. In the Bundesliga must now quickly switch to secure a qualification for European competition.
