After four matchdays, Magdeburg continue to dominate Group B. The defending champions are determined to do everything they can to retain their crown, and they didn't falter away to GOG (30-39). Their victory came largely due to strong individual performances, with Omar Ingi Magnusson scoring 11 goals and 'keeper Matej Mandic making 11 saves.
Barcelona, also serious title contenders, struggled against Szeged on Thursday (31-28). Leading by one goal at half-time, the Blaugrana saw the Hungarian side stay in touch throughout the second half, without quite managing to turn the game around. This performance confirmed Szeged's good form, making them dark horses in this season's edition of the competition - along withy Plock, who won comfortably at home against Pelister (36-25). Once again led by an unstoppable Melvyn Richardson (eight goals), the Poles are putting pressure on Magdeburg.
With Magdeburg and Barcelona both winning, the top two remain unchanged in Group B. However, Szeged have relinquished third place to Plock and now find themselves level with Les Rouge et Bleu, while GOG and Pelister remain two points behind. Zagreb, who put in a creditable performance at Coubertin yesterday, are still searching for their first points of the campaign.
On Wednesday, Stefan Madsen's men will kick things off with a decisive clash away to Plock; the Parisians will have the opportunity to draw level with the Poles and get back into contention for direct qualification for the quarter-finals.
At the same time, Magdeburg will face a perilous trip to Szeged, who are in great form early in the campaign.A slip-up from Magdeburg could allow Barcelona, who travel to Pelister, to draw level with the Germans.
Finally, Zagreb will play host to GOG on Thursday in a bottom-of-the-table clash. Still stuck on zero points, the Croatians will be keen to perform at the same level as they did against the capital club and revive their hopes of qualifying for the play-offs.
