GOG
Despite a fine Matchday 5 performance against Barcelona (a 34-30 defeat), Pelister were unable to trouble Magdeburg this time around (36-26). Last season's champions, who have been as impressive as ever this season, are on a mission to maintain a perfect record and retain their title. It must be said that the Germans were greatly helped by Omar Ingi Magnusson, who was once again in sparkling form, shooting a 10 from 10, while Sergey Hernandez made an impressive 14 saves to keep the Northern Macedonians' attack in check.
Although Pelister can still qualify for the play-offs, Zagreb's hopes are beginning to fade. Defeated for the fifth time in as many games, the Croatian side have been unable to find their rhythm this season. Against Szeged, Andrija Nikolic's men were on equal terms in the first half (30': 10-10), but made a series of mistakes in the second term and allowed the Hungarians to pull away. Szeged thus bounced back after two consecutive defeats on the continental stage.
The Match of the Week for Matchday 6 did not disappoint, with Plock and Barcelona delivering a spectacular battle for the full sixty minutes. However, it was the Catalans who led the dance, using their experience to take an early lead and never letting the home side back into the game (30': 9-16). With 13 saves, Emil Nielsen once again played a key role for the Blaugranas, who are now pulling away from their pursuers and keeping the pressure on Magdeburg.
At the end of Matchday 6, there was only one change in the Group B standings: our Parisians lost fifth place to opponents on the night GOG. The situation is clearer in terms of points. With a sixth win, Magdeburg now have 12 points, two more than Barcelona. Plock, in third place, saw Szeged and GOG close to within two points - just as a tricky trip to Catalonia on matchday 7. Paris, on four points, now find themselves in the last qualifying place for the play-offs, while Pelister (two points) and Zagreb (zero points) bring up the rear in Group B.
Due to the international break, the EHF Champions League will resume in three weeks' time, with the final matchday of the first half of the season on 12 November. The capital club will travel to GOG with the clear aim of getting back to winning ways in Europe so as not to fall behind the Danes. Magdeburg will play host to Zagreb in a clash of extremes in Group B, while Pelister will attempt to get back on track and confirm their return to form by securing a result at home against Szeged.
