One Veszprém moved a step closer to reclaiming the Hungarian championship after defeating arch-rivals Pick Szeged 38–36 in the opening match of the best-of-three final series.
Playing in front of their home fans, Veszprém led for most of the evening and carried a 19–17 advantage into halftime before holding off several Szeged comeback attempts in a dramatic second half.
The hosts made a strong start and at one stage opened a six-goal lead in the first half. However, Szeged responded well and cut the deficit to just two goals by the break, keeping the title clash wide open.
After halftime, Michael Apelgren’s side fought back to level the score at 20–20 and remained within touching distance throughout the second half. Szeged reduced the gap to a single goal in the closing minutes, but Veszprém held their nerve to secure a 38–36 victory and take a 1–0 lead in the series.
Michael Appelgren produced several crucial saves in the decisive stages, while the home side repeatedly found answers whenever Szeged threatened to complete the comeback.
The second match of the final will be played in Szeged on June 2. A Veszprém victory would secure the Hungarian title, while a win for Szeged would force a deciding third game.