Aalborg HB gave no chance to HBC Nantes in a solid premiere performance. Paris Saint-Germain was pushed far along the route by Eurofarm Pelister while Barca fought off Kolstad HB, even though the Norwegian champion improved in the second half.
Champions League started most spectacular in Aalborg, as the home team decided to power through after the break. The sprint, 22–14 was the result of Thomas Arnoldsen´s fault free shooting (eleven of eleven) and the pivot Sebastian Barthold´s equal success rate to hit the mark six times.
In the same group, Kolstad improved on their own ground as well as in attack mode to scare Barca slightly. The giant could trust Dika Mem and Melvyn Richardson to stand the ground in a five-goal-win (35–30) to start the season. Kolstad brings the second half to boost the self confidence before another tough battle, SC Magdeburg away in the next game week.
Group A sees Sporting CP as a very early leader after a family affair and 34–29 versus Wisla Plock. Martim Costa produced ten goals and Franscisco Costa added six goals when Sporting led all the way.
– I think we had a very good game in defense as we prepared real well overall. In attack, we were able to create 1-on-1 opportunities that are always easier to find a way through to the net from, said left back Martim to eurohandball.com.
Hard work from Kamil Syprzak (eleven goals) and a final hit from Luc Steins meant that Paris Saint-Germain could avoid the stern challenge from Eurofarm Pelister by two goals. Pelister´s defense proved hard to pass in the final minutes and PSG had to push hard to secure the home win.
Champions League
Group A, Paris Saint-Germain–RK Eurofarm Pelister 31–29 (18–13)
Sporting Lissabon–Wisla Plock 34–29 (17–14)
Group B, Aalborg HB–HBC Nantes 38–31 (16–17)
Kolstad HB–Barca 30–35 (13–20)