GOG looked destined for a famous home win, leading 33-31 with just sixty seconds remaining. However, an unbelievable collective collapse from the hosts allowed HBC Nantes to pull off a stunning 34-33 comeback, sealed by an Aymeric Minne buzzer-beater that silenced the Danish crowd.
It was a night of pure heartbreak for the fans in Svendborg. GOG had dominated the early stages of the second half, fueled by a sensational performance from Frederik Bjerre (11 goals). When the Danes pushed their lead to 22-16 in the 35th minute, Nantes looked beaten.
But Gregory Cojean’s side has developed a reputation for never knowing when they are beat. Displaying an elite “winner mentality” for the second match in a row, the French side slowly clawed their way back into contention.
Sixty seconds of madness
Despite the Nantes comeback, GOG still held all the cards in the final minute. Leading by two with possession, the match was theirs to lose—and they did exactly that. An “insane” final sequence saw GOG suffer two turnovers and a missed shot, gifting Nantes three goals in the final minute.
Aymeric Minne became the hero of the night, striking just as the final buzzer sounded to complete the 3–0 run and secure Nantes’ first lead since the 14th minute.
– A bitter ending to what was otherwise a very strong performance, GOG coach Kasper Christensen admitted.
– They managed to steal a few balls out of nothing and took full advantage.
The victory puts Nantes in a commanding position heading back to France, where the winner of the tie will face reigning champions Barça in the quarter-finals.