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Group favourites start at home, and a rematch in Moscow
- Updated: September 21, 2016
The road to Cologne starts in Istanbul on Wednesday night, but Group C will throw off on Thursday night in Russia, with a replay of the last season’s Group C opening tie. Saturday will feature a re-match of two Group D contenders from 2015/16 as Metalurg Skopje host Elverum. Concluding match day one, Tatran Presov, who won their qualification group, pay a visit to the biggest favourites of this group, Montpellier.
GROUP C
Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) vs La Rioja (ESP) Thursday, 22 September, 19:00 hrs local time, live on ehfTV
Things have not been great for the Spanish runners-up since the start of the season. After their main sponsor revealed that they would not be extending their contract after ten years of co-operation, this combined with tough draw at the beginning of Spanish ASOBAL season, has left La Rioja at mid-table.
Two defeats (from three) to Spanish handball giants Barcelona and Ademar Leon leave the Logrono-based side in a tricky spot. Attacking effectivity needs improvement should La Rioja want a better start in VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase.
Jota Gonzalez wants to see some strong team spirit, ideally to match the result from 2015, when La Rioja qualified for the Last 16. Last season they have not been as successful and were knocked out in the elimination round by Motor Zaporozhye. They also have to deal without the 112 goals scored by Cristian Malmagro and Pedro Rodriguez in last season’s group phase; both are no longer part of the squad.
New signings from Hungary, Egyptian Mohamed Sanad and the Spanish International Angel Montoro from Wisla Plock should be available.
The hosts are in different mood, yet not completely happy with how they approached the beginning of their season. Chekhovskie, lost their first match in the Russian Championship but then managed to win three in a row to sit on top of the league.
Vladimir Maximov can count on core of the squad from last year that missed the knockout stages of the competition. After becoming Russian champions for 15th consecutive time, the Bears possess more strength than last year with experience being vital in Europe.
Their head-to-head record is equal. Last year’s encounter in Moscow produced a comeback by La Rioja, …
