Europa League: LH lose at home 27-31 and risk qualification against a direct opponent

In the European League, Limoges lost 27-31 at home against the Swiss Kadetten Schaffhausen. A devastating loss for Alberto Entrerrios‘ men who need an outright win in Switzerland next week to continue their European Cup adventure.

Limoges Handball got back into their game quickly, even though it was Switzerland from Kadetten who were ahead in the first quarter of an hour. Then, the teammates of the captain Hrstic, imperial in the axis of the defense with his friend Kusan, took control of the game with a goal from Seif el Deraa in the 16th minute (9-8). The Limoges captain, in addition to defending like a devil, puts his partners in orbit by distributing “cakes” of support. The first half where we felt that the LH players were determined and eager to never panic against the Swiss who quickly found that they lacked solutions and motivation. Not forgetting one of the great architects of this first half: Dino Slavic, goalkeeper Limougeaud on fire tonight, author of several saves. He partly thanks him that his team was able to rest before the break. Limoges returned to the locker room with a three-goal halftime lead (16-13).

The start of the second half is balanced, the LH keeps the lead at three goals, but the Swiss continue and stay in the game after ten minutes of play Kadetten returns 16 minutes from time 23-23 and taking the lead. ‘gain 23-24 minutes later without being caught again. Limoges can’t do it anymore, Salvic doesn’t release the ball anymore. The Swiss set the record straight in this second act by defending better. Finally Limoges bowed to his (almost sold out) audience, which still came in large numbers and was inevitably disappointed. A Limoges certainly with a lack of mental and physical vitality, which undoubtedly pays for the diabolical series of recent weeks with eight matches in just over three weeks.

A loss that hurts, the third in a row for the LH in a week but still maintains the chances of qualifying. To do this, we need to win the next three games, starting with the one in Switzerland next week. A complicated journey after tonight’s meeting but not impossible.

Before then, the LH must face Ivry, Saturday night in Beaublanc, for the eighth day of the LiquiMoly Starligue.