“We are of course very, very happy to have started this tournament so well. The format is tough and also means that you have to fight for every goal. We managed that well because we already know what the goal difference will be at the end “That’s why we’re all the happier with the start to the tournament and also with the result,” said SCM coach Bennet Wiegert at the press conference after the 57:21 opening win.
The background is the competition with three groups of three. In addition to the three group winners, the best runner-up in the group also advances to the semi-finals. On paper, in addition to Magdeburg, Veszprem and FC Barcelona should win their groups, two of the three European teams would then meet in the semi-finals, while the best group winner would probably meet a non-European team with the best runner-up.
SC Magdeburg showed its superiority against the Americans early on. The German champions moved ahead 15:8 to 21:11 and were already leading 28:14 at halftime. In the second period, the Magdeburg team only conceded seven goals, but scored 29 themselves. With a 12-0 run, the German champions raced to 45:16 and ultimately won 57:21. “We are looking forward to the rest of the tournament because we now have the feeling that we have really arrived,” said Bennet Wiegert.
“It’s the first time I’ve played against an American team. That’s why today was a special game. We got a very clear mandate from our coach: every goal in this competition is important, that’s why it was today “It was a must for us, but we did it very well,” said Lukas Mertens, who became the top goalscorer with 16 goals. SCM newcomer Antonio Serradilla was named best player of the game. The defensive specialist converted thirteen of his fourteen throws.
Already this afternoon (September 29th, 2 p.m. – Live in Paystream at Solidsport) SC Magdeburg will face Asian champion Khaleej in the second preliminary round game, who won their opening game against the California Eagles on Friday with a similar score of 48:25. Unlike the US team at the start, the Saudi club is no stranger to SC Magdeburg. They met in the preliminary round of the last two editions of the tournament.
» Liveticker SC Magdeburg – Khaleej
