Limoges Handball: A Tale of Twists, Turns, and Twinkies
In the European League, Limoges lost 27-31 at home against the Swiss Kadetten Schaffhausen. A damaging defeat for Alberto Entrerrios’ men who will absolutely have to win in Switzerland next week to continue their adventure in the European Cup.
Ah, Limoges Handball! Known for their attacks that could dazzle but also for defense lapses that can leave you second-guessing your love for the sport. Last night, the home crowd expecting a victory instead got an emotional rollercoaster that could rival the best of amusement parks—minus the fun and with way more heartbreak!
Now, let’s break this down. Initially, our heroic Limoges side strolled into the match like they owned the joint, only to find the Swiss were ready with their defensive Swiss cheese—full of holes! But fear not; Captain Hrstic—he of the golden assists—decided to channel his inner magician in the 16th minute, giving Limoges a lead (9-8). A little sliver of hope – like finding a fiver in an old jacket, but alas, that jubilation was short-lived.
The first half had its moments where the Limoges players looked focused and fierce, like a pack of wolves hunting down unguarded sheep… or, well, Swiss players. But shout out to Dino Slavic—the keeper on fire! The man made enough saves to have his own highlight reel. In fact, if he was any hotter, we’d have to call the fire department!
As they headed to halftime with a lovely three-goal cushion (16-13), it was like they were sitting pretty at the top of a rollercoaster just before the plummet. And plummet they did! A balanced start to the second half turned into a comedy of errors, where Limoges seemed to forget how to score and their opponent decided to remember every rugby tackle from the last century.
And just like that, it was 23-23. One minute you’re on the edge of glory, the next you’re at the bottom of the “What’s going on?” pit. Kadetten took the lead (23-24), and Slavic no longer seemed like a superhero—more like the guy who forgot where he put his cape. The Limoges players, bless them, looked worn out, as if they had run a marathon on a weekend binge—after eight matches in just over three weeks, we get it; they’ve gone from *athletic’* to *athlumphing*!
As the match came to a close, Limoges bowed down to their fans—who came out full of hopes and dreams and went home full of regrets. The third defeat in a row stings, and now they face a challenging away trip to Switzerland next week. But fear not! All they need is a miracle, a gallon of caffeine, and a pep talk that would make even the most inspiring coach raise an eyebrow.
They have their work cut out for them against Ivry this coming Saturday. One can only hope this team finds its spark, recovers its mental and physical zest, and returns to being the powerhouse it can be. Because right now, it feels like they’re playing a game of “What could go wrong, will go wrong!”
In the European League, Limoges lost 27-31 at home against the Swiss Kadetten Schaffhausen. A damaging defeat for Alberto Entrerrios’ men who will absolutely have to win in Switzerland next week to continue their adventure in the European Cup.
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Limoges Handball quickly got back into their match, even if it was the Swiss from Kadetten who were in the lead during the first quarter of an hour. Then, the teammates of captain Hrstic, imperial in the axis of defense with his friend Kusan, took control of the match with a goal from Seif el Deraa in the 16th minute (9-8). The captain of Limoges, who, in addition to defending like a devil, puts his partners in orbit by distributing “cakes” of assists.
A first half where we felt the LH players determined and concentrated without ever panicking against the Swiss who quickly found themselves lacking solutions and inspiration. Without forgetting one of the great architects of this first half: Dino Slavic, the Limouge goalkeeper on fire this Tuesday evening, author of numerous saves. It is partly thanks to him that his team was able to make a break before the break. Limoges returned to the locker room with a three-goal lead at half-time (16-13).
The start of the second half is balanced, the LH maintains its lead at three goals, but the Swiss hold on and stay in the game after ten minutes of play. Kadetten returns to the tie sixteen minutes from time 23-23 and takes the advantage 23-24 a minute later never to be caught again. Limoges can no longer do it, Salvic no longer releases the ball. The Swiss set the record straight during this second act by defending better.
Finally, Limoges bowed to its audience (almost sold out), who still came in large numbers and were inevitably disappointed. A Limoges certainly lacking mental and physical freshness, which undoubtedly pays for the diabolical sequence of recent weeks with eight matches in just over three weeks.
A defeat that hurts, the third in a row for the LH in a week, but which still preserves its chances of qualification. To do this, we will have to win the next three matches, starting with the one in Switzerland next week. A complicated trip after this Tuesday’s meeting, but not impossible.
Before that, the LH will have to face Ivry, Saturday October 26 in Beaublanc, on behalf of the eighth day of Liqui Moly Starligue.
