DistantNews
Powerful Kiel Falls, Europe Buzzes About Sensation from Našice: 'We Are No Longer Underdogs!'
🇭🇷 Croatia /Sports

Powerful Kiel Falls, Europe Buzzes About Sensation from Našice: 'We Are No Longer Underdogs!'

From Večernji List · (5m ago) Croatian Positive tone

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • RK Nexe achieved a significant 33:30 victory against the powerful German team Kiel in the first leg of the Euroleague quarterfinals.
  • Key players Tin Lučin with nine goals and goalkeeper Marcel Jastrzębski with 11 saves were instrumental in the win.
  • Despite the strong lead, RK Nexe acknowledges the challenge of the return leg in Kiel, with Domagoj Duvnjak returning to his native Slavonia.

The roar of the crowd in Našice was more than just noise; it was a palpable force propelling RK Nexe to one of the greatest victories in the club's European history. Defeating the formidable German club Kiel 33:30 in the first leg of the Euroleague quarterfinals wasn't just a win; it was a statement of intent. This performance, fueled by the electric atmosphere of a packed hall, showcased the character, bravery, and unwavering belief of the "Gromovi" (Thunderbolts).

My plan is as follows: go to the Croatian Cup final and the Euroleague final tournament, and between those two, secure the Croatian championship playoffs in Zagreb this Saturday.

— Josip ErgovićClub president outlining ambitious goals before the match against Kiel.

While past triumphs against teams like Füchse and Sporting are memorable, this victory carries a special weight. It places Nexe on the cusp of reaching the Euroleague final tournament, a stage they last graced in 2022. This generation, however, seems determined to go further, defying expectations and proving they are no longer underdogs. Club president Josip Ergović's earlier vision of reaching the final now appears remarkably prescient, backed by a team capable of challenging any opponent outside the absolute elite.

I must be honest and say that I am glad to be back here, in my Slavonia. I feel at home, in fact, I am home.

— Domagoj DuvnjakExpressing emotion upon returning to his native Slavonia to play against RK Nexe.

The individual brilliance of Tin Lučin, who netted nine goals, and the near-impenetrable performance of goalkeeper Marcel Jastrzębski, with 11 crucial saves, were pivotal. Yet, this was fundamentally a team victory, a testament to the compact, fighting spirit evident in every player. The return of Croatian handball legend Domagoj Duvnjak to his homeland, now captaining Kiel, added an emotional layer to the match, though he admitted his team was not at its best. As Nexe looks towards the return leg in Kiel, they carry a three-goal advantage, a significant but not insurmountable lead against a team like Kiel. The true test of character awaits.

I must be honest and say that I am glad to be back here, in my Slavonia. I feel at home, in fact, I am home.

— Domagoj DuvnjakAdmitting that his team (Kiel) was not in the best form during the match.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog