Sporting wins the European League – Handball

The Lions, relentless in their visit to Fuchs Berlin, prevailed 32-31 and advanced to the main round

Sporting Sporting made history with its victory (32-31), today, Tuesday, over Foch Berlin, Germany, in the second round of Group Four of the main round of the European League. The Lions rose to the lead, equal on points with the German cup holders, and practically qualified for the round of 16, with the possibility of advancing directly to the quarter-finals if they won the series.

Foucher Berlin, the leaders of the German League, surprised the first half, taking advantage of Sporting's many technical errors and some of its lack of defensive effectiveness, and relied on quick transitions, reaching the end of the first half with a very comfortable lead (19-13).

But in extra time, the Lions were transformed, with Leo Maciel (7 goals) making great saves and Martim Costa (12 goals) making great finishes.

With a score of 8-2, Sporting tied (21-21, at the 39th minute) and advanced (25-24, at the 46th minute), leading the match that remained balanced until the last minute.

Martim made it 32-31 with 10 seconds left, and it was Fuchs Berlin who had the last attack, winning a free kick from 9 metres, but it failed.

Written by Alexander Rees