Champions | Zodiac CNAB vence a Jadran y KEIO Sabadell se queda sin opciones
KEIO Sabadell couldn't make the upset and fell in Greece against Olympiacos (15-11). With this defeat, Quim Colet's team says goodbye to their chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals with one round remaining to finish the group stage of the Champions League. On the other hand, Zodiac CNAB maintains a perfect record after defeating Jadran Herceg Novi (20-8).
The team from the Vallès region started well. Playing head-to-head against Olympiacos in an intense exchange in the first two quarters. The Greek team always had the initiative, but KEIO Sabadell responded instantly. Alexander Bowen scored to make it 3-3 at the end of the first eight minutes. In the second quarter, the back-and-forth continued until Bowen's 6-6. From there, a 2-0 run for the home team, who reached halftime leading 8-6.
After the break, despite not completely losing sight of the game, Colet's team was always playing catch-up. Zalanki and Kakaris put the score at 11-7, and Fountoulis seemed to seal the deal at 12-7. It was very tough for the Vallès team, who entered the final eight minutes four goals down (13-9). Averka reduced the lead, but Olympiacos responded right away and closed the match at 15-11.
On the other hand, Zodiac CNAB, already mathematically qualified and virtually guaranteed as the group leader, played in front of their home crowd at Sant Sebastià to maintain a perfect record. The Montenegrins started strong and kept pace (3-3). After Sladovic's 3-4, Zodiac CNAB tightened up and went on a 5-0 run after Felipe Perrone's 8-4.
After the break, with the match under control, the sailors enjoyed themselves. Álvaro Granados scored to make it 12-5, burying any chances for the Balkan team. Fatovic's team kept hammering away until the final x-x scoreline. A spectacular group stage for the team from Barcelona.
RFEN Communication. Photo: Sanahuja, during the clash between Zodiac CNAB and Jadran / CNAB
