The Bidasoa-Irun team suffered a tough defeat in the main phase of the EHF European League, losing in overtime with a score of 32-31 against Limoges. Despite dominating the match and deserving a better outcome, Bidasoa’s efforts were thwarted by a penalty shot in the final minutes. Limoges now ties Bidasoa in the group leadership of the Men’s European League.
The visitors started strong, with a solid defense and outstanding goalkeeping by Leo Maciel. They also found offensive solutions through a choral game, taking the lead early on with a score of 7-10. Although the double exclusion of Jevtic and Esteban Salinas could have given Limoges an advantage, Bidasoa maintained their lead thanks to the active play of the Nieto brothers.
The Gallic team, with a fantastic template, did not give Bidasoa a break. Faruk Yusuf, the Nigerian right side, scored crucial goals to keep Limoges in the game. At halftime, Limoges had a significant advantage, accompanied by excellent sensations. In the second half, Bidasoa continued to find answers in the form of goals, with Esteban Salinas standing out from the pivot. However, Limoges did not lose their momentum, and the end of the match was decided by a last twist in defense, which gave the Basque team a temporary advantage.
With a score of 30-31 in favor of Limoges and only a minute left, Turchenko converted a goal to tie the match. Then, Boskos committed a foul in attack, leaving the last possession for Bidasoa. From seven meters, they took the triumph with the last goal of the match. Unfortunately for Bidasoa, they had two goals in the final stretch but could not materialize the last three attacks, allowing Limoges to escape with the victory. This defeat puts both teams at the top of their group in the European League with the same points.
Technical File
The match details are as follows: Limoges had 32 points, with Slavic and Gauthier as goalkeepers, and players such as Thuillier, Azkue, Turchenko, and Nicolas Nieto contributing to the score. Bidasoa had 31 points, with Leo Maciel and Faílde as goalkeepers, and players like Cavero, Esteban Salinas, and Rodrigo Salinas scoring goals. The marker every five minutes shows a tight match, with Limoges eventually taking the lead. The arbitration was handled by Aleksandar Jovic and Nedim Arnautovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who excluded several players from both teams. The match was played at the Beaublanc Sports Palace in Limoges, France, in front of 4,500 fans.
