Flood of goals, no decision
Both home sides netted a dozen goals apiece but the visitors also managed to reach double digits so nothing has been decided in the first leg of the semis.
In a brilliant match with plenty of twists and turns Montenegrin Jadran beat Ferencvaros (HUN) by a single goal. The hosts led 5-2 in the second period but the Hungarians climbed back and in the third they took the lead at 8-9. Next came Jadran with three straight goals and went 12-10 up later but the visitors pulled one back – a bit interesting that after the flood of goals the last 3:39 minutes didn’t see any.
The other semi also offered a thrilling finish. Oradea (ROU) came up with a great performance and led by three goals in the third period (5-8) to stun the home fans in Verona. They were still 8-10 up after scoring from their first attack, however, the finish belonged to the hosts as they netted four unanswered goals which put them in a fine position before the return leg.
1st leg
Jadran Carine Herceg Novi (MNE) v Ferencvaros Budapest (HUN) 12-11
SM Verona (ITA) v DiGi Oradea (ROU) 12-10
Second leg is to played on 18 February
For play-by-play action and detailed stats in the Champions League Water Polo and Euro Cup Water Polo, visit the LEN website (www.len.eu).
Source: LEN