Reigning champs Telekom Veszprem have on Monday evening managed to make a step towards qualifying for the final tournament with an away win in Nasice 33:35 (18:22).

Hosts opened the match very well against, at least on paper, big favorites from Hungary. After Telekom Veszprem's initial 5:7 lead Nexe managed to score four in a row led by Fran Mileta and Halil Jaganjac who scored seven each in first 30 minutes of the fame. A little less than ten minutes before the half-time whistle Nexe were five goals ahead (16:11) but only three minutes later their advantage melted completely. We all know how costly mistakes on the attacking side of the court can be against Hungarians and they showed it once again completely turning the result over and going to the half-time break with a four-goal lead (18:22).

Nexe were able to narrow the gap again in the middle of the second even taking the lead later on. Seven minutes before the final buzzer result was 31:29 in favor of the home team. Guests however once again managed to stay calm waiting for Nexe’s mistakes and punishing them effortlessly in the end securing 33:35 advantage after the first leg.

Gasper Marguc led his team offensively in this one with nine from just as much attempts. Halil Jaganjac on the other side scored 10 while Fran Mileta added eight.

Second leg is scheduled for Thursday in Veszprem Arena.