GOG suffered a crushing ten-goal defeat against Sporting CP in the first round of the Champions League last week, but on Wednesday evening, the team from Funen redeemed themselves.
Playing at home in Svendborg, GOG secured a 36-34 victory over Hungary's Pick Szeged following an incredibly tight and intense match that was only decided in the dying moments.
Thanks to this result, GOG put points on the board in the new Champions League format—a system that leaves less room for error than before if a team hopes to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
GOG now have two points, matching Pick Szeged. Sporting sit alone at the top of the four-team group with four points, having beaten Sweden's Kristianstad 37-29 on Wednesday.
The first half of Wednesday's match in Svendborg was evenly contested. The two teams traded leads, but GOG managed to edge ahead just before the halftime whistle, taking an 18-17 advantage.
The second half largely became a test of energy management. The pace was blistering; although GOG quickly opened up a three- or four-goal lead, Pick Szeged kept up the pressure.
Despite moments of brilliance from the Faroese player Oli Mittun, GOG's lead evaporated with five minutes remaining. The Hungarians had the momentum, but a beautiful attacking play finished by winger Lucas Pellas—followed by a botched attack from the visitors—effectively sealed the win for the home side.
Oli Mittun and Swiss player Manuel Zehnder were GOG's leading goal scorers, netting ten goals each.