Mission accomplished
Fifteen years after the first and only appearence, Gomel can celebrate the qualification at Superfinals
Gomel won a capital game against host Lyon and
can celebrate the qualification for the Superfinals, fifteen years after the
only appearance in the European competition, when the club hosted the
Superfinals, won by Slovan Bratislava. Lyon tries to surprise the opponent with
an aggressive start, trying to prevent Belarussian team to take the control of
the game. Home team opens the score in the first power play with a perfect shot
of Martins Lavrovs,, having more chances with Llorca and Mickevits, stopped by
Bobariko. Gomel is evidently surprised, failing to find the right countermeasures,
suffering the precise and quick passes of French team-
A big save by Bobariko on Mickevits opens the
central period with Lyon earning three consecutive power plays, including a
double superiority, not turning into a goal, despite various attempts. Gomel can
breathe and reorganizing the lines, finding the net at 26:30 with Nikolai
Suslo, well assisted by Evgeny Salomonov. The good momentum of Gomel continues
also in the third period: helped by a mistake of Lyon defence, Aleksandr Zhidkikh
can easily score the second goal after 30 seconds. Lyon has immediately the
chance to tie the game but Lavrovs’ shot is blocked by Bobariko. Lyon lost the
stamina and the determination showed in the first period, an expert team as
Gomel can control the game avoiding big risks for Bobariko. With three minutes
to play Lyon earns a key power play, has chances with Lavrovs and Ferry,
without be able to break through Belarussian wall.