Larvik – Buducnost

Larvik and Buducnost will square off in the Women’s Handball Champions League final in Budapest, with both teams being undefeated this season and deserving finalists.

Larvik has actually won all games in this competition, 19 out of 19. Composed almost exclusively of domestic players, it could be argued that Larvik had an easier road to the finals than Buducnost, with only Gyor as a worthy opponent in the main round group stage – but a Gyor side that was much weaker than in the last two years. Especially after the group stage, Larvik met Thuringer in the QF and Volgograd in the semis yesterday, both sides clearly not cut out for this level.

Buducnost has 17 wins and 2 draws this year but has a better team than Larvik, both player by player and tactically. The Montenegro side had a fantastic showing yesterday in the semifinals, routing Vardar 27 – 17, giving a schooling to arguably the second best team in Women’s Handball. Vardar was actually the second favorite to win the trophy before the semis, despite being underdogs against Buducnost and Larvik being virtually qualified to the final due to having an easy game against Volgograd.

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It will be interesting to see how the best defense in the world (by far), Buducnost’s defense, will square off against Larvik’s offense, arguably the best in Women’s handball. I fully expect Buducnost to come out on top – defense wins you matches and they also have plenty of options up front, boosting the top scorer in the competition (Neagu). Larvik on the other hand will get into big trouble if they can’t score as often as they usually do, because their defense is not good enough to stop Neadgu & co.

Larvik is undoubtedly a very good side, but I feel the current odds for Buducnost are mostly an effect of the unbelievable stats Larvik posted this season. These are a bit misleading as the Norwegian side will have its first big, real test today against Buducnost, by far the best team they met this season. The Montenegro side is the better team, they played a perfect game yesterday against Vardar and should win this one with goals to spare. They are knocking on the door in the last two years and now, with a stronger and more cohesive side, they have all arguments to finally reclaim the Champions League trophy.

My tip is Buducnost to win with a 1,5 goal handicap and I`m also counting of the experience they gained from losing last year to Gyor, with experience being a huge factor in a match like this. Prediction: Larvik – Buducnost 20-24.

Pick: Buducnost -1,5
Odds: 1.75 @ Unibet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6
Event date: 10 May