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Valladolid waltzed through the second league, they were successful mostly thanks to their defense who allowed their opponents to record on average 23.7 goals. Their strength lies in the collective and the feistiness, and even during pre-season they showed that they will be a hard nut to crack. Only Logrono went over 25 goals, after 10 in the first half. If we look at their results after the first half: Logorno 15-10, Guadalajara 11-10, Encantada 16-10, Acanor 20-8, Morrazo 13-10, Zamora 11-11. There were stronger and weaker rivals, we won't count the weak Acanor, but only in the second half of some matches did they crush their rivals. But in the last two pre-seaosn matches, they recorded 21 against Morrazo and 24 against second-league team Zamora. And those were pre-season matches, today's match has a lot more meaning. The first match in the first league, in front of home fans, TV transmission, motive. There should be no lack of action.

Genil last season had the weakest offense of the first league, they barely recorded over 25 per match. The team was taken over by coach Soler, who last year against Antequer played matches at 51-52 on average. With a very similar Valladolid at home 20-25, here in an unimportant match of the last round 23-30. Genil announced that they need to be aggressive and firm in the defense, discipline in the offense and maintaining focus. As for pre-season matches, the main minus for this bet is the last match against Palma del Rio, but goalkeeper Oliva said they made a mistake by getting into the opponents' rhythm, but they learned their lesson. They are capable of playing good defense, at the same time (still without Vasquez) they should have a lot of offensive problems against rivals such as this one. I expect maximum intensity at the start, even nervousness in the first official match, and a very tough one until the end. Details

This match has no greater significance for France, but the one against Iceland a few days ago didn't either so they beat the stronger opponents with 14 goals of difference in a visiting match, they dominated from start to finish. Additionally, selector Krumbholz was unsatisfied with certain segments of the game, primarily missed chances, even some easily allowed goals in the finals, and since the Olympic Games are ahead of us, it seems there won't be relaxing.
The difference in quality is obvious, the first leg was won by France in a visiting match with 28-19. Switzerland had a bad time in a couple of strong visiting matches in the last couple of years. In these qualifications they were beaten by Germany with 29-19, in the last EC qualifications in Serbia with 32-21, and in Sweden with 36-17, also in the final round. The only exception is the minimum defeat in Slovenia (29-30), but that can be attributed to the opponents having a bad night. All the teams are either the same or weaker than France. Their defense will be tough to beat. In the qualifications Switzerland didn't record over 23 goals. In case France repeat Iceland, this should go to 12-15 goals of difference. Details

Panathinaikos lost two games in Thessaloniki and everything will come down to these 40 minutes. Motivation is extremely high, as the fact they forgave the three 'sinners' from Thessaloniki suggests. Even their controversial president says that incident should be forgotten about and that unity is the key now.

Panathianikos covered this handicap in the first two home games of the series (+7 i +14) even though they were not nearly as careful or motivated as they will be today. As for the earlier games, they had a 20-point lead in one after the first half. Granted, Aris were not great back then. PAO had just +1 in the Cup before trashing them in the second half. PAO's approach was not even close to the one they will have today. That second half is just a confirmation that Pao are capable of winning a half by 20 points when completely serious. Also, this PAO are more powerful now than they were back then.
The team from Athens had a few crises this season. The biggest one was after the defeat in Peareus when they responded with 19 wins in 20 games and displayed character. The knock-out to Laboral was a new shock so the coach got sacked. PAO hosted Kolossos at the start of the playoffs and had a 34-14 lead after just one quarter (+18 at half time). I expect their reaction today.

Aris did great things this season but mostly home. They will not have much of a say here. Also, this is the 5th game in 10 days which is more of a problem for his players. When their energy is not top level, they struggle, especially against tough teams. The best example for that was early January when they play a few away games and recorded conviction defeats in Athens, Milan and Berlin. Zdovc's AEK were by 22 and 16 points down in away games in Piareus in playoffs after the first half. I don't see Aris keeping the deficit under 10 here. Details

Pratizan have a single home defeat this season, and Vojvodina were defeated in Sapac last weekend. Because of that I expect them to be motivated today. Partizan only lost to Zvezda at home, but if we look at their matches against stronger teams which earned the playoffs, they have a single win, home one against Sloga. Last weekend the played in Subotica at 24-24, and they were lucky to get the single point. Vojvodina are at this point above them. A new defeat would dampen their tries to defend the title.

When Vojvodina were in a visiting match in the Cup in Pozega or earlier in the season against Spartak in the SEHA League, the odds at their win were 1.25 - 1.30 and I don't see a reason why it's this much higher now. They beat Spartak with 28-25, they beat Partizan in all eight matches in the last three season, it was tight a couple of times, but it's no accident that they always win. I think this match will be at at least two goals of advantage. Details