After three Men’s European Champions League titles in a row (2009-2011), Borussia Dusseldorf stays without final second consecutive season. Last year they have been surprisingly eliminated in the group stage, while this time they stopped in the semis, by ,
After three Men’s European Champions League titles in a row (2009-2011), Borussia Dusseldorf stays without final second consecutive season. Last year they have been surprisingly eliminated in the group stage, while this time they stopped in the semis, by French champion Chartres.
In both seasons, German side had problems with injuries, but nobody in the club doesn’t want to use as an alibi. Manager Andreas PREUSS, coach Danny HEISTER and the best player Timo BOLL congratulated to Chartres, speaking for club’s website. All are agreeing that first game at France was decisive one (host won 3:1, 11:5 in sets).
“I already said that our chances after first leg are only about five percent, to advance. You have to show two good games if you want to reach the final and this time we didn’t make it. Chartres grabbed his chance with both hands and earned the final. This is a good team, congratulations to Chartres”, said Andreas PREUSS.
Borussia won 3:1 (9:5) in the rematch, playing with young Ricardo WALTHER instead injured Christian SUSS. Coach Danny HEISTER knows that the chances would be much better with SUSS in the line-up, but comments that it wasn’t decisive.
The best European player for years, Timo BOLL won both his games, but Robert GARDOS snatched from him one set in opening clash, which was very important, knowing that in second game GAO Ning will have 99 % 3:0 win against Ricardo WALTHER.
“That’s sport. During the last couple of years we won the trophy, but this time didn’t. Chartres goes to the final while we still have the opportunity to be German champions and now this is our main goal”, said six times European champion Timo BOLL.
Borussia reached its 60th title in total last December, winning German Cup.
Next game in Bundesliga will be last one in regular season. Other MECL participant, FC Saarbrucken arrives at ARAG Center on April 7th. Borussia is on second place (10-3 score) behind Ochsenhausen (11-3) which already played last round.
