Maritimo secured their first European League win when they beat FH Hafnarfjörður 37:29 on Tuesday evening. The result moves the Portuguese side to the top of their group for the first time, while the Icelandic visitors remain winless after two matches.
Maritimo had been building momentum in the group stage with a 0:0 draw against Sporting before that victory. To be fair, they had also bounced back from a 30:31 loss to Limoges with a 40:32 win over Bidasoa Irun. This win extends their unbeaten run to three matches and puts them two points clear of the pack.
FH had dug in for two draws so far — a 33:46 defeat to Limoges and a 37:39 loss to Bidasoa Irun — but found a way back into it against Maritimo. By then they were sitting fourth with zero points, and the scoreline suggests they still have work to do.
The match itself offered little drama beyond the final whistle. Maritimo found a way back into it after conceding early, and they kept their heads when the game opened up. The visitors came for a cross he never reached in the second half, but the hosts punished them from a corner when it mattered.
What the result means for the group is straightforward. Maritimo now lead the standings with a positive goal difference, while FH are still searching for their first victory. The gap between them is two points, and the Icelandic side will need to tighten up if they want to stay in touch.
