Valur secured a 38:34 victory over Tataúbánya in the EHF European League on Tuesday evening. The Icelandic side moved to second place in their group after the contest ended with a four-goal margin. Tataúbánya remain in fourth position after drawing both their opening fixtures.
Valur had started the campaign with a 29:34 defeat against Slovan last week before bouncing back against Tor Akureyri with a 40:35 win. Their form since then has been mixed, including a 39:28 victory over Mór and a 33:39 loss to KA. The result tonight keeps them in contention after the draw earlier in the season.
Tataúbánya have not found a way through yet in this competition. They drew 31:31 against Szigetszentmiklósi KSK on Monday and followed that with a 33:35 defeat to Mór. Previous results include a 31:36 loss to Slovan and a narrow 26:27 defeat to Balatonfüred. They had also shared the points in a 24:24 draw with Győr back in September.
By then the Hungarian side had been competitive in their encounters, but this evening Valur made the difference. The hosts took control early and held on through the final period. And here's the thing — they did not let the visitors back into the contest once they established their advantage.
The standings now show Valur with two points from two games, while Tataúbánya sit on zero points after two draws. The Icelandic outfit have opened talks with their supporters, but the real measure will come in the next fixture. Valur hold the tie in their own hands for now.
