CHL preview: EHC Red Bull Munich in the round of 16 second leg in Geneva

Tuesday, 21. November 2023 | CHL preview: EHC Red Bull Munich in the round of 16 second leg in Geneva

Showdown in Geneva: Red Bulls play for a place in the quarter-finalsBittner: "Mentality, team spirit and commitment must be right"// CHL - PRELIMINARY REPORTAll or nothing - just like in the deciding game of a playoff series, only in November: EHC Red Bull Munich plays at Genève-Servette HC on Wednesday (7:45 pm) for a place in the CHL quarter-finals. We won the first leg 3:2.

A week ago, the reigning champions from Germany and Switzerland played out an intense duel. The Red Bulls started with a lot of pressure and maintained the level for almost the entire game (32:18 shots on goal), but Servette remained within striking distance. The Swiss came within one goal in the final minutes. That means we go into the second leg of the Champions League at the Patinoire des Vernets with a one-goal lead.

Highlights: Red Bull München vs. Genève-Servette HC (15.11.2023)

// CHL - HIGHLIGHTS

Swiss champions with Finnish power

Despite their victory in the first leg, coach Toni Söderholm's boys want to approach the game with an open mind. "It's important for us to approach the game as if we're starting from scratch again," says Dominik Bittner and explains: "The mentality, team spirit and commitment have to be right."

The Red Bulls can play decisive games, and so can the Swiss. Geneva proved that a few months ago in the final series against EHC Biel. Servette won game seven and won the title for the first time in the club's history. This season, however, coach Jan Cadieux's team is still lagging behind its championship form. The Eagles are in eighth place in the domestic National League.

In the first round of 16 duel, however, Geneva repeatedly flashed their class. Sakari Manninen was one of the conspicuous players - and not just because of his goal. The world and Olympic champion from Finland was the Swiss' most conspicuous player. He initiated several dangerous situations, once forcing Mathias Niederberger to make a brilliant save.

Mayer's bulwark makes it exciting

The fact that Geneva only conceded three goals was mainly down to Robert Mayer. The Swiss international goalkeeper thwarted several top chances for the Red Bulls and saved his team from a heavier defeat. However, Mayer is not invincible: Nico Krämmer, Chris DeSousa and Ben Smith showed that with their goals in the first leg of the round of 16.

Maxi Kastner has also scored against Mayer. At the last World Championship, he laid the foundation for the DEB team's semi-final appearance. A few days later, Kastner celebrated World Championship silver. He and the Munich team wouldn't mind if the German team were to prevail on Wednesday as well.

The match plan: "We have to manage to establish our forechecking and play aggressive ice hockey for the full 60 minutes. Of course, the aim is to win the game. In the best case scenario, we take an early lead," explains Bittner.

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The first leg of the round of 16 in the premier class in pictures

CHL play-off mode: This is how we progress

The addition of the results from the first and second leg is decisive for progression. This means that after our 3:2 win in the first leg, even a draw after regulation time is enough for us. If Geneva leads by one goal after 60 minutes, the game goes into extra time - and a shootout if necessary. However, we shouldn't lose by two or more goals.