News

HC ALKALOID – TSV HANNOVER BURGDORF 28-29 (14-14)

Venue: Avtokomanda in Skopje. Referees: Mihai Pirvu and Radu Potirniche from Romania. Delegate: Mihail Bashev from Bulgaria

HC ALKALOID: Kizikj (3 saves), Galevski (13 saves), Djonov, Þordarsson 7, Serafimov, Karasmanakis 1, Stojkovikj 2, Gjorgiev 2, Velkovski, Simonoski, Ivanovski, Kosteski 5, Petkovski, Mitev 2, Borzas 8, Alarov 1

Seven-meter throws: 1/5 Suspensions: 4 min.

TSV HANNOVER BURGDORF: Birlehm (17 saves), Gade, Tissier 2, Poulsen 7, Orlov 1, Steinhauser 5, Michalczik 3, Aho 1, Stutzke 1, Solstad, Fischer 8, Feise, Weber, Rodriguez

Seven-meter throws: 3/3 Suspensions: 12 min.

German side TSV Hannover Burgdorf were the overall winners of the two-legged duel, defeating HC Alkaloid again in Skopje (28–29) to advance further. Fired up to prove themselves, the players of HC Alkaloid delivered a fierce contest, with a pace worthy of the Bundesliga. The Germans embraced that style, giving the fans a rare chance to enjoy handball at full speed, with all the beauty and setbacks such a game brings.

Once again spurred by the saves of goalkeeper Birlehm, Hannover took the early initiative, pulling ahead by two (4-2). The match picked up rhythm, but the visitors adjusted perfectly, building leads of 9-6 and later 12-6. The character of HC Alkaloid’s players was tested, and they rose to the challenge. Ivan Galevski had a brilliant first half, balance was restored, and we finally saw the blue-and-white in full flight, erasing a six-goal deficit in 15 minutes and heading into halftime level at 14-14.

In the second half, HC Alkaloid conceded three in a row, but quickly struck back with five unanswered goals, turning the scoreboard to 19-17 in their favor. From there it was a back-and-forth battle, with the score tied at 20-20 and again at 27-27. A fourth missed penalty by Alkaloid proved costly, however, giving the German side just enough of a cushion in the closing minutes to secure victory in Skopje.