HC Alkaloid is entering its second season in Europe. After last year’s performance in the EHF European League, where they secured their first-ever victory and earned their first point away, this season, HC Alkaloid will compete in the EHF European Cup.

The club has ambitions to go as far as possible in these knockout battles, starting with a clash against Lithuanian vice-champions Klaipeda Dragunas. The Lithuanian side has big ambitions this year, having brought in a Spanish coach to bolster their title aspirations. Dragunas also has high hopes for making a deep run in the European Cup. A press conference was held where HC Alkaloid’s head coach Kiril Lazarov and captain Igor Gjorgjiev addressed the media.

Kiril Lazarov: “We are facing a new challenge in the European Cup. Specifically, we have a rival that might not seem relevant to us, but they are certainly dangerous. They come from a tricky school, and with a Spanish coach at the helm, Klaipeda is visibly improving. If we compare them to last year, I’d say, without exaggeration, they’re about 35% better. So, I’m cautious with my predictions. Along with my team and players, we know this is a home-and-away knockout system, not a group stage, so we have to be very careful. From the information we have, this is a team that scores a lot of goals, averaging over 40 in most of their matches. They play at a high tempo, no matter the opponent. We’re staying grounded, preparing well, and I can promise we won’t underestimate them. I expect a quality match, exciting handball for the fans. I invite everyone to come to the Avtokomanda arena and support this young Macedonian team.”

Igor Gjorgjiev: “After a fantastic start to the season, where we’ve racked up seven wins, we now face a European Cup match against a team from Lithuania. We’ve analyzed our opponent over the past period. We gained experience in the European League last year, but this season we’ll be playing in the European Cup, which has a different format. Our first game is at home, and whenever we play in front of our fans, we aim to be at our best. As captain, I can assure you the team is ready. Our roster is the same as last year, but we’ve added a few new players. I call on the fans to support us, and I’m hopeful for a victory.”

Heading into their first European challenge, HC Alkaloid is in excellent form. Domestically, they’ve already lifted the Super Cup and have seven wins out of seven games played in the Super League, including a derby win against vice-champions Vardar 1961.

As a reminder, the EHF European Cup operates under a different system compared to the European League. A total of 74 teams entered the competition, with 64 progressing to the second round, where they will face off in knockout rounds until a new champion is crowned. The reigning champions, Valur, defeated Greek side Olympiacos in last year’s final. However, Valur won’t defend their title as they’re competing in the EHF European League this season, while Olympiacos remains in the Cup.

HC BISINOV FRUITLAND – HC ALKALOID 22-40 (9-18)

Venue: Gemidjii in Veles. Referees: Sasho Jankuloski and Martin Jovanovski. Controller: Dushko Kamishevski

HC BISINOV FRUITLAND: Paunov, Dimov 1, Stojanovski 1, Trajkovski 5, Ivchevski, Ivanov, Dimitrov 1, Zarov, Tabakov, Siljanov, Solev, Iliev 7, Ristevski 2, Stojmenov 1, Onchev 4, Mitrevski

Seven-meter throws: 4/5 Suspensions: 6 min

HC ALKALOID: Kizikj, Galevski, Djonov 3, Petrov 2, Markoski, Kosteski 1, Mladenovikj, Serafimov 5, Karasmanakis 1, Mitev 7, Velkovski 2, Simonovski 4, Bingo 2, Silva 4, Petkovski 6, Savrevski 3

Seven-meter throws: 1/2 Suspensions: –

HC Alkaloid clinched its seventh straight victory in the Super League this year, comfortably defeating HC Bisinov Fruitland on the away court in Veles. With this win, HC Alkaloid has risen to the top of the standings, pending the result of Sunday’s derby between HC Eurofarm Pelister and CHC Ohrid in Bitola.

The score swiftly rose to 7-2 as HC Alkaloid got off to a stronger start tonight in Veles, demonstrating an instantaneous contrast in gameplay between the two teams. The match slowed down after that, but the gap persisted, with their lead hovering between four and five goals. The Veles team briefly narrowed the gap to three (8-11), but HC Alkaloid responded decisively with a 5-0 run, pushing the advantage to eight (16-8), the largest lead thus far in the game.

At halftime, the score was 9-18.

For the first time during the game, the lead was extended to 10 goals with first goal following the break. The score remained steady until the middle of the second half. Alkaloid’s dominance and readiness became increasingly apparent as the game went on, allowing them to widen the gap further, ultimately securing a 40-22 victory.

HC ALKALOID – HC STRUGA 35-20 (17-7)

Venue: Avtokomanda in Skopje. Referees: Rubin Sedloski and Goran Angeleski. Supervisor: Ilija Cvetkoski

HC ALKALOID: Kizikj, Trajkoski, Djonov 2, Petrov, Kosteski 13, Mladenovikj 4, Serafimov 1, Karasmanakis 1, Stojkovikj 1, Gjorgiev 2, Velkovski 1, Simonovski, Bingo 5, Silva 2, Petkovski 1, Savrevski 2

Seven-meter throws: 2/3 Suspensions: 6 min

HC STRUGA: Tutenkoski, Mechkaroski, Djigeroski 2, Naumoski, Klenkovski, Jankulovski, Klenjoski, Simonoski, Velikikjeski, Mateski, Saveski 2, F. Mechkaroski 4, Kostoski 3, Mijuskovic 6, Pajkoski 3, S. Mechkaroski

Seven-meter throws: 3/3 Suspensions: 8 min

With their sixth straight victory in as many games, HC Alkaloid maintained their unbeaten streak in the Super League. The Struga team traveled to Avtokomanda for the sixth round’s last match, where Alkaloid claimed a resounding victory.

Living up to their status as favorites, HC Alkaloid took control early, racing to a commanding seven-goal lead (9-2) within the opening minutes. They maintained that cushion with ease, steadily increasing the advantage. Winger Nikola Kosteski was the most efficient player in the first half, netting an impressive nine goals as the team went into halftime with a 17-7 lead.

The score was more evenly distributed in the second half, with Alkaloid consistently holding an 8-10 goal advantage. In the closing stages of the second half, however, they went on a commanding 9-1 run, sealing the match with a dominant 15-goal margin.

In the upcoming round, HC Alkaloid will face HC Bisinov Fruitland away, followed by their first home game in the EHF Cup against Lithuania’s Klaipeda Dragunas.

CHC Tikvesh – HC Alkaloid 25-31 (13-19)

Venue: Jasmin in Kavadarci. Referees: Nenad Nikolovski and Ismail Metalari. Delegate: Dragan Nachevski

CHC Tikvesh: Arsic, Velkov, Anastasovski 3, Petreski, Mijatovic 3, Temelkoski, Sokolov, Kofilovski 2, Dimovski, Lazov, Manaskov 2, Kocev 2, Letic, Krivokapic 3, Danevski, Obina 7

Seven-meter throws: 7/8 Suspensions: 6 min

HC Alkaloid: Kizikj, Galevski, Djonov 2, Markoski, Kosteski 3, Mladenovikj, Serafimov 5, Karasmanakis 1, Stojkovikj 2, Mitev 6, Gjorgiev 2, Velkovski 4, Simonovski 1, Bingo 1, Silva 1, Petkovski 3

Seven-meter throws: 4/6 Suspensions: 8 min

With a dominant away performance against CHC Tikvesh in Kavadarci, HC Alkaloid increased their winning streak in the Super League to five straight wins. Kavadarci has traditionally been a tough opponent for HC Alkaloid, especially when Tikvesh plays at home. Even though there weren’t many thrilling score changes in today’s game, it was undoubtedly a gritty battle with occasionally aggressive duels.

From the outset, HC Alkaloid took control of the first half. After taking a quick 3-1 lead, Kiril Lazarov’s squad maintained a steady one- or two-goal cushion throughout the period. As the match wore on, Alkaloid’s superior preparedness and cohesive play began to show. In the final ten minutes of the half, their dominance increased, extending the advantage to a maximum of six goals (19-13).

HC Alkaloid did not have a good start to the second half, as their efficiency dipped. The home team capitalized, reducing the deficit by three goals in the opening eight minutes (16-19), thanks to a few failed shots by our squad, including two penalty misses.

But this run was short-lived. The offense gained pace thanks to Alkaloid’s strong defense, pushing the lead to seven by the 45th minute (24-17). Due to HC Alkaloid’s momentary lack of focus, the home team was able to rally for a 4-0 run, reducing the deficit to 21-25. Tikvesh even had a chance to close the gap to two at one point, but that uncomfortable moment was short-lived. After taking back control, HC Alkaloid established a commanding five-goal advantage, closing the match with a 31–25 win.

The specially designed T-shirts with the theme of individual energy as an expression through the theory of color, symbolized the entry pass for the picnic, through which Alkaloid employees and friends have donated approximately 2 million denars to date. Alkaloid AD Skopje continued its humanitarian mission at the 10th consecutive donor event, following a pause of several years due to pandemic restrictions. The humanitarian picnic was organized under the auspices of the Trajche Mukaetov Foundation, in the presence of the employees, their family members and their friends.

The players of HC Alkaloid participated in the event, adding to the humanitarian picnic with their presence.

“Today we marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10th anniversary of collective solidarity at this gathering, which has grown into a festival of humanity for all Alkaloid employees. Around three thousand of our colleagues and friends donated funds through the Trajche Mukaetov Foundation, which will be directed to SOS Children’s Village. We began a strategic partnership with this organization in 2022 with the goal of facilitating the current costs for the children under their care, providing educational support, access to professional counseling, and similar, because every child deserves a happier and more carefree childhood.”

The Director of Funds and Communications of SOS Children’s Village, Silvija Brajovikj, noted: “For the past three years we have shared a wonderful partnership with Alkaloid, which not only demonstrates their commitment as a company, but also their genuine care for the most vulnerable in our community – children without parental care. The donation marks the continuation of the 3rd year of godparenthood and support for one foster family, covering daily living expenses and the developmental needs of the children, who receive not only material support, but also love, security and a sense of belonging.”

Alkaloid’s collaboration with the Macedonian branch of SOS Children’s Village began in 2022 when one of the houses at their site in the Chento settlement was named the Becutan House, with the company covering its operational costs. In 2023, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Becutan brand, a percentage of sales from this children’s collection was allocated with more than 2 million denars being collected and donated for this organization. SOS Children’s Village currently cares for nearly 500 children and youth in the country, who lack parental care or are at risk of losing their parents. The organization operates on the principle of donations from individuals, companies, institutions and various forms of partnerships. Anyone can donate, and the donated funds are used exclusively for the needs of the children in care.

Link for donations: https://sos.org.mk/doniraj-33/

HC MULTI ESSENCE – HC AERODROM 49-25 (19-12)

Venue: Avtokomanda in Skopje. Referees: Damjan Savikj and Marko Ognjanovski. Delegate: Motko Gjorgievski.
HC MULTI ESSENCE: G. Trajkovski, Popovski 8, Gjokeski 4, Angelevski 2, Nasevski 4, Ilievski 1, Pecanovski 3, Krstevski 2, Nikolovski 2, Stojkov 12, Gurmeshevikj 3, J. Trajkovski 4, Tevdovski 1, Petreski 2, Stojchevski 1. Seven-meter throws: 4/4. Suspensions: 8 min.

HC AERODROM: Ilievski, Nakov 1, Gulevski, Ninovski 5, Kjurchiev 4, Petroevski, Kostadinovski 1, Zafirovski 3, Todorovski, Ilievski, Simonovski 1, Panchevski 3, Guric, Milenkovski, Bosilkovski 3, Ristovski 4.
Seven-meter throws: 6/8. Suspensions: 10 min.

HC Multi Essence defeated HC Aerodrom by a decisive margin of 24 goals (49-25), earning their second victory of the season.

Despite the final score, the first half was closely contested for an extended period, until the score reached 11-10. Gradually, the exceptional preparation and quality of HC Multi Essence began to shine through. With a run of 8-2 towards the end of the first half, our team pulled ahead to lead 19-12 at halftime.

The second half was a completely different story. The tension of the score dissipated as HC Multi Essence took control of the match. Scoring runs became more extended, and the lead continued to grow, with HC Multi Essence outscoring their opponents by 17 goals in this half. The final score was 49-25, keeping HC Multi Essence at the top of the table while waiting for all results from the second round to be finalized.

In the next round, HC Multi Essence will face HC Eurofarm Pelister 2 in a derby match away in Bitola.