News

SSV BRIXEN – HC ALKALOID 32-44 (18-23)

Venue: South Brixen in Brixen, Italy. Referees: Yves Schols (Netherlands) and Stephen Martens (Belgium). Delegate: Boris Vukasinovic (Serbia).

SSV BRIXEN: Voliuvach, Azzolin 3, Della Vecchia 1, Arcieri 7, Vinicius 8, Canete 4, E. Iballi 1, A. Iballi 3, Sader 1, Bashic 4, Miloger, Puntaier, Sozio, Oberhollenzer, Lubinati.

Seven-meter throws: 5/8. Suspensions: 6 minutes.

HC ALKALOID: Kizikj (12 saves), Galevski (2 penalties saved + 6 saves), Djonov, Markoski, Mladenovikj 1, Serafimov 6, Karasmanakis 2, Stojkovikj, Mitev 7, Gjorgiev 7, Velkovski 4, Ivanovski 2, Bingo 4, Francisco 4, Petkovski 6, Savrevski 1.

Seven-meter throws: 1/1. Suspensions: 6 minutes.

HC Alkaloid is one step closer to the EHF European Cup quarterfinals after tonight’s match in Italy, where they defeated home side SSV Brixen by a convincing 12-goal margin.

Inspired by a massive contingent of Macedonian fans from the diaspora, armed with an arsenal of supporter gear, HC Alkaloid got off to an impressive start with an early 5-0 lead. The solid defensive work and well-analyzed tactics against the opponent set the tone for the game.

The match was played at a high tempo, leading to errors on both sides, but the scoreline remained firmly in HC Alkaloid’s favor throughout the first half. They punished the opposition’s mistakes with rapid counterattacks and transition goals, spearheaded by Bingo and Petkovski, while Marko Mitev led the positional play. Martin Velkovski delivered an excellent first-half performance, and Francisco E. Silva also made a strong contribution.

The goalkeepers were equally impressive; Kizikj recorded eight saves, and Galevski successfully blocked both penalties awarded to the home team.

In the second half, played at an even quicker pace, HC Alkaloid extended their lead to 26-19, although the home side fought hard to reduce the gap. Igor Gjorgiev had excellent game, while Coach Lazarov rotated the squad effectively, giving every handballer ample opportunity on the court.

As time passed, HC Alkaloid grew increasingly confident. Their well-organized finish provided a substantial boost for the blue and white team, with more players stepping up to push the lead into double digits, ultimately finishing the match with a 44-32 victory.

HC Alkaloid’s players, along with the passionate Macedonian fans filling the arena, celebrated this monumental win. The return match, which will confirm their progression to the quarterfinals, is scheduled for next week in Skopje.