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HC Alkaloid is preparing for the rematch against Bundesliga side TSV Hannover-Burgdorf in the EHF European League qualifiers. The first leg ended in a loss for Alkaloid (37-27), and the team now faces the challenge of overturning that deficit to earn a spot in the group stage. Head coach Kiril Lazarov previewed the upcoming clash with the German squad, which spent much of last season leading the world’s strongest league.

“We have the rematch in the European League qualifiers against Hannover, a team that speaks for itself. They were leaders in the world’s top league for over eight months last season and this year they have strengthened with experienced players. I’m disappointed we lost by an unrealistic and unexpected ten-goal margin. Saturday is special because we’ll also lift the European Cup we won last year with our Macedonian team, a club that has been in the Super League for three years, another one in the First League, and is built on Macedonian players. It’s not ideal to lift a trophy with a ten-goal deficit from Germany, but we’ll adjust and enjoy the moment as much as we can before the match, and on the court we’ll demonstrate Macedonian handball with pride. I want a complete performance. I told the players we need to leave our hearts on the court, for ourselves, the project, and the fans. I was a bit disappointed, lost some sleep over it, but that’s sport. It’s a shame the Macedonian public couldn’t see how we played in Germany and that we didn’t deserve a ten-goal defeat. Hannover is in full Bundesliga rhythm, so this will be a big learning experience. I hope we play a full, solid game, and after 60 minutes we’ll see the outcome. Regardless of our hopes, this is a top-class opponent,” said Lazarov.

Speaking for HC Alkaloid ahead of the rematch, captain Igor Gjorgiev emphasized that the team won’t give up and promised maximum effort on every ball.

“After the duel in Germany against Hannover, we now face the home leg in front of our fans. In the first match, as a team, we had a bad day, especially in finishing clear chances and penalties, which is unacceptable against a squad like theirs. The deficit is big, but we won’t give up at any point. With our fans behind us, we’ll fight. Before the match, we’ll also receive last year’s European Cup trophy, so I invite everyone to join us in celebrating first, and then to be our eighth player,” said Gjorgiev.

Pivot Valentin Karasmanakis also spoke at the press conference:

“We had a bad team day with technical mistakes. Now the rematch is here. All we can do is give 100% on the court and, if the chance arises, improve on our previous performance and wait for the outcome. I call on the fans to give us their full support,” said Karasmanakis.

The rematch between HC Alkaloid and TSV Hannover-Burgdorf is set for Saturday at 19:30 in the Avtokomanda Arena. The match will feature a special moment for Alkaloid as they receive last year’s EHF European Cup trophy, won over AEK Athens in the final.

The refereeing duo comes from Romania: Mihai Marian Pirvu and Radu Mihail Potirniche, with Mihail Bashev from Bulgaria as match delegate. The winner of this tie will advance to Group E of the EHF European League, joining Fredericia (Denmark), Tatran Presov (Slovakia), and Savehof/Malmo (Sweden).