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HC ALKALOID – RUNAR SANDEFJORD 42-37 (21-20)

Venue: Avtokomanda in Skopje. Referees: Georgios Panayides and Marios Andreou from Cyprus.

Delegate: Vladimir Sokol from Croatia

HC ALKALOID: Kizikj (3 saves), Galevski (4 saves), Djonov 6, Markoski, Mladenovikj, Serafimov 10, Karasmanakis 4, Stojkovikj 4, Gjorgiev 4, Velkovski 2, Ivanovski 3, Bingo 1, Francisco 2, Petkovski 4, Mitev 1, Savrevski

Seven-meter throws: 6/7 Suspensions: 4 min

RUNAR SANDEFJORD: Bjørnstad (2 saves), Tryggestad (6 saves), Økern 1, Gurrich 3, Gram, Rambo 11, Haugen, Bøe, Lindell 3, Bergli, Rivesjö 4, Myklebust 5, Sjursen, Knutsen 7, Venemyr, Wulvik 4

Seven-meter throws: 2/3  Suspensions: 10 min

HC Alkaloid defeated the Norwegian side Runar Sandefjord with 42-37 in the first leg of the EHF European Cup semi-final. The match took place in Skopje, with the return fixture scheduled next week in Norway. The aggregate winner will advance to the grand final of the European competition.

The game between HC Alkaloid and Runar Sandefjord exceeded expectations in intensity and pace, with both teams emphasizing fast-break transitions that produced a high number of attacks and goals. Our side adapted better to the trademark Scandinavian style.

Runar enjoyed a slightly better start and luck early on, as HC Alkaloid struck the framework twice in the opening attacks. This saw the visitors lead 3-1 and then 4-2, but Alkaloid quickly consolidated, scoring twice to level at 4-4 before taking control.

In the ensuing goal-for-goal phase, the visitors resorted to attacking with seven players, further challenging Alkaloid’s defense.

After 20 minutes of play, HC Alkaloid led by three goals (15-12), but the Norwegian side fought back to trail by just one at halftime (21-20).

The visiting side peaked in the 40th minute when they led 29-27. Thereafter, HC Alkaloid ramped up their defense and unleashed a 3-0 mini-run to regain the lead.

On two occasions during the match HC Alkaloid failed to convert opportunities for plus four goals, but they finally achieved it at 36-32 for the first time. A fierce battle then ensued to defend that margin, and when Runar’s 7-on-6 push was punished with an empty-net goal, Alkaloid extended the lead to 41-36. Each team scored once more to complete the final 42-37 scoreline.

Martin Serafimov topped HC Alkaloid with 10 goals, and Ivan Djonov was perfect with seven from seven. Veteran Christoffer Rambo led all scorers with 11 goals.

Next, HC Alkaloid return to domestic action on Tuesday in the Macedonian Super League against HC Butel Skopje, before heading to Norway for the semi-final rematch.