Media Guide VELUX EHF Champions League Season 2014/15 Group Phase Title sponsor

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VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPONSORS Table of contents

Foreword 5

Media contacts 6

Map of participating clubs 7

Playing system diagrams - stages and dates 8

Important regulations - scoring of matches and ranking 10

EHF Champions League information 11 ehfTV.com 12

VELUX EHF FINAL4 countdown 14

Facts & Figures of the Group Phase 16

GROUP A

Preview 19

Head-to-heads in the EC 20

THW Kiel 21

HC Metalurg 25

HC Prvo Plinarsko Drustvo Zagreb 29

Naturhouse La Rioja 33

PSG 37

HC Meshkov Brest 41

GROUP B

Preview 45

Head-to-heads in the EC 46

FC Barcelona 47

KIF Kolding Köbenhavn 51

Alingsas HK 55

Orlen Wisla Plock 59

SG Flensburg-Handewitt 63

Besiktas MOGAZ HT 67

3 Table of contents

GROUP C

Preview 70

Head-to-heads in the EC 71

MKB-MVM Veszprem 73

RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 77

Chekhovskie Medvedi 81

Rhein-Neckar Löwen 85

HC Vardar 89

Montpellier Agglomeration HB 93

GROUP D

Preview 97

Head-to-heads in the EC 98

KS Vive Tauron Kielce 99

Dunkerque Grand Littoral 103

Kadetten Schaffhausen 107

MOL-Pick Szeged 111

Aalborg Handbold 115

HC Motor Zaporozhye 119

HISTORY

Past winners 123

History of the EHF Champions League 124

Top scorers of the past seasons 126

Top scorers of the 2013/14 season 127

All-time club standings 128

4 Foreword

Dear Media Representative,

On behalf of the European Handball Federation, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Group Phase of the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions League. Moving into the first stage of the new season, I welcome all the teams who have made it to this stage of the competition.

Following an emotionally intense qualification phase that concluded on 7 September 2014, the final line-up of the Groups A to D is finally known. Twenty-four teams from all corners of Europe will play the Group Phase that will begin in September 2014 and conclude in February 2015 following the winter hiatus, in all there will be ten rounds of competition.

The Group Phase is the first challenge that the teams have to face; this is by no means easy. In the past, we have borne witness, watching stunned as handball giants have failed to progress and the underdogs have thrived against all odds. The Group Phase is the first hurdle that has to be conquered on the road to the FINAL4.

Once again, as in the previous season, the final 24 teams representing 15 countries are ready for their first matches. The defending champions, SG Flensburg-Handewitt, will launch their new Champions League campaign from Group B; anew they will meet FC Barcelona, the record holder for most Champions League titles (7 wins).

The VELUX EHF Champions League is the only place where the handball elite meet on a European club competition level. The event is guaranteed to bring both great highs and excruciating lows to the teams. But the Champions League remains unpredictable as ever; there is just so much to look forward to. I wish all the teams on their VELUX EHF Champions League journey the very best of luck and I wish you, the fans an enjoyable season!

We pride ourselves on our positive and cooperative relationship with the press and media and I am sure this will continue and develop in the future. I therefore hope you consider this media guide a useful and enriching resource for your work in the upcoming weeks and months.

Should you require any further information, help or assistance during the course of the season, your first point of contact is the EHF Media and Communications Department based in our office in Vienna.

They will be more than happy to assist you with any questions you might have.

We look forward to working with you in the coming season!

Jean Brihault EHF President

5 EHF/M Media contacts

Media matters TV and Radio

Vlado Brindzak Miguel Mateo Marcellan Media and Communications Media Manager European Handball Federation EHF Marketing GmbH +43 1 80 151 161 +43 1 80 151 224 [email protected] [email protected] Twitter: @ehfmedia

Clubs – Media contacts

GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D

THW Kiel (GER) FC Barcelona (ESP) MKB-MVM Veszprém KC (HUN) Vive Tauron Kielce (POL) Christian Robohm Gustau Galvache Zsolt Sevinger Sebastian Kozubek +49 1635306300 +34 618522789 +36 305024547 +48 505031244 [email protected] [email protected] mkbveszpremkezilabdazrt@ [email protected] upcmail.hu

HC Metalurg (MKD) KIF Kolding København (DEN) RK Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO) Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral (FRA) Zoran Cvetanovski Thomas Christensen Nejc Ajdnik Melanie Lefevbre +389 78223505 +45 22 629062 +386 40687766 + 33 3 28 66 91 52 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

HC PPD Zagreb (CRO) Alingsas HK (SWE) Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI) Goran Roknić Daniel Vandor Benjamin Kuznetsov Barbara Imobersteg +385 95 9999 334 +46 705 355 517 +7 9166186054 +41 787203247 glasnogovornik@rk‐zagreb.hr [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP) Orlen Wisła Płock (POL) Rhein Neckar Löwen (GER) MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN) Jaime Luis Gonzalez Gutierrez Piotr Raczkowski Christopher Monz Nandor Szögi +34 63 77 66 107 Tel: +48-691-99881 [email protected] +36 70 3878234 [email protected] [email protected] +491744288849 [email protected]

PSG Handball (FRA) SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) HC Vardar (MKD) Aalborg Handball (DEN) Louise Cosnard Sandra von Wallis Marko Savovski Poul Madsbjerg +33 (0)675 591 939 +49 4611609625 +389 75 200 008 +4520804976 [email protected] s.vonwallis@ [email protected] [email protected] sg-flensburg-handewitt.de

HC Meshkov Brest (BLR) Besiktas Mogaz HT (TUR) Montpellier Agglomeration HB HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR) Alexandr Kulbaka Berk Karahan (FRA) Dmitriy Karpushchenko +375 293 50 74 79 +90-535-358-8747 Suzy Demonte +380 50 5581181 [email protected] [email protected] +33 499 610 358 [email protected] suzy.demonte@montpellier- handball.com

6 ROU SVK MOL-Pick MOL-Pick MKB-MVM HC Motor Szeged, HUN Szeged, HC Brest Veszprem, HUN Veszprem, Chekhovski HCM Constanta, HCM Constanta, Besiktas Besiktas Medvedi, RUS Medvedi, Zaporozhye, UKR Zaporozhye, Meshkov, BLR Meshkov, Tatran Presov, Tatran HC Vojvodina HC Vojvodina Novi Sad, SRB Novi MOGAZ HT, TUR MOGAZ HT, Kielce, POL Kielce, MKD KS Vive Tauron Vive KS HC Vardar Plock, POL Plock, Orlen Wisla MKD HC Metalurg, HC Metalurg, GER THW Kiel, THW HC PPD Zagreb,CRO ZAGREB RUKOMETNI KLUB PRVO PLINARSKO DRUŠTVO I TA SG Flensburg- Handewitt, GER Handewitt, Junior Fasano Junior Fasano SWE Lasko, SLO Lasko, Alingsas HK, Alingsas RK Celje Pivo. RK Celje NOR Alpla Haslum HK, HC Hard, AUT HC Hard, Aalborg Aalborg Handbold, DEN KIF Kolding KIF Kadetten Kobenhavn, DEN Kobenhavn, Targos Targos Schaffhausen, SUI Schaffhausen, HC Bevo, NED HC Bevo, bevo hc ESP F.C. Barcelona, F.C. Hubo Initia Hubo Initia Hasselt, BEL Hasselt, VELUX EHF FINAL4 EHF FINAL4 VELUX Dunkerque HB Dunkerque G. Littoral, FRA G. Littoral, Naturhouse Host City Cologne, GER Cologne, City Host FRA La Rioja, ESP FRA Löwen, GER Löwen, Rhein-Neckar PSG Handball, Clube Futebol Montpellier HB, do Porto, POR do Porto, Teams eliminated in the Qualification in the Qualification eliminated Teams Phase in the Group Teams

7 VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VELUX Season 2014/15 Season vs. vs. vs. vs. Place Match Place rd Final Semi-nals 3 FINAL4 4 teams FINAL4 30/31.05.2015 1 2 1 vs. vs. vs. vs. 2 rst leg rst 08.04. - 12.04.2015 second leg - 19.04.2015 15.04. 8 teams Quarter-nals Quarter-nals 1 2 2 vs. vs. vs. vs. 3 1 vs. vs. vs. vs. 4 16 teams 16 Last 16 Last rst leg rst - 15.03.2015 11.03. second leg - 22.03.2015 18.03. Last 16 Last Season 2014/15 playing dates playing Season 2014/15 19. - 23.11.2014 19. - 30.11.2014 26. - 06.12.2014 03. - 15.02.2015 11. - 22.02.2015 18. VELUX EHF Champions League 2014/15 playing system playing VELUX EHF League Champions 2014/15 Home Matches Home Matches Matches Total 5 10 Group Phase Group 4 groups with 6 teams each 24. - 28.09.2014 24. - 05.10.2014 01. 08. - 12.10.2014 - 19.10.2014 15. - 16.11.2014 12. Group Phase Group Qualication Tournaments Qualication Qualication Tournaments Qualication 06. - 07.09.2014 12 teams 12 3 tournaments with semi-nals and nals

8 VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2014/15 Qualification Tournaments Group Phase Last 16 Quarterfinals FINAL4 4 groups with 6 teams 16 teams 8 teams 4 teams 24.‐28.09.2014 (1) 06./07.09.2014 01.‐05.10.2014 (2) 11.‐15.03.2015 08.‐12.04.2015 30./31.05.2015 tournaments 08.‐12.10.2014 (3) first leg first leg tournament 15.‐19.10.2014 (4) NATION 12.‐16.11.2014 (5) played in semi finals and 19.‐23.11.2014 (6) finals 26.‐30.12.2014 (7) 03.‐06.12.2014 (8) 18.‐22.03.2015 15.‐19.04.2015 11.‐15.02.2015 (9) second leg second leg 18.‐22.02.2015 (10) DRAWS: 26 June 2014 in Vienna 27 June 2014 in Vienna 24 February 2015 24 March 2015 21 April 2015 1 GER 1 THW Kiel 2 ESP 1 FC Barcelona 3 HUN 1 MKB‐MVM Veszprem 4 POL 1 KS VIVE Targi Kielce 5 DEN 1 KIF Kolding 6 MKD 1 HC Metalurg 7 SLO 1 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 8 FRA 1 Dunkerque Grand Littoral 9 CRO 1 RK Zagreb 16 10 RUS 1 Chekhovskie Medvedi

group

Last

11 SUI 1 Kadetten Schaffhausen Quarterfinals

12 SWE 1 Alingsas HK each 13 GER 2 Rhein‐Neckar Löwen League

14 ESP 2 Naturhouse La Rioja from

League 15 HUN 2 Pick Szeged team

16 POL 2 Orlen Wisla Plock S.A. 17 GER 3 SG Flensburg‐Handewitt Champions

18 DEN 2 Aalborg Handbold Champions placed

EHF 19 MKD 2 HC Vardar 4th EHF

20 FRA 2 PSG HB VELUX 21 FRA 3 Montpellier AH and

of VELUX 22 UKR 1 HC Motor Zaporozhye

3rd

of

23 BLR 1 HC Meshkov Brest 2nd,

24 ROU 1 HCM Constanta Winners 25 SRB 1 RK Vojvodina 1st, 8 Winners 26 POR 1 FC Porto 4 27 NOR 1 Haslum HK Qualification 3 28 SVK 1 Tatran Presov the 29 AUT 1 Alpla HC Hard of tournaments 30 TUR 1 Besiktas JK 31 NED 1 Targos Bevo HC 32 BEL 1 Initia Hasselt Winners 33 ITA 1 Junior Fasano

3 groups with 4 teams

4th placed teams of CL Qualification Tournaments go to the EHF Cup Qualification Rd 2, 2nd and 3rd placed teams of CL Qualification Tornaments go to the EHF Cup Qualification Rd 3

status: 23.06.2014 Important regulations

Scoring of the matches and ranking

General If two or more teams have scored the same number of points, the All matches of the VELUX EHF Champions League shall be played in 2 ranking will be determined as follows: x 30 minutes with a half-time break of 10 minutes. The EHF reserves the right to extend the half-time break in special circumstances to 15 During the Group Phase: minutes. a) higher goal difference in all matches; b) higher number of plus goals in all matches; The matches shall be scored as follows: a) win = 2 points After completion of the Group Phase if two teams have scored the b) draw = 1 point same number of points: c) loss = 0 points a) number of points in matches of the two teams directly involved; b) goal difference in matches of the two teams directly involved; Teams’ rankings are obtained by adding up the number of points won. c) higher number of goals scored in the away match of the two teams directly involved; Group Phase d) goal difference in all matches of the group; e) higher number of plus goals in all matches of the group;

After completion of the Group Phase if three or more teams have scored the same number of points: a) number of points in matches of all teams directly involved; b) goal difference in matches of all teams directly involved; c) higher number of plus goals in matches of all teams directly involved; d) goal difference in all matches of the group; e) higher number of plus goals in all matches of the group;

If the ranking of one of these teams is determined, the criteria are consecutively followed until the ranking of all teams is determined.

If no ranking can be determined, a decision shall be obtained by drawing lots. Lots shall be drawn by the EHF, if possible in the presence of a responsible of each club.

10 EHF Champions League information

Team line-ups and match reports Online information

Already with the start of the 2012/13 season, an improvement to the ehfCL.com media services offered by the EHF has come. ehfTV.com ehfFINAL4.com From the opening matches of the season, the complete team line-up Regulations of the VELUX EHF Champions League is available online at eurohandball.com and available to download Twitter: @ehfmedia, @ehfcl as a PDF document. The change has been made possible thanks to Facebook: ehf.champions.league the introduction of a new online solution, which sees the EHF match delegate complete the final team line-up immediately after the technical meeting. This development means that team line-ups are Official name available for commentators and reporters hours before each match throws-off. The official name of the competition is: VELUX EHF Champions League. The full name of the competition should always be used. A further change means that a short time after each match, a VELUX and the three letter abbreviation for the European Handball completed match report will also be available online with details such Federation should always be displayed in capital letters before the as goal scorers and number of spectators. name of the competition.

Team line-ups and match reports can be viewed by clicking on a Please note: If the season is required, it has to be positioned after particular match on the eurohandball.com or ehfCL.com websites. “Champions League” e.g. VELUX EHF Champions League 2014/15. The The online system is also under further development with the wording “Champions League” should be written with a capital letter ultimate aim being to provide live scores and statistics from EHF at the beginning of each word, i.e. Champions League. The remaining competitions and available on the EHF website. letters should be in lower case. The word Champions does not have an apostrophe after the ‘s’.

Accreditation for Group Phase

The written media and photographer’s accreditation procedure in the Group Phase is entirely in the responsibility of the participating clubs. TV and Radio accreditations are subjects to approval by EHF Marketing GmbH – please contact Miguel Mateo Marcellán.

11 ehf TV.com

All matches of new season live Schedule of first 4 MOTW released

Handball fans across Europe will not miss a single match in the ehfTV commentator Tom Ó Brannagáin will be heading to FYR new season of both elite European club competitions. All matches Macedonia, Hungary and for the opening four rounds of the starting from Group Phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League group phase. and Group Matches of the Women´s EHF Champions League will be broadcast live on ehfTV.com and the videos of all matches will be On his travels, he will get to know Skopje very well with trips fto both also on demand. Furthermore, like in the past season fully produced Metalurg (Round 1) and Vardar (Round 3) in store. The confirmed highlights magazine - “Rewind - the handball show” will feature dates and times for Match of the Week are as follows: stories and highlights from all Men´s top matches will be played out on Monday 7:00 / 8:00 GMT after each playing round. Round 1: HC Metalurg vs Paris Saint-Germain – Sunday 28 September, 19:15 hrs. local time The complete coverage of all matches means that only during the Round 2: MKB-MVM Veszprem vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen – Saturday 4 group stage of both competitions handball fans will be spoilt by October, 21:00 hrs. local time 120 men´s and 78 women´s matches. Together with men´s knockout Round 3: HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen – Sunday 12 October, stage, respectively women´s Main Round and knockout stage this is 19:30 hrs. local time supposed to create this season more than 226 hours of live handball Round 4: KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs FC Barcelona – Sunday 19 on ehfTV.com. October, 1650 hrs. local time

*Note that live matches will be geo-blocked in some territories.

12

VELUX EHF FINAL4 countdown

The VELUX EHF FINAL4 is the culmination of the European club It is undeniable that the 2014 VELUX EHF FINAL4 was the season’s handball season. The two-day event sees the best four men’s teams highlight in European handball – 20,000 spectators in the LANXESS in Europe playing to decide the ultimate winner of the VELUX EHF arena and millions of fans at home watched four unforgettable Champions League. handball games and a unique entertainment show. Just before the event - “Do it like us”, the official song of the VELUX EHF Champions Introduced in the 2009/10 season and to be played until at least 2014 League was released. in the LANXESS arena, Cologne, the decision to create a new format for the final phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League was seen as Tickets for the 2015 edition of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 went on sale on crucial for the growth of handball across Europe. the opening day of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2014. Now, eight months before the participating teams are known, only a very limited number The aim was to create a flagship event, one that could compete on of tickets remained. the international sports market and make the Europe´s leading club competition even more attractive to fans, partners and sponsors. The success of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 is also thanks to the commitment of a great number of volunteers who have been active The success of the first five editions of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 showed on the weekend of the event. The application procedure for next that this new format was the right strategy. It has set new standards edition has already started and applications are invited also in the in organisation and entertainment: it is not just four games played area of media. over two days but a true entertainment event. The engagement of a top international act such as EUROPE was a sign too of the direction Full information at: www.ehfFINAL4.com the event is taking. VELUX EHF FINAL4 Media Accreditation The accreditation procedure of media representatives for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 will start early in 2015.

14 30 / 31 May 2015 LANXESS arena Cologne 2015 VELUX EHF FINAL4

TICKET SALE

Admission prices Category 1: € 265,- Category 2: € 195,- Category 3: € 135,- Category 4: € 65,-

Tickets are available by phone, online and at the LANXESS arena ticket shops www.ehfFINAL4.com Ticket hotline THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE. +49 221 280 288 THE ABSOLUTE THRILL. EUROPE’S BEST. Imagine your ehfFINAL4.com #EHFFINAL4 VIP experience!

VIP Arrangements VIP-Hotline: +43 1 80151 – 216 [email protected] Facts and figures of the group phase 9600 minutes, 24 teams, 15 nations

With the completion of the three qualification tournaments on 5 times (every edition since the first in 2010) that the final of the Sunday, all 24 group phase participants of the 2014/15 VELUX VELUX EHF FINAL4 was composed of Spanish and/or German EHF Champions League season have been confirmed. teams: 2010: Kiel vs Barcelona, 2011: Barcelona vs Madrid, 2012: Kiel vs Madrid, 2013: Hamburg vs Barcelona, 2014: Motor Zaporozhye, Besiktas and Meshkov Brest were the last to Flensburg vs Barcelona book their tickets as winners of their respective tournaments for the flagship event of European club handball. 5 times Belarusian Siarhei Rutenka has won the EHF Champions League (three times with Ciudad Real, once with Celje and To celebrate the return of the VELUX EHF Champions League, Barcelona each) - which makes him the most successful here are the most important facts and figures of the upcoming currently active player. (now PSG) can catch group phase and beyond: him, as he won the trophy four times already (three times with Kiel and once with Montpellier). 1 debutant is among those 24 teams qualified: Besiktas - and their qualification also means that a Turkish side is part of the 6 different nations have been represented by clubs qualified EHF Champions League group phase for the first time. for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 since 2010: Spain, Germany, , Denmark, and Hungary. 1 coach took the EHF Champions League trophy with two different clubs: Alfred Gislason, who won the title in 2002 with 6th edition of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 will take place in Cologne SC Magdeburg and 2010 and 2012 with THW Kiel. 30/31 May 2015.

1 person is EHF Champions League winner as a player (Teka 6 times the winner of the EHF Champions League was a German Santander/ESP) and a coach (Ciudad Real/ESP): Talant side: Magdeburg (2002), Kiel (2007, 2010, 2012), Hamburg Dushebaev. This season Dushebaev is aiming for his next record, (2013) and Flensburg (2014). trying to lead Polish champions Kielce to the podium in Cologne. Another Champions League winning player who hopes to follow 7 times FC Barcelona has won the trophy of the EHF Champions in Dushebaev’s footsteps is Carlos Antonio Ortega, six times League, making them record winners of the competition. winner as a player with FC Barcelona and is one of the FINAL4 contenders with his club Veszprem. 7 times Andrej Xepkin has raised the EHF Champions League trophy, six times with Barcelona (1996-2000 and 2005), once 3 winners of the qualification tournaments are part of the group with Kiel (2007), making him the most successful player of all phase: Motor Zaporozhye (Ukraine), Besiktas (Turkey) and Brest time. (Belarus). 7 former top scorers of the EHF Champions League are part 4 (all) participants of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2014 are part of of the 2014/15 group phase: Momir Ilic (2013/14 - 103 goals, the group phase again: defending champions SG Flensburg- Veszprem), (2011/12 - 98 goals, then AG Handewiit (GER), beaten finalist THW Kiel (GER), third ranked FC Kobenhavn, now PSG Paris), (2010/11- 118 Barcelona (ESP) and MVM-MKB Veszprem (HUN). goals, Rhein Neckar Löwen), Filip Jicha 2008/09- 99 goals and 2009/10 - 119 goals, Kiel), Kiril Lazarow (2007/08 - 96 goals and 4 countries were represented by the winners of the EHF 2005/06 - 85 goals, then Veszprem, today Barcelona), Nikola Champions League since the start of this competition in 1993: Karabatic (2006/07 - 89 goals, then Kiel, today Barcelona), Spain (13 titles), Germany (6), and (each 1). Siarhei Rutenka (2003/04 - 103 goals and 2004/05 - 85 goals, then Celje, today Barcelona). 4 times both THW Kiel and FC Barcelona have been part of the VELUX EHF FINAL 4 in Cologne, which has been played five times 10 years ago was the last time that there was neither a Spanish so far. Kiel took the trophy twice (2010, 2012), Barcelona once nor German winner of the competition, when RK Celje from (2011). Slovenia won.

5 former or current winners of the EHF Champions League 13 times Spanish teams have raised the trophy: Barcelona (7), are part of the 2014/15 group phase: SG Flensburg-Handewitt Ciudad Real (3), Santander, Irun, Portland (each 1). (GER/2013), THW Kiel (2010, 2012), FC Barcelona (1996-2000, 2005, 2011), RK Celje (2004), Montpellier AHB (2003).

16 Facts and figures of the group phase

15 different nations, the same number as the previous season, are represented by the 24 group phase participants. Germany 160 matches (including those 12 from the qualification and France have three teams each among those 24, Spain, tournaments) must be played until the 2014/15 winner of the Denmark, Hungary, FYR Macedonia and Poland have two each. VELUX EHF Champions League will celebrate on the podium. In contrast to the previous season, the champions of Portugal missed the qualification for the group phase, but Turkey is 9600 minutes (if no extra-time is needed to decide games) must present. be played until the winner of the competition is confirmed.

17 of those 24 teams were part of the 2013/14 group phase: 15,320 spectators was a record high for the 2013/14 group Kiel, Metalurg, Zagreb, La Rioja and Paris from Group A, phase in the game between Minsk and Barcelona. Barcelona, KIF Kolding Kobenhavn, Plock and Flensburg from Group B, Veszprem, Celje, Löwen, Vardar from Group C and 20,000 fans are once again expected to be part of the 2015 Kielce, Dunkerque, Aalborg and Zaporozhye from Group D. VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne.

120 group matches are ahead until the participants of the Last 16 are confirmed in February 2015.

Teams by age average Teams by weight average Teams by height average

HC Vardar 30 HC Vardar 100.4 Orlen Wisla Plock 197 FC Barcelona 30 Orlen Wisla Plock 98.8 THW Kiel 194 KS Vive Tauron Kielce 29 MKB-MVM Veszprém 98.3 Naturhouse La Rioja 193 HC Meshkov Brest 28 KS Vive Tauron Kielce 96.1 KS Vive Tauron Kielce 193 HC Motor Zaporozhye 28 Besiktas MOGAZ HT 95.8 Aalborg Handball 193 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 27 THW Kiel 95.4 HC Meshkov Brest 193 Naturhouse La Rioja 27 HC Meshkov Brest 95.3 HC Vardar 193 SG Flensburg-Handewitt 27 Naturhouse La Rioja 94.2 HC Motor Zaporozhye 193 Besiktas MOGAZ HT 26 HC Motor Zaporozhye 94.1 HC PPD Zagreb 192 MKB-MVM Veszprém 26 Aalborg Handball 94.0 Besiktas MOGAZ HT 192 Orlen Wisla Plock 26 HC PPD Zagreb 94.0 FC Barcelona 192 THW Kiel 26 Rhein-Neckar Löwen 93.2 HC Metalurg 192 PSG Handball 26 FC Barcelona 92.9 Chekhovskie Medvedi 192 Kadetten Schaffhausen 25 PSG Handball 92.3 MKB-MVM Veszprém 192 HC Metalurg 25 Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral 92.2 PSG Handball 191 Rhein-Neckar Löwen 24 Montpellier HB 92.2 Kadetten Schaffhausen 191 Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral 24 MOL-Pick Szeged 92.1 Montpellier HB 191 Montpellier HB 24 Alingsas HK 91.9 MOL-Pick Szeged 191 MOL-Pick Szeged 24 Kadetten Schaffhausen 91.2 Rhein-Neckar Löwen 191 Aalborg Handball 24 SG Flensburg-Handewitt 91.1 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 190 Chekhovskie Medvedi 23 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 91.0 SG Flensburg-Handewitt 190 Alingsas HK 23 HC Metalurg 90.7 Alingsas HK 190 HC PPD Zagreb 22 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 89.3 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 189 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 22 Chekhovskie Medvedi 87.4 Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral 189 CL average 25 CL average 93,4 CL average 192

17 Facts and figures of the group phase

shortest vs tallest SWE SG Flensburg-Handewitt 168 Angel Montoro ESP Orlen Wisla Plock 213 SLO RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 174 Mateusz Piechowski POL Orlen Wisla Plock 210 Juanin Garcia ESP Naturhouse La Rioja 176 CRO PSG Handball 210 Ugur Coban TUR Besiktas MOGAZ HT 177 Sergii Burka UKR HC Motor Zaporozhye 208 Gal Marguc SLO RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 177 Michal Kasal CZE RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 208 Victor Tomas ESP FC Barcelona 178 Laszlo Nagy HUN MKB-MVM Veszprém 207 Davor Palevski MKD HC Metalurg 178 Ivan Ivkovic CRO HC PPD Zagreb 206 Sergio Muggli SUI Kadetten Schaffhausen 178 Kamil Syprzak POL Orlen Wisla Plock 206 Ivan Cupic CRO KS Vive Tauron Kielce 178 Otto Kancel SVK MKB-MVM Veszprém 205 Oguzhan Büyük TUR Besiktas MOGAZ HT 179 Patrick Eilert DEN Naturhouse La Rioja 205 Jalleledine Touati TUN Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral 179 Viachaslau Shumak BLR HC Meshkov Brest 204 Theophile Causse FRA Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral 179 Egor Evdokimov RUS HC Motor Zaporozhye 204 CRO HC PPD Zagreb 179 Leon Susnja CRO HC PPD Zagreb 204 Luka Rakovic CRO HC PPD Zagreb 179 CRO PSG Handball 204 Michael Guigou FRA Montpellier Aggl. HB 179 Janko Bozovic AUT HC Meshkov Brest 203 Marvin Gerdon GER Rhein-Neckar Löwen 179 Borut Mackovsek SLO Montpellier Aggl. HB 203 DEN SG Flensburg-Handewitt 179 CRO PSG Handball 203

lightest vs heaviest Davor Palevski MKD HC Metalurg 65 Strahinja Milic SRB HC Vardar 135 Fabian Schneider SUI Kadetten Schaffhausen 66 Alexei Rastvortsev RUS HC Vardar 128 Artem Kozakevych UKR HC Motor Zaporozhye 68 Adam Borbely HUN MKB-MVM Veszprém 122 Michal Daszek POL Orlen Wisla Plock 70 Angel Rodriguez ESP Naturhouse La Rioja 121 Bostjan Kostomaj SLO RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 70 Imre Pasztor HUN MOL-Pick Szeged 120 Miha Zarabec SLO RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 72 Francisco Garcia ESP Naturhouse La Rioja 120 Gal Marguc SLO RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 72 Teo Coric CRO PPD Zagreb 120 Theophile Causse FRA Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral 72 Zbigniew Kwiatkowski POL Orlen Wisla Plock 120 Lenard Nagy HUN MOL-Pick Szeged 72 Kamil Syprzak POL Orlen Wisla Plock 120 Lukas Blohme GER SG Flensburg-Handewitt 72 Capar ESP HC Vardar 119 Timur Dibirov RUS HC Vardar 74 Josip Buljubasic CRO Besiktas MOGAZ HT 118 Arthur Anquetil FRA Montpellier Aggl. HB 74 Andreas Nilsson SWE MKB-MVM Veszprém 117 Nikola Kosteski MKD HC Metalurg 74 Laszlo Nagy HUN MKB-MVM Veszprém 117 Juanin Garcia ESP Naturhouse La Rioja 75 SLO Montpellier Aggl. HB 116 Marvin Gerdon GER Rhein-Neckar Löwen 75 Viachaslau Shumak BLR HC Meshkov Brest 116 Goce Ojleski MKD HC Metalurg 75 Issam Tej FRA Montpellier Aggl. HB 115 Peter Schmid HUN MKB-MVM Veszprém 75 Tolga Özbahar TUR Besiktas MOGAZ HT 115

youngest vs oldest Mathias Pedersen DEN Aalborg Handball 30.7.1997 Nenad Puljezevic HUN Kadetten 13.3.1973 Erik Pettersson SWE Alingsas HK 27.5.1997 Ljubomir Vranjes SWE SG Flensburg-Han. 3.10.1973 Lenard Nagy HUN MOL-Pick Szeged 8.5.1997 Boris Schnuchel DEN KIF Kolding Kob. 15.3.1975 Ömer Mercan TUR Besiktas MOGAZ 10.4.1997 MKD HC Metalurg 9.6.1975 Kubilay Yilmaz TUR Besiktas MOGAZ 22.3.1997 Vladimir Petric SRB HC Vardar 5.8.1975 Martin Velkovski MKD HC Metalurg 10.3.1997 Ibrahim Demir TUR Besiktas MOGAZ 4.10.1975 Berkay Gulyurt TUR Besiktas MOGAZ 3.3.1997 Richard Stochl SVK HC Motor 17.12.1975 Davor Palevski MKD HC Metalurg 26.2.1997 Kasper Hvidt DEN KIF Kolding Kob. 6.2.1976 Tom Pelayo FRA Dunkerque HB 23.2.1997 CRO Montpellier Aggl. 25.7.1976 Benoit Kounkoud FRA PSG Handball 19.2.1997 Thierry Omeyer FRA PSG Handball 2.11.1976 Yigit Ilgin TUR Besiktas MOGAZT 1.2.1997 Maik Machulla GER SG Flensburg-Han. 9.1.1977 SWE Alingsas HK 5.1.1997 Mladen Bojinovic SRB PSG Handball 17.1.1977 Egon Urban HUN MOL-Pick Szeged 12.12.1996 Petar Angelov MKD HC Vardar 8.3.1977 R. Torbjörnsson SWE Alingsas HK 29.11.1996 Oguzhan Büyük TUR Besiktas MOGAZ 18.3.1977 Richard Mezei HUN MOL-Pick Szeged 28.11.1996 Danijel Saric BIH FC Barcelona 27.6.1977 Blaz Janc SLO Celje Lasko 20.11.1996 Juanin Garcia ESP La Rioja 28.8.1977 Gal Marguc SLO Celje Lasko 16.11.1996 Gurutz Aguinalde ESP La Rioja 26.10.1977

18 Group A preview

RUKOMETNI KLUB PRVO PLINARSKO DRUŠTVO ZAGREB

KIEL AND PSG TO LEAD LAST 16 CHARGE

The three-times VELUX EHF Champions League winners and a rapidly emerging force in European club handball will be favourites to reach the knockout stages from a delicately balanced group

The summer break is over and the eagerly awaited VELUX EHF Champions League 2014-15 season kicks off with a host of vastly entertaining fixtures, including a pair of Group A blockbusters in which quadruple former finalists HC PPD Zagreb are at home to treble winners THW Kiel while HC Metalurg entertain rising force Paris Saint-Germain Handball.

In the group’s other opener, Spanish contenders Naturhouse La Rioja clash with Belarus champions Meshkov Brest who came through a tough qualifying tournament on home court to clinch their first group stage berth since 2007.

Even at first glance it is easy to tell that Kiel and PSG are strong favourites to advance to the Round of 16 while the other four teams face a fierce dogfight with each other for the remaining two berths.

A dominant Kiel are aiming to reach their fourth successive final, having lost the last two after clinching their third title in Europe’s premier club competition in 2012.

Still boasting an impressive squad led by the Czech Republic’s 2010 world player of the year Filip Jicha, the German giants will expect to make a winning start at a youthful Zagreb side who recruited former Yugoslavia stalwart Veselin Vujovic as coach on Sunday after a patchy start in the regional SEHA league cost Boris Dvorsek his job.

Big-spending PSG will also aim to go at least a step further than last season when they were eliminated in the quarter-finals. This time round, nothing less than the Final 4 in Cologne will do for an outfit boasting the likes of Mikkel Hansen, , Marko Kopljar, Theirry Omeyer and a stack of other household names who’ve been assembled into an expensive unit expected to win the most coveted trophy in European club handball.

Comprising mainly home-grown players, the group’s remaining teams appear to have a fairly even chance of advancing into the business end of the competition.

While Metalurg and Zagreb have plenty of recent experience in the Champions League, La Rioja and Brest can plausibly claim that they are venturing into something of an uncharted territory. The Spaniards made their first group stage appearance last season while Brest have returned to the top tier after a lengthy absence, but neither side will be happy to merely make up the numbers in their section.

Zoran Milosavljevic

19 Group A head-to-heads

Historic encounters of the Group A opponents in the EC

THW Kiel vs HC Metalurg 02.10.2008 THW Kiel vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 37:29 (18:15) 13.11.2008 HC Metalurg vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 25:30 (12:15) 19.04.2014 HC Metalurg vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 21:31 (09:14) 27.04.2014 THW Kiel vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 34:26 (19:11)

THW Kiel vs HC Zagreb 15.03.1997 THW Kiel vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/2-finals 23:23 (08:11) 23.03.1997 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/2-finals 25:23 (12:14) 19.03.2000 THW Kiel vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/2-finals 32:21 (14:11) 25.03.2000 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/2-finals 22:13 (08:07) 24.11.2002 RK Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 23:28 (08:15) 14.12.2002 THW Kiel vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 24:28 (14:10) 29.03.2009 HC Osiguranje-Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 28:28 (13:12) 04.04.2009 THW Kiel vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 31:27 (17:11) 21.04.2012 Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 31:31 (15:12) 29.04.2012 THW Kiel vs Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 33:27 (16:16)

THW Kiel vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball 14.12.2003 THW Kiel vs Paris Handball, EHF Cup – Last 16 34:27 (19:12) 21.12.2003 Paris Handball vs THW Kiel, EHF Cup – Last 16 30:32 (14:19) 04.12.2005 Paris Handball vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 21:28 (11:13) 10.12.2005 THW Kiel vs Paris Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 44:28 (22:12)

THW Kiel vs HC Meshkov Brest 01.10.2005 THW Kiel vs Brest HC Meshkov, EHF Champions League, Group Matches - Group E 35:28 (19:11) 06.11.2005 Brest HC Meshkov vs THW Kiel, EHF Champions League, Group Matches - Group E 31:37 (15:21)

HC Metalurg vs HC Zagreb 14.10.2006 RK Metalurg Skopje vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 18:22 (09:09) 12.11.2006 RK Zagreb vs RK Metalurg Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 32:24 (19:11) 18.03.2012 HC Metalurg vs Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 19:18 (07:09) 24.03.2012 Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 26:21 (12:10)

HC Metalurg vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball 14.02.2009 HC Metalurg vs Paris Handball, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16 27:18 (16:12) 21.02.2009 Paris Handball vs HC Metalurg, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16 27:21 (16:11) 28.09.2013 HC Metalurg vs PSG Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 28:26 (12:12) 08.02.2014 PSG Handball vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 32:29 (16:12)

HC Metalurg vs HC Meshkov Brest 02.10.2010 HC Meshkov Brest vs HC Metalurg, EHF Cup - Round 2 28:23 (14:12) 09.10.2010 HC Metalurg vs HC Meshkov Brest, EHF Cup - Round 2 32:23 (14:13)

No previous encounters in European competitions THW Kiel vs Naturhouse La Rioja HC Metalurg vs Naturhouse La Rioja HC Zagreb vs Naturhouse La Rioja HC Zagreb vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball HC Zagreb vs HC Meshkov Brest Naturhouse La Rioja vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball Naturhouse La Rioja vs HC Meshkov Brest Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs HC Meshkov Brest

20 GROUP A THW Kiel (GER) The 2013/14 season of the VELUX EHF Champions League was something of a double- anniversary for THW Kiel, reaching the quarter-finals for the 15th time and the semi-finals for the tenth time – but alas, that was all forgotten in their seventh final participation as they missed out on their fourth trophy, beaten by their local rivals SG Flensburg-Handewitt. It was their fourth appearance in Cologne, but for the first time the Zebras lost a final after becoming champions in 2010 and 2012 and finishing fourth in 2013.

Now the German record champions launch their next assault on the title, signing big names such as Croatian World Handball Player of the Year , Spanish world champion and EHF EURO 2014 top scorer Joan Canellas (both from Hamburg) and German Champions League winner (Flensburg). On the other hand, Kiel legend Christian Zeitz bid his farewell after eleven years to play abroad for the first time in his career at one of Kiel’s main rivals, Veszprem. Additionally Tunisian talent Wael Jallouz and Icelandic left wing Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson moved to another Champions League favourite, FC Barcelona. Nevertheless, with perhaps the best back court axis in the world (Jicha, Duvnjak, Palmarsson, Canellas, Weinhold, Vujin) hopes are high to win all four possible titles this season.

After raising the German trophy at the end of August, THW are aiming to add the Bundesliga, VELUX EHF Champions League and German Cup. In the 2013/2014 season they had taken their 19th German title in the closest final round in years, leaving Rhein Neckar Löwen (level in points) behind by only two goals. And Kiel did not only make remarkable signings on, but also off the court: Thorsten Storm, manager of the Rhein Neckar Löwen, returned to where his management career had started. Additionally, THW already set the signs for the future with Playing hall the signing of Löwen goalkeeper Niklas Landin. Chased by a number of Europe’s top clubs, he Sparkassen-Arena-Kiel signed a three-year contract valid from 2015 to 2018 with the zebras. Europaplatz 1, 24103 Kiel Kiel’s group contains two of last season’s quarter-finalists, PSG Handball and Metalurg Skopje, Germany as well as La Rioja, Zagreb and the winner of qualification tournament 1 in the Champions Capacity: 10,000 League group phase. “This group is highly attractive and we are really looking forward to meeting our former players Thierry Omeyer and with PSG, the hardest nut to crack in this group. But all remaining teams have either a long successful tradition or big Club Address: names, so we expect an exciting race for the top position,” says club director Sabine Holdorf- THW Kiel Schust, adding: “Our main target is to make it to Cologne again. The VELUX EHF FINAL4 is the Ziegelteich 30 flagship event of European club handball and has become a big brand, at which we absolutely 24103 Kiel want to be present.” Germany Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX Past achievements Media contact: EHF Champions League season: German Christian Robohm champions VELUX EHF Champions League +49 1635306300 Participations (including 2014/15 [email protected] Newcomers: season): 18 Joan Cañellas (HSV Hamburg) Winners (3): 2006/07, 2009/10, 2011/12 Online information: Domagoj Duvnjak (HSV Hamburg) Runners-up (4): 1999/2000, 2007/08, Website: www.thw-provinzial.de Steffen Weinhold (SG Flensburg-Handewitt) 2008/09, 2013/14 Facebook: thwhandball (THW Kiel youth team) Semi-final (3): 1996/1997, 2000/01, Twitter: @thw_handball Fynn Ranke (TSV Altenholz) 2012/13 Kim Sonne Hansen (Skive FH) Quarter-final (5): 1998/99, 2002/03, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2010/11 Left the club: Group Phase (2): 1994/95, 1995/96 Kit colours Wael Jallouz (FC Barcelona) Light Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson (FC Barcelona) Other Player shirt: white Christian Zeitz (MVM-MKB Veszprem) EHF Cup: Winners 1997/98, 2001/02, Player short: white 2003/04 Goalkeeper shirt: green Dark German league: 19 titles (1957, 1962, Player shirt: black 1963, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, Player short: black 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, Goalkeeper shirt: red 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014) German cup: 9 titles

21 THW Kiel (GER)

Biggest win: 26:50 (13:24) v Banik OKD Karvina CZE (a), 22.10.2006 Biggest defeat 22:13 (12:8) v Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO (a), 25.03.2000 Longest winning run 10 matches (21.02.2010 – 25.09.2010) Longest unbeaten run 17 matches (22.10.2011 – 11.10.2012) Longest losing run 3 matches (07.02.1996 – 19.03.1996) Longest run without win 3 matches (07.02.1996 – 19.03.1996) Most goals 50 v Banik OKD Karvina CZE 26:50W (a), 22.10.2006 Most goals opponent 44 v FC Barcelona ESP 44:37L (a), 13.04.2008 Most goals both teams 81 v FC Barcelona ESP 44:37L (a), 13.04.2008 Fewest goals 13 v Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 22:13L (a), 25.03.2000 Fewest goals opponent 15 v SKA Minsk BLR 15:27W (a), 10.11.1996 15 v SKA Minsk BLR 21:15W (h), 12.01.1997 Fewest goals both teams 35 v Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 22:13L (a), 25.03.2000

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

1994/95 THW Kiel GER 6 3 0 3 137: 136 + 1 6 2nd Gr. B 1995/96 THW Kiel GER 6 3 0 3 151: 148 + 3 6 2nd Gr. A 1996/97 THW Kiel GER 10 6 1 3 247: 211 + 36 13 1/2-finals 1998/99 TKW Kiel GER 8 7 0 1 229: 199 + 30 14 1/4-finals 1999/00 THW Kiel GER 12 7 1 4 319: 283 + 36 15 Runner-up 2000/01 THW Kiel GER 10 5 1 4 279: 255 + 24 11 1/2-finals 2002/03 THW Kiel GER 8 4 1 3 234: 211 + 23 9 1/4-finals 2004/05 THW Kiel GER 10 8 0 2 336: 274 + 62 16 1/4-finals 2005/06 THW Kiel GER 10 8 0 2 346: 293 + 53 16 1/4-finals 2006/07 THW Kiel GER 14 11 1 2 517: 420 + 97 23 Winner 2007/08 THW Kiel GER 16 13 0 3 533: 462 + 71 26 Runner-up 2008/09 THW Kiel GER 16 12 1 3 548: 461 + 87 25 Runner-up 2009/10 THW Kiel GER 16 14 1 1 534: 444 + 90 29 Winner 2010/11 THW Kiel GER 14 9 2 3 456: 393 + 63 20 1/4-finals 2011/12 THW Kiel GER 16 12 3 1 496: 414 + 82 27 Winner 2012/13 THW Kiel GER 16 11 0 5 518: 457 + 61 22 Fourth Place 2013/14 THW Kiel GER 16 13 1 2 491:427 +64 27 Runner-up Total 204 146 13 45 6371:5488 +883 305

All stats in the media guide provided by Roy Knoppert

22 THW Kiel (GER)

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

21 Joan Cañellas Reixach ESP Centre Back 30.9.1986 198 95 23 Rune Dahmke GER Left Wing 10.4.1993 190 81 4 Domagoj Duvnjak CRO Centre Back 1.6.1988 198 100 18 SWE Right Wing 23.12.1988 191 91 39 Filip Jicha CZE Left Back 19.4.1982 201 103 33 GER Left Wing 16.12.1983 190 86 19 DEN Centre Back 20.6.1991 196 96 12 SWE Goalkeeper 10.7.1986 189 90 24 Aron Palmarsson ISL Centre Back 19.7.1990 193 95 6 Fynn Ranke GER Line Player 5.1.1993 201 106 1 Johan Sjöstrand SWE Goalkeeper 26.2.1987 195 94 16 Kim Sonne-Hansen DEN Goalkeeper 23.6.1992 200 87 11 Christian Sprenger GER Right Wing 6.4.1983 190 94 7 DEN Line Player 1.11.1984 200 106 41 Marko Vujin SRB Right Back 7.12.1984 201 104 13 Steffen Weinhold GER Right Back 19.7.1986 191 100 17 GER Line Player 22.3.1989 200 108 25 Alexander Williams GER Back 15.8.1996 187 95 26 Lukas Wucherpfennig GER Right Wing 23.8.1995 184 81

23 Alfreð Gíslason Johan Sjöstrand coach goalkeeper Nine German championships (with Since last season, Swedish is the language Magdeburg and Kiel), four German cup titles, between the THW goalposts. After Thierry five European club titles (including twice the Omeyer left, Sjöstrand was brought in to Champions Trophy) have made Gislason a replace the legend together with a Sweden’s legendary coach, who was awarded five times teammate Andreas Palicka. Although the “coach of the year” in Germany. His first job former junior world champion is only 27, he on the bench was in his home town Akureyri, has already got a journey through Europe before taking over Hameln, Magdeburg and behind him, with spells at Skövde, Flensburg, Gummersbach in Germany. He joined Kiel in 2008 as the successor of Barcelona and Aalborg. Horse racing is another passion of Sjöstrand’s, Noka Serdarusic – to lead THW to 15 trophies by now. just one look at his Instagram account will tell you that. EC trophies: CL 2002, 2010, 2012 (as coach), EHF Cup 2001 (as coach) EC trophies: CL 2011 OG: S 2012

Filip Jícha Aron Palmarsson left back centre back The left and centre back was the first Czech Despite his young age of 23, this versatile player to be awarded World Handball Player and tactically as well as technically skilled of the Year in 2010. Jícha was twice top scorer playmaker has actually been with Kiel for five of the CL, top scorer and MVP at the 2010 EHF years now – but will say good-bye after this EURO and is captain of the THW squad since season, joining Veszprem. In competition 2013. His one-against-one ability and tough with so many world-class backcourt players, shots make him feared by defences, but he match practice was scarce in his first years. is also a strong defender. Jícha was the only However, after the departure of Momir Ilic active FINAL4 participant in the CL’s 20-year Ultimate Selection and and Daniel Narcisse, the 2012 Olympics All-Star has become more of has been named Czech player of the year seven times. an influential figure on court.

EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012, EHF Cup 2006 EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012 EURO: B 2010

Domagoj Duvnjak Rene Toft Hansen centre back line player The Croatian is the top signing of THW this The Danish international is even better in season. The reigning IHF World Handball defence than on the line in attack, but after Player of the Year arrived from Hamburg, Marcus Ahlm’s departure last year, the where played since 2009. Not just a typical learning period in attack is over for him. The playmaker, Duvnjak is also a scorer and is an EHF EURO 2012 All-Star Team member is a essential part of the middle block in defence. regular in the competition, where he has In 2013 after leading HSV to the winners’ been playing every year since 2007, with podium of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 he was former clubs KIF Kolding and AG København. awarded best Bundesliga player. Duvnjak, who has received multiple His brother Henrik is playing for Hamburg, his brother Allan for Mors- international honours, started his career in Zagreb. Thy and his sister Majbritt for Skive – and all four are line players.

EC trophies: CL 2013 WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014 OG: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013, EURO: S 2010, B 2012

Marko Vujin Christian Sprenger right back right wing Two years ago the Serbian shooter arrived to 31-year-old worked under coach Alfred fill the gap after the departure of Kim Gislason at former club SC Magdeburg and Andersson to KIF Kolding. The two-metre tall after seven years, including one EHF Cup title right back from Bačka Palanka became the in 2007, the former German international top scorer of the 2013/14 Bundesliga (248 transferred to Kiel in 2009. Since then, he has goals). He has won seven consecutive national won twelve titles with THW. His international championships with Veszprém and Kiel. In the achievements include selection on the EURO national team he is one of the stalwarts who 2012 All-Star team. After this event Sprenger were key to silver at the EHF EURO 2012. He started his international quit from playing for Germany. He started his sportive career in judo, career in Dunaferr (Hungary), then played five years in Veszprem. before joining the Magdeburg handball team.

EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008 EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012, EHF Cup 2007 EURO: S 2012

24 GROUP A HC Metalurg (MKD)

Metalurg Skopje’s players certainly know how to make history. In the 2012/13 season they were the first Macedonian team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the VELUX EHF Champions League. One year later they were part of the first duels between two teams from one city in the competition, facing Vardar in the group phase, and then again made it to the quarter-finals, finally beaten by eventual finalists THW Kiel.

In the new season the team of Lino Cervar will travel to Kiel again, as part of a tough group in the first stage of the competition including Paris Saint-Germain, HC Zagreb, La Rioja and another team they know from SEHA Liga, Meshkov Brest. In the domestic championship, Metalurg left Vardar behind to win the title for the sixth time – despite missing their team captain Naumche Mojsovski due to injury.

With Naumche Mojsovski back on track, his brother Zlatko left Metalurg to sign for Pelister Bitola - one of five players transferring from the Macedonian champions. Meanwhile, the same number of newcomers arrived in Skopje, three Serbians, one Montenegrin and one Macedonian. These newcomers appear to have fit in quite well, as Metalurg beat Vardar 25:19 in the highlight of their preparation in Struga.

Taking into consideration the tough group and the changes within the team, the objective in Europe is simply to qualify for the knock-out stages. On home court and in the SEHA Liga, Metalurg expects a fierce battle with their local rivals Vardar for top spot.

Playing hall “As always, HC Metalurg strives to present itself in the best possible light in the Champions Boris Trajkovski League and will do everything possible this season to play an important part. Our group is bul. 8 Septemvri bb strong starting with PSG and THW Kiel, however, Metalurg will make an attempt to attack Skopje second place in the group,” says coach Lino Cervar, who also acts as the manager of the club. FYR Macedonia Capacity: 7,000 Team captain Mojsovski maintains a mixture of realistic expectations and dreams. “The basic goal this season will be to secure a place in the Last 16 and then to take it step by step, but we will again attempt to fight for the VELUX EHF FINAL4,” he says.

Club Address: HC Metalurg ul. Jane Lukroski 6 1000 Skopje FYR Macedonia

Media contact: Zoran Cvetanovski +389 78223505 [email protected] Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Past achievements Online information: Champions League season: Macedonian Website: http://www.rkmetalurg.mk/ champions VELUX EHF Champions League Facebook: rkmetalurgofficial Participations (including 2014/15 Twitter: @RKMetalurg Newcomers: season): 7 Vladan Lipovina (BM Ciudad Encantada) Quarter-final (2): 2012/13, 2013/14 Mijajlo Marsenic (Partizan Belgrade) Last 16 (1): 2011/12 Darko Djukic (Zeleznicar Nis) Kit colours Group Matches (2): 2006/07, 2008/09 Miroslav Kocic (Vojvodina) Qualification (1): 2010/11 Light Milorad Kukoski (Zomimak) Player shirt: white Other Player short: black Left the club: 9 participations in other EC Goalkeeper shirt: yellow/orange/white Rade Mijatovic (Csurgoi KK) Dark Dejan Pecakovski (Pelister Bitola) Macedonian league: 6 titles (2006, Player shirt: blue Nikola Kedzo (HCM Constanta) 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014) Player short: black Igor Mandic (destination unknown) Macedonian cup: 5 titles Goalkeeper shirt: blue Zlatko Mojsoski (Pelister Bitola)

25 HC Metalurg (MKD)

Biggest win: 32:18 (18:14) v Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN (h), 24.02.2013 Biggest defeat: 43:24 (23:12) v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER (a), 19.10.2006 Longest winning run: 4 matches (30.09.2012 – 20.10.2012) 4 matches (16.02.2013 – 23.03.2013) Longest unbeaten run: 4 matches (30.09.2012 – 20.10.2012) 4 matches (16.02.2013 – 23.03.2013) 4 matches (16.02.2014 – 30.03.2014) Longest losing run: 8 matches (28.09.2006 – 12.10.2008) Longest run without win: 8 matches (28.09.2006 – 12.10.2008) Most goals: 37 v Drammen HK NOR 37:30W (h), 18.10.2008 Most goals opponent: 43 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 43:24L (a), 19.10.2006 Most goals both teams: 67 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 43:24L (a), 19.10.2006 67 v Drammen HK NOR 37:30W (h), 18.10.2008 Fewest goals: 15 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 26:15L (a), 28.04.2013 Fewest goals opponent: 14 v St. Petersburg HC RUS 14:32W (a), 16.02.2013 Fewest goals both teams: 37 v Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb CRO 19:18W (h), 18.03.2012

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2006/07 RK Metalurg Skopje MKD 6 0 0 6 148:206 –58 0 4th Gr. D 2008/09 HC Metalurg MKD 6 2 0 4 157:172 -15 4 3rd Gr. C 2011/12 HC Metalurg MKD 12 6 2 4 294:275 +19 14 Last 16 2012/13 HC Metalurg MKD 14 9 0 5 361:313 +48 18 1/4-finals 2013/14 HC Metalurg MKD 14 7 2 5 356:373 -17 16 1/4-finals Total 52 24 4 24 1316:1339 -23 52

26 HC Metalurg (MKD) Team roster No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

19 Pavel Atman RUS Centre Back 25.5.1987 190 94 45 Vuko Borozan MNE Left Back 9.4.1994 203 105 21 Luka Cindric CRO Centre Back 5.7.1993 185 90 4 Vancho Dimovski MKD Line Player 4.4.1979 187 110 45 Darko Djukic SRB Right Wing 11.12.1994 195 85 9 MKD Right Wing 12.2.1987 185 83 29 Ace Jonovski MKD Left Back 29.12.1980 200 104 81 Miroslav Kocic SRB Goalkeeper 3.7.1981 200 91 8 Nikola Kosteski MKD Right Wing 22.8.1992 183 74 25 Goran Krstevski MKD Centre Back 29.3.1996 196 79 23 Milorad Kukoski MKD Left Back 7.12.1987 195 100 5 Vladan Lipovina MNE Right Back 7.3.1993 198 94 6 Bojan Madjovski MKD Left Wing 8.5.1994 185 76 26 Borjan Madjovski MKD Centre Back 8.5.1994 198 88 11 MKD Left Wing 26.8.1992 181 78 10 Martin Manaskov MKD Left Back 7.6.1994 189 83 17 Nikola Markoski MKD Line Player 22.5.1990 195 110 14 Velko Markovski MKD Left Back 5.4.1986 194 100 33 Mijajlo Marsenic SRB Line Player 9.3.1993 202 107 13 Filip Mirkulovski MKD Centre Back 14.9.1983 189 91 16 MKD Goalkeeper 3.10.1985 188 84 18 Naumce Mojsovski MKD Centre Back 17.6.1980 187 92 24 Marko Nelovski MKD Left Back 6.6.1996 200 92 3 Goce Ojleski MKD Left Wing 10.10.1989 180 75 15 Davor Palevski MKD Left Wing 26.2.1997 178 65 44 Zharko Peshevski MKD Line Player 11.4.1991 197 110 1 Darko Stanic SRB Goalkeeper 8.10.1978 191 102 28 MKD Left Back 28.3.1996 200 80 30 Martin Velkovski MKD Right Back 10.3.1997 186 77 7 Renato Vugrinec MKD Right Back 9.6.1975 196 101

27 Lino Červar Darko Stanić coach goalkeeper He was the most successful coach of the Courtesy of his excellent skills Serbian Croatian men’s national team, becoming goalkeeper Darko Stanić, who joined Olympic gold medallist in 2004 and world Metalurg in 2011, is referred to as ‘Minister champion in 2003. Furthermore he collected of Defence’. Immediately he won the hearts several more medals like two WCh silver of the fans and coach Lino Červar. At the end medals in 2005 and 2009 and EHF EURO of the 2012/13 season Stanić was voted into silver 2008 and 2010. Parallel to his work for the VELUX EHF Champions League All-star the Croatian federation, he was coach of RK team, the same award he received at the end Zagreb for a long time. In 2009 he started coaching Metalurg – a job of the EHF EURO 2012 in , where he won the silver medal with he focuses on completely since resigning from the helm of Croatia. He the hosts Serbia. While still playing for Koper he won the Challenge steered them to quarter-finals twice in a row. Cup in 2011. OG: G 2004, EURO: S 2008, 2010, WCh: G 2003, S 2005, 2009 EURO: S 2012

Dejan Manaskov Pavel Atman left wing left back He is referred as one of the biggest It did not take long for the Russian left- Macedonian talents and has been a part of back to become the favourite player of the the squad since 2008. The son of Macedonian Macedonian audience. After one season handball legend Pepi Manaskov is also one of spent in Skopje, Atman appears to be one of the key players of the national team. The fifth the best players in the Metalurg squad and he place at the EC 2012 in Serbia is his highest showed great performance leading his team achievement. The 2013/14 season was a to the title in the domestic championship and breakthrough year for the left win in European quarter-finals in the EHF Champions League. competition, scoring 33 goals on his team’s impressive run to the Before Metalurg the famous “Pasha” played for Kaustik Volgograd quarter-finals. and Belarusian team Dinamo Minsk.

Naumce Mojsovski Mijajlo Marsenic centre back line player Two seasons ago the 34-year-old centre Marsenic’s standout performances in back of the Macedonian national team as the SEHA league earned the Serbian line a topscorer with 77 goals led his team to player a three-year contract with Metalurg its first quarter-finals appearance in the this summer. Before his transfer to the Champions League. Last December an injury Macedonian club, he played for Partizan, drove him away from the court and he with whom he won two Serbian league titles. missed the biggest part of the season. Since Marsenic is the first choice line player in the he joined Metalurg in 2009 he has won four Serbian junior team and 203 cm tall player national championships. He reached the Challenge Cup final with made his debut for the senior national team during an unsuccessful Pelister Bitola in 2002, but lost against Danish side Skjern. He was qualification campaign for the 2015 World Championship in . named 2012 Macedonian Athlete of the Year.

Renato Vugrinec Goce Georgievski right back right wing Renato Vugrinec is the only Metalurg player Together with Dejan Manaskov, Goce who has won a European Cup title to date as Georgievski is part of a new generation of he was a Celje player when they won the CL young players who come from the Metalurg in 2004. During the ten seasons he played for handball school. The 27-year-old played a the Slovenian side (interrupted by stints at SC successful 2013/14 VELUX EHF Champions Magdeburg and San Antonio) he won eight League season, scoring 31 goals overall. He national championships and five times the only started playing handball at the age of 16, national cup, scoring 1,465 goals on the go. At but quickly improved his skills and has been the age of 38 he debuted for the Macedonian national team and he was part of Metalurg’s senior team from 2006 onwards. He was part of the among the top scorers of the last season. Macedonian national team that finished 14th at the 2013 WCh in Spain. EC trophies: CL 2004 EURO: S 2004

28 GROUP A HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)

RUKOMETNI KLUB One of the competition’s stalwarts, Croatian all-time record champions (24 titles in 24 years) PRVO PLINARSKO DRUŠTVO HC PPD Zagreb, have reached the finals on four occasions, but the last time the team made ZAGREB an impact internationally, besides winning the SEHA Liga in 2013, was the participation in the VELUX EHF Champions League quarter-finals in 2012.

Times have changed in Zagreb, and since last season the club has gone firmly back to its roots. HC PPD Zagreb is the base for hopeful Croatian talents, though the threat of them disappearing elsewhere remains. Last season, the young squad narrowly missed out on qualification for the Last 16 from a tough group and this year will not be much easier with opponents such as Kiel, PSG, Metalurg, La Rioja and Meshkov Brest all hunting for a top four finish in Group A.

After twice missing the Last 16, manager Božidar Jović hopes to turn the tide despite the strong opponents: “Our main objective is to qualify for the Last 16. In the last two seasons we failed to do so and because of that it is even more important for us to break this negative streak. Our group is very strong but also very attractive. I believe that there is no easy opponent in the VELUX EHF Champions League, and if that is the case than I would rather play in the group which is attractive,” Jovic says. He has already calculated what needs to happen to proceed: “THW Kiel and PSG are above the rest of the group but I think we have a solid chance to outplay Metalurg, La Rioja and Meshkov Brest in our arena. Along with those six points we need one away win to qualify for the Last 16. Last season we won eight points but it wasn’t enough. This year I believe that with eight points we can qualify.”

Playing hall Experienced team captain Zlatko Horvat is proud of the way his club is working now – and is Arena Zagreb also confident: “We have a very young team which is built with domestic players only. Our Laniste b.b., strength is the fact that we have played together for three years now and I honestly believe 10000 Zagreb that it is time that we qualify for the Last 16.” Croatia Capacity: 15,200 Part of the preparation was the participation at several top tournaments all over Europe. Zagreb finished 2nd in the Casino Merkur Spielothek Cup in Germany, 5th in the Sparkassen Cup in Germany and 4th in the Vendee Hand Trophee tournament in Nantes. Club Address: HC PPD Zagreb Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX Past achievements Veprinecka 16 EHF Champions League season: Croatian 10000 Zagreb Champion VELUX EHF Champions League Croatia Participations (including 2014/15 Newcomers: season): 21 Media contact: coach Veselin Vujovic Final (4): 1994/95, 1996/97, 1997/98, Goran Roknić Domagoj Pavlović (RK Dubrava) 1998/99 +385 95 9999 334 Mateo Lukačec (RK Ivanić Grad) Semi-final (1): 1999/00 glasnogovornik@rk‐zagreb.hr Luka Raković (RK Vardar) Quarter-final (6): 1995/96, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2008/09, 2011/12 Online information: Left the club: Last 16 (3): 2005/06, 2009/10, 2010/11 Website: www.rk-zagreb.hr coach Boris Dvorsek Main Round (1): 2007/08 Facebook: RK-Zagreb Jerko Matulić (Chamberry Savoie) Group Phase (5): 1993/94, 2004/05, Twitter: @RKZagreb Marino Marić (Melsungen) 2006/07, 2012/13, 2013/14 Marko Matić (destination unknown) Hrvoje Batinović (RK Zadar) Other Kit colours EHF Cup: Runners-up 2004/05 Cup Winners‘ Cup: Semi-final 2006/07 Light Player shirt: white SEHA League: 1 title (2013) Player short: white Goalkeeper shirt: blue Croatian league: 24 titles (1991, 1992, Dark 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, Player shirt: blue 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, Player short: blue 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, Goalkeeper shirt: red 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) Croatian cup: 22 titles

29 HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)

RUKOMETNI KLUB Biggest win 34:15 (16:08) v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH (h), 04.12.2010 PRVO PLINARSKO DRUŠTVO Biggest defeat: 17:29 (09:12) v FC Barcelona ESP (h), 24.02.2001 ZAGREB Longest winning run: 6 matches (12.12.1998 – 27.02.1999) Longest unbeaten run: 6 matches (09.11.1996 – 18.01.1997) 6 matches (12.12.1998 – 27.02.1999) 6 matches (30.10.1999 – 05.12.1999) 6 matches (04.10.2008 – 22.11.2008) Longest losing run: 7 matches (11.10.2012 – 16.02.2013) Longest run without win: 8 matches (04.10.2012 – 16.02.2013) Most goals: 38 v Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 38:30W (h), 23.02.2013 Most goals opponent: 36 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 36:29L (a), 16.03.2008 36 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 36:33L (a), 03.04.2010 Most goals both teams: 69 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 36:33L (a), 03.04.2010 Fewest goals: 15 v Portland San Antonio ESP 31:15L (a), 22.10.2005 Fewest goals opponent: 13 v THW Kiel GER 22:13W (h), 25.03.2000 13 v Pelister Bitola MKD 37:13W (h), 16.10.2005 Fewest goals both teams: 36 v ZTR Zaporozhye UKR 18:18D (a), 20.11.1999

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

1993/94 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 6 0 2 4 135:147 –12 2 4th Gr. A 1994/95 Badel Zagreb CRO 8 5 1 2 203:203 0 11 Runner-up 1995/96 Croatia Banka Zagreb CRO 6 2 1 3 138:144 -6 5 3rd Gr. B 1996/97 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 12 6 3 3 310:294 +16 15 Runner-up 1997/98 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 12 7 0 5 300:287 +13 14 Runner-up 1998/99 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 12 8 1 3 288:269 +19 17 Runner-up 1999/00 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 10 7 1 2 260:230 +30 15 1/2-finals 2000/01 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 8 4 1 3 195:192 +3 9 1/4-finals 2002/03 RK Zagreb CRO 8 3 2 3 209:216 -7 8 1/4-finals 2003/04 RK Zagreb CRO 10 4 0 6 273:258 +15 8 1/4-finals 2004/05 RK Zagreb CRO 6 3 0 3 165:170 -5 6 3rd Gr. B 2005/06 RK Zagreb CRO 8 5 1 2 212:194 +18 11 Last 16 2006/07 RK Zagreb CRO 6 3 0 3 153:148 +5 6 3rd Gr. D 2007/08 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 5 1 6 339:344 -5 11 3rd MR Gr. 3 2008/09 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 7 3 2 357:313 +44 17 1/4-finals 2009/10 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 6 0 6 351:335 +16 12 Last 16 2010/11 HC Croatia Osiguranje ZAGREB CRO 12 6 3 3 358:319 +39 15 Last 16 2011/12 Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb CRO 14 9 1 4 391:359 +32 19 1/4-finals 2012/13 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb CRO 10 2 1 7 266:284 –18 5 5th Gr. D 2013/14 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb CRO 10 4 0 6 267:282 -15 8 5th Gr. A Total 194 96 22 76 5170:4988 +182 214

30 HC PPD Zagreb (CRO) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

5 Ilija Brozovic CRO Line Player 26.5.1991 195 110 13 Teo Coric CRO Line Player 25.3.1992 197 120 18 Zlatko Horvat CRO Right Wing 25.9.1984 179 80 16 Filip Ivic CRO Goalkeeper 30.8.1992 195 96 33 Ivan Ivkovic CRO Right Back 19.3.1996 206 103 51 Arijan Jovic CRO Goalkeeper 18.6.1996 77 Antonijo Kovacevic CRO Left Wing 21.5.1987 190 90 83 Mateo Lukacec CRO Centre Back 24.1.1995 27 Stipe Mandalinic CRO Left Back 9.9.1992 195 90 48 Petar Medic CRO Left Back 12.6.1996 4 Lovro Mihic CRO Left Wing 25.8.1994 41 Matej Mudrinjak CRO Goalkeeper 18.1.1994 188 90 37 Sandro Obranovic CRO Centre Back 18.10.1992 194 83 94 Domagoj Pavlovic CRO Left Back 21.3.1993 11 Luka Rakovic CRO Right Wing 6.6.1988 179 86 14 Luka Sebetic CRO Right Back 26.5.1994 197 93 43 Marko Sehic CRO Line Player 21.8.1996 188 84 11 Lovro Sprem CRO Left Wing 26.1.1990 185 85 7 Luka Stepancic CRO Right Back 20.11.1990 201 97 12 Ivan Stevanovic CRO Goalkeeper 18.5.1982 193 101 19 Leon Susnja CRO Line Player 5.8.1993 204 113 36 Robert Tokic CRO Left Back 9.3.1996 190 85 22 Josip Valcic CRO Centre Back 21.4.1984 190 96 24 Tonci Valcic CRO Left Back 9.6.1978 194 100 45 Jakov Vrdoljak CRO Left Back 1.11.1996 74 Mario Vuglac CRO Right Back 30.1.1992 35 Bruno-Vili Zobec CRO Left Back 29.1.1996 185 78

31 Veselin Vujović Filip Ivić coach goalkeeper Right before the beginning of the new CL He is a home-grown goalkeeper from campaign, PPD Zagreb have decided to hire Zagreb’s handball school. As the captain of a new coach – one of the best players ever, Croatian junior national team he already won Veselin Vujović. He has, as a head-coach European gold and was fourth in the world. worked in Ciudad Real, Yugoslavian national Last season he was given a chance in Zagreb’s team, Serbia and Montenegro (fourth place first team and he used the opportunity to the OG in Sydney 2000). With Vardar he open gates of senior handball in great style has won the regional SEHA League title in through some great saves in the CL and its first season. During his extraordinary career he was known as an regional SEHA league. In his first senior season he also made it to the outstanding specialist but also as an impulsive coach. national team and backing Mirko Alilović he won bronze at the WCh in Spain with Croatia. EC: Champions Cup 1985, 1986, 1991 (as player) WCh: B 2013 OG: G 1984, WCh: G 1986 (as player)

Lovro Šprem Stipe Mandalinić left wing left back He has a well-known surname in Croatian Young left back was one of the surprises handball. His older brother Goran has won in the last season but a knee injury has many medals with Croatia including the gold unfortunately slowed down his development. from the World Championship in 2003. Lovro Now he is back, probably better prepared is Goran’s copy in speed, aggresiveness and than ever. He was impressive at all junior rhythm. He won the bronze medal with the selections, especially due to his extraordinary national team at the World Championship in jump shot and super strong shot. Last season Spain in 2013. In 2009 he became the junior he played all matches, scored 43 goals in total world champion in Tunisia. He is very skillful at counter attacks and with his best performance against RN Löwen in Mannheim where he playing at the front of a 5-1 defence. was unstoppable with nine goals. WCh: B 2013 WCh: B 2013

Josip Valčić Teo Ćorić centre back line player This valuable and experienced central back He is a big talent on the line and a member of would probably be called Croatian “golden Croatian junior golden generation. Incredibly reserve”. He has been Zagreb’s engine in strong, tall, extraordinary scorer but also an the game for many years, but speaking of interesting solution in Croatian champions’ the national team he has remained in the defence. He came to Zagreb two years ago shadows of Domagoj Duvnjak and Ivano Balić. from Poreč which meant he will need some Although, each time he got the chance in the extra time to adopt to a new kind of handball team, he gained a silver medal – first time at tactics and trainings. He scored nine goals in the EHF EURO in 2008 and second time at the WCh on the home court six CL matches last season and this season is expected to be his big in 2009. He has played in Gummersbach and this will be his ninth CL step forward. season with Zagreb. EURO: S 2008, WCh: S 2009

Luka Stepančić Zlatko Horvat right back right wing One of the most exciting of Zagreb’s players Zagreb’s captain is currently enjoying his is one of the most wanted on the European best handball years. The speedy right wing player’s market. He’s a more than two meters is a counter-attack specialist, but he is an tall leftie with a great jump shot and ability important part of defence at the same time. to play in defence, embodying everything Horvat had his debut in the national team in that modern handball requires. Last season 2006 and since then he has won four medals was his fourth in the CL. He is also member – one bronze at each WCh, EHF EURO, and of Croatian national team and already has Olympics and silver at the WCh in 2009. He a bronze medal from the WCh 2013 in Spain. At the WC in Tunisia in has played in Zagreb from the beginning of his career and this will be 2009, he won the gold medal with the junior team. his 13th campaign in the CL. In the 2010/11 season he was the third best scorer with 94 goals. WCh: B 2013 OG: B 2012, EURO: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013

32 GROUP A Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)

It’s not a matter of age when it comes to being successful – if you are fit and experienced enough, you still can compete with the best of the best. So those at Naturhouse La Rioja say as they prepare for their second season in the VELUX EHF Champions League.

The Spanish runners-up, who left Valladolid behind in the Asobal league, signed two of the most experienced Spanish wing players over the summer - Juanin Garcia, the all-time top scorer of the Asobal league, and Albert Rocas. Both had their magic years at FC Barcelona, and as Garcia arrived straight from the Catalans, Rocas intermediately had been playing for KIF Kolding in Denmark. In Logrono they are re-united again.

Mainly thanks to both top wings Naturhouse hope to go one step further compared to their debut season, when they highly closely missed the qualification for the Last 16. In additional to Rocas and Garcia, the Spaniards have signed Swedish talent , who had been awarded Most Valuable Player at the 2013 Junior World Championship when he took gold with the “Tre Kronor” team.

Coach Jesús Javier González Fernández’s squad underwent plenty of changes over the summer, as eight newcomers came in to replace ten departures, which included a quintet of retired players. The goals are clear for Naturhouse this season: make it to the knock-out stage of the VELUX EHF Champions League and qualify for Europe again with a strong showing in Spain.

Playing hall Progressing from the group phase will not be easy, as they face three teams with sights firmly Palacio de los Deportes de la Rioja set on the VELUX EHF FINAL4, Kiel, PSG and Metalurg, as well as Zagreb and qualifiers Meshkov Avenida Moncalvillo 2 Brest. Manager Jaime Luis González Gutiérrez hopes to continue for as long as possible in the Logrono “greatest adventure in the young history of our club. Our target is to have a good atmosphere Spain in our arena and to win our home matches.” Capacity: 3,500

Club Address: Naturhouse La Rioja Avenida de Moncalvillo 2 26008 Logrono Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Spain Champions League season: Spanish runners- up Media contact: Jaime Luis Gonzalez Gutierrez Newcomers: +34 63 77 66 107 Jorge Gómez Lite (BM Aragón) [email protected] Juan Antonio García Lorenzana (FC Barcelona) Philip Stenmalm (Drott Halmstad) Online information: Víctor Vigo Gerpe (BM Guadalajara) Website: www.cbclogrono.com Pablo Cacheda González (CR BM Valladolid) Facebook: Albert Rocas Comas (KIF Kolding) Club-Balonmano-Naturhouse-La-Rioja Javier García Rubio (HBC Nantes) Twitter: @NaturhouseRioja Diego Martín Santamaría (Rioja youth team) Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions League Kit colours Left the club: Jorge Martínez Martínez (retired) Participations (including 2014/15 Light Unai Arrieta Aizpurua (retired) season): 2 Player shirt: white Arthur Malburg Patrianova (Villa de Aranda) Group phase (1): 2013/14 Player short: red José Manuel Rial Ricoy (Juanfersa Gr. Fergar) Goalkeeper shirt: yellow Alexander Tioumentsev (Orlen Wisla Plock) Other Dark Aidenas Malasinskas (Puerto Sagunto) EHF Cup: semi-final 2009/10, 2010/11, Player shirt: green Josep Masachs Gelma (Stiinta Bacau) Group Phase 2012/13 Player short: green Jon Ramiro Pérez (retired) Goalkeeper shirt: grey Pablo Hernández Suárez (retired) Spanish league: - (runners-up 2014) Miguel Ángel Velasco Encinas (retired) Spanish cup: - (runners-up 2013)

33 Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)

Biggest win: 38:34 (21:21) v HK DROTT Halmstad SWE (h), 20.02.2014 Biggest defeat: 37:25 (19:11) v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER (a), 12.02.2014 Longest winning run: 1 match (16.11.2013) 1 match (05.02.2014) 1 match (20.02.2014) Longest unbeaten run: 3 matches (13.10.2013 – 16.11.2013) Longest losing run: 2 matches (21.09.2013 – 29.09.2013) 2 matches (23.11.2013 – 27.11.2013) Longest run without win: 4 matches (21.09.2013 – 19.10.2013) Most goals: 38 v HK DROTT Halmstad SWE 38:34W (h), 20.02.2014 Most goals opponent: 37 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 37:25L (a), 12.02.2014 Most goals both teams: 72 v HK DROTT Halmstad SWE 38:34W (h), 20.02.2014 Fewest goals: 24 v HSV Hamburg GER 24:33L (h), 21.09.2013 24 v Aalborg Handbal DEN 28:24L (a), 29.09.2013 Fewest goals opponent: 23 v Aalborg Handbal DEN 25:23W (h), 05.02.2014 Fewest goals both teams: 48 v Aalborg Handbal DEN 25:23W (h), 05.02.2014

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2013/14 Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 10 3 2 5 292:320 -28 8 5th Gr. D Total 10 3 2 5 292:320 -28 8

34 Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Weight Height

12 Gurutz Aguinalde Aquizu ESP Goalkeeper 26.10.1977 201 108 23 Pablo Cacheda Gonzalez ESP Centre Back 9.1.1992 180 82 89 Patrick Lykke Eilert DEN Right Back 10.4.1989 205 97 32 Angel Fernandez Perez ESP Left Wing 16.9.1988 192 90 17 Ruben Garabaya Arenas ESP Line Player 15.9.1978 201 108 6 Juan Antonio Garcia Lorenzana ESP Left Wing 28.8.1977 176 75 15 Francisco Javier Garcia Rubio ESP Line Player 7.1.1990 195 120 1 Jorge Gomez Lite ESP Goalkeeper 6.6.1989 187 80 4 Thiagus Petrus Goncalves Dos Santos BRA Left Back 25.1.1989 199 100 11 Luis Felipe Jimenez Reina ESP Right Back 12.6.1989 193 94 24 Diego Martin Santamaria ESP Left Wing 25.7.1993 190 90 26 Albert Rocas Comas ESP Right Wing 16.6.1982 188 84 26 Pedro Rodriguez Alvarez ESP Right Wing 22.8.1990 193 75 18 Javier Romeo Lopez ESP Goalkeeper 1.6.1990 192 93 59 Angel Romero Rodriguez ESP Line Player 5.6.1984 202 121 2 Miguel Sanchez Migallon ESP Centre Back 8.2.1995 200 90 3 Philip Stenmalm SWE Left Back 3.3.1992 200 98 14 Victor Vigo Gerpe ESP Centre Back 9.5.1984 186 90

35 Jesús Javier González Fernández Gurutz Aguinagalde Aquizu coach goalkeeper For the first time in his coaching career he The 37-year-old is one of the most led a CL participant last season. He became experienced players at La Rioja and he has the “best coach of the Spanish league” in been with them for each of their European the 2012/13 season for the second time in campaigns. He played an important part in his life after the most successful season of the Rioja’s run in the EHF Cup where they Rioja in history. In 2007 former player took reached the Group Phase and only narrowly over the team of Logroño after being coach missed the quarter-finals. He is the brother in Valladolid. And right when he arrived, the of Spanish national team line player Julen club made their first steps on the European stage. Aguinagalde. To date he has won the Spanish King’s Cup in 1996, the Spanish Super Cup in 1996 and the Cup Winners’ Cup winner in 1997.

EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 1997

Juanin Garcia Philip Stenmalm left wing left back The all-time record scorer of the Spanish He was part of the Swedish U21 national team ASOBAL league is still one of the most who were triumphant at the WCh in 2013. talented wing players in Europe. He joined Not only was the two metre tall and 96 kg Barcelona at the start of the 2005/06 season heavy backcourt player an important figure and was part of the Spanish powerhouse by the blue and yellow side. He was even squad that won the EHF Champions considered so important to his team that he League in 2011. He also won gold with the was awarded MVP of the tournament after Spanish national team at the 2005 World the final. The talented left back with the hard Championship. His speed on the counterattack, his athletic game and and versatile shot was the second best scorer of DROTT Halmstad last his ability to shoot in so many different ways are both fundamental season before he decided to carry on in the CL with Rioja. aspects of Juanin Garcia’s style. EC trophies: CL 2011, Cup Winners’ Cup 1999, 2005 OG: B 2008, WCh: G 2005, B 2011, EURO: S 2006

Víctor Vigo Gerpe Rubén Garabaya Arenas centre back line player Although Víctor Vigo, born in 1984, will Naturhouse will enjoy this very experienced play for the first time in Champions League pivot (7th EHF CL participation) for the 4th this season, he’s already had 3 previous consecutive year. With 168 matches played experiences at EHF Cup level, defending the for the Spanish national team the 36-year- Naturhouse (1) and Bm. Aragón (2) shirts. old defender is keen to help his club to get Víctor started playing handball at the age of through a very tough qualification group. One 12, because “many friends did so too”. His of his fondest memories goes to EHF CL 06/07 abilities on the court were soon noticed by with the goal he scored in the last seconds the Spanish scouts, who started calling him for the U18 and Junior with Bm. Valladolid against Montpellier to clinch the first position in team. their group, which helped them reach semifinals that year.

EC trophies: EHF Cup 1999

Luis Felipe Jiménez Reina Albert Rocas right back right wing This will be the second consecutive Double world champion with the Spanish participation of this young Andalusian player national team (2005 and 2013), Rocas is only with Naturhouse in the EHF CL. And he seems missing an EHF EURO crown in his collection. to understand this competition very well as He was nominated as the best ASOBAL right this 25-year-old player already scored 40 wing in 2004, 2007 and 2008, and best right goals last season. He started playing handball wing of the Beijing in 2008. at the early age of six in his hometown club After six seasons at Barcelona, Rocas made (Puente Genil) and the minute coach Juan the move to Denmark last season, his first to de Dios Román met him by chance at a local training, Luisfe (as he a foreign league. After one year with Kolding he is back in Spain. prefers to be called by his friends) was immediately brought to the EC trophies: CL 2011, Cup Winners’ Cup 2004 U18 Spanish squad. OG: B 2008, WCh: G 2005, 2013, B 2011, EURO: S 2006, B 2014

36 GROUP A PSG Handball (FRA)

The star-studded Paris team made a massive impact in last season’s VELUX EHF Champions League, the club’s first appearance since 2005/06, before bowing out in the quarter-finals against Veszprem. Two former World Handball Players of the Year, Mikkel Hansen and Daniel Narcisse, were part of the PSG team already in the previous season and now a third one has arrived from Montpellier: goalkeeper and four-time EHF Champions League winner Thierry Omeyer.

The two-time Olympic and three-time world and EHF EURO champion replaces Jose Miguel Sierra, who, like Antonio Garcia, left for EHF Cup winner Pick Szeged. Additionally two more French national team players, and , have arrived to strengthen the back court. With these arrivals, the team of coach Philippe Gardent is ready to go all the way in every competition and atone for raising only the one trophy, the French Cup, last season.

PSG sensationally missed out on the French league title last season, finishing second behind Dunkerque. However, after an intense preparation, including one week in the Qatari capital , PSG are aiming high again in the league and with the goal to make it to Cologne in May 2015. The road to Cologne is already looking like a long and troublesome one in the group phase, as PSG were drawn together with THW Kiel (former club of Narcisse and Omeyer), Metalurg, Zagreb, La Rioja and Meshkov Brest.

“Once again we will face very prestigious opponents in the VELUX EHF Champions League. THW Kiel appears to be the declared favourite of our group, so we know that we have ten hard battles ahead. Our team will try to improve and go as far as possible in the competition. We do have a lot Playing hall of potential but, as a newcomer, we also appreciate the difficulty to reach the top of this amazing Halle Georges Carpentier competition,” admits manager Bruno Martini. 81 boulevard Massena 75013 Paris Team captain Daniel Narcisse says: “The VELUX EHF FINAL4 remains our dream destination France after being stopped right in front of the door last year. The road to Cologne is very difficult Capacity: 4,800 because we have additionally high goals in the French championship. Managing all of those games makes it hard, but obviously we want to go as far as possible.

Club Address: “The quarter-finals might already be something like a Champions League final, as it had PSG Handball occurred to us last season when we faced Veszprem. This is why the road to the FINAL4 is 82 avenue Georges Lafont obviously very difficult. Despite this, we still hope to do better than last year.” 75016 Paris France

Media contact: Louise Cosnard +33 (0)675 591 939 [email protected]

Online information: Website: www.psghand.fr Facebook: PSGHand Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Past achievements Twitter: @psghand Champions League season: French runners- up VELUX EHF Champions League Participations (including 2014/15 Newcomers: Kit colours season): 3 William Accambray (Montpellier) Quarter-final (1): 2013/14 Light Thierry Omeyer (Montpellier) Last 16 (1): 2005/06 Player shirt: white Xavier Barachet (St. Raphael) Player short: white Other Goalkeeper shirt: grey Left the club: EHF Cup: quarter-final 2006/07, Last 16 Dark Antonio Garcia (Szeged) 2003/04 Player shirt: blue Jose Manuel Sierra (Szeged) Player short: blue Ibrahima Diaw (Bucharest) French league: 1 title (2012/13) Goalkeeper shirt: grey Asgeir Orn Hallgrimsson (Nimes) French cup: 2 titles

37 PSG Handball (FRA)

Biggest win: 38:24 (22:11) v Wacker Thun SUI (h), 23.11.2013 Biggest defeat: 44:28 (22:12) v THW Kiel GER (a), 10.12.2005 Longest winning run: 4 matches (17.11.2013 – 08.02.2014) Longest unbeaten run: 4 matches (17.11.2013 – 08.02.2014) Longest losing run: 4 matches (23.11.1996 – 18.01.1997) Longest run without win: 4 matches (23.11.1996 – 18.01.1997) Most goals: 38 v Wacker Thun SUI 38:24W (h), 23.11.2013 Most goals opponent: 44 v THW Kiel GER 44:28L (a), 10.12.2005 Most goals both teams: 72 v THW Kiel GER 44:28L (a), 10.12.2005 Fewest goals: 20 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 20:26L (h), 11.01.1997 20 v Caja Santander ESP 26:20L (a), 18.01.1997 Fewest goals opponent: 18 v HC Banik Karvina CZE 21:18W (h), 09.10.2005 Fewest goals both teams: 39 v HC Banik Karvina CZE 21:18W (h), 09.10.2005

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

1996/97 PSG Asnières FRA 6 1 0 5 131:161 –30 2 4th Gr. D 2005/06 Paris Handball FRA 8 4 1 3 212:229 -17 9 Last 16 2013/14 PSG Handball FRA 14 7 1 6 429:402 +27 15 1/4-finals Total 28 12 2 14 772:792 –20 26

38 PSG Handball (FRA) Team roster No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Weight Height

19 Luc Abalo FRA Right Wing 6.9.1984 182 80 6 William Accambray FRA Left Back 8.4.1988 194 104 1 Patrice Annonay FRA Goalkeeper 17.5.1979 192 96 20 Ludwig Appolinaire FRA Back 27.5.1994 190 97 14 Xavier Barachet FRA Right Back 19.11.1988 195 95 91 Mladen Bojinovic SRB Line Player 17.1.1977 202 101 48 Clement Branco FRA Right Wing 25.8.1996 190 85 7 Gabor Csaszar HUN Line Player 16.6.1984 188 98 95 Kevin Durosier FRA Line Player 14.5.1994 187 90 32 Ulysse Fodor FRA Right Wing 3.4.1995 180 80 17 Dylan Garain FRA Left Back 22.8.1996 192 86 15 Jakov Gojun CRO Line Player 18.4.1986 204 110 18 Robert Gunnarsson ISL Line Player 22.5.1980 191 100 24 Mikkel Hansen DEN Back 22.10.1987 192 93 34 FRA Left Wing 5.7.1986 180 75 94 Bryan Jabea Njo FRA Goalkeeper 28.6.1992 193 103 39 Jordy Jacoby FRA Goalkeeper 8.2.1995 191 91 35 Marko Kopljar CRO Right Back 12.2.1986 210 108 11 Benoit Kounkoud FRA Right Wing 19.2.1997 188 78 90 Jeffrey M’tima FRA Left Wing 16.7.1991 188 80 5 Steve Marie Joseph FRA Left Wing 3.1.1994 185 90 4 Fahrudin Melic MNE Right Wing 22.7.1984 183 90 13 Zacharia N’diaye FRA Back 2.6.1984 194 90 25 Daniel Narcisse FRA Back 16.12.1979 189 93 16 Thierry Omeyer FRA Goalkeeper 2.11.1976 192 93 3 Axel Rosier FRA Centre Back 20.2.1994 192 90 33 Julio Rupaire FRA Line Player 1.3.1995 195 102 92 Boubou Toure FRA Left Wing 29.1.1994 186 76 21 Jonathan Troudart FRA Line Player 15.1.1996 194 82 9 Igor Vori CRO Line Player 20.9.1980 203 114

39 Philippe Gardent Thierry Omeyer coach goalkeeper After coaching Chambéry for 16 years (head Recently crowned best goalkeeper of history coach and before assistant coach) he joined by the IHF, he is throwing himself in a last PSG in 2012 with a mission to build-up a team adventure to win again the CL. At 38, he capable of reaching the top of Europe. And played in one of the most prestigious clubs in right in his first season, the former pivot of the world, Kiel, and has achieved more than the French national team took the French title any other goalkeeper. In his seven seasons in with PSG. He played for several clubs in Paris Germany, he gained a lot of experience and winning two champion and two cup titles. He became the goalkeeper feared by every player had 298 caps in 13 years with France and became world champion in on the planet. He then returned to Montpellier last season, reached 1995. As Chambéry coach he won the league in 2001 and cup in 2002. the EHF Cup Final and decided to move on to PSG this summer. OG: B 1992, WCh: G 1995, B 1993 (all as player) EC trophies: CL 2003, 2007, 2010, 2012 OG: G 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008, WCh: G 2001, 2009, 2011, B 2003, B 2005

Samuel Honrubia Mikkel Hansen left wing left back After having played in Montpellier for He was awarded World Handball Player in more than a decade, he joined PSG at the 2011, the year he reached the VELUX EHF start of the 2012/13 season. Once he had FINAL4 with AG Kobenhavn. He is the son arrived at the French capital he immediately of former Danish international Flemming showed what he is capable of and why is he Hansen. Having grown into a top class player is regarded as one of the best left wings in at Danish side GOG, he played for Barcelona Europe. He is very efficient when it comes for two seasons before joining AG in 2011. to scoring from fast breaks and he also has He then joined PSG at the start of the the capacity to make a difference, due to his fast-pace changing of 2012/13 season. No doubt his astonishing arm and shooting skills will directions, when it comes to one-on-one situations on limited space. be a great weapon in PSG’s arsenal this season.

OG: G 2012, EURO: G 2014, WCh: G 2011 EURO: G 2012, S 2014, WCh: S 2011, 2013

Daniele Narcisse Igor Vori centre back line player He might well go down in history as one of At 203 cm, the tall Croatian is a pillar in any the most decorated French players. Being team’s defence. He may look a little bit sleepy voted 2012 World Handball Player of the Year, and awkward, but that’s just an impression. this award seemed to crown what looks like He has won nearly every title the sport has an amazing career full of titles. But now, in on offer and PSG recruited him to bring some order to make the circle complete, the french CL experience to his position. Vori has played centre back would like to bring PSG on top handball in five countries so far, including of Europe. Nicknamed “Air France” because Spain (Barcelona), Germany (Hamburg) and, it looks like he’s flying when he’s jumping, Narcisse has now reunited more strangely, Italy. He has had some troubles adapting to his new with former Kiel teammate Thierry Omeyer to fulfill his goal. team last season but should be ready to take everything on this season.

EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012 EC trophies: CL 2013 OG: G 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008, WCh: G 2001, 2009, B 2003, 2005 OG: G 2004, B 2012, EURO: S 2008, 2010, B 2012, WCh: G 2003, S 2005, 2009, B 2013

Xavier Barachet Luc Abalo right back right wing After playing only one season in Spain, Xavier The spectacular right wing returned to France Barachet returned to France last season two seasons ago from Spanish side Atletico to play with Saint Raphaël, before signing Madrid and immediately showed how for PSG this season. Formed in Chambéry, much progress he has made. During his four the left-hander has already an impressive seasons in Spain, he learned to channel his CL experience despite only being aged 25. energy and reached the final of the CL in 2011 Sadly, he has been injured a lot over the past and 2012. He has become a regular fixture in seasons and due to a shoulder injury, has the national team as well. With his high jumps only focused on defending over the last two seasons. But thanks to and all the tricks a winger must have in his bag, he is one of the best surgery, he has now recovered and should be able to bring danger on at his position. the other side of the court as well. OG: G 2012, EURO: G 2010, WCh: G 2009, 2011 EC trophies: CL 2009 OG: 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, WCh: 2009, 2011

40 GROUP A HC Meshkov Brest (BLR)

Six years Meshkov Brest were left in Dinamo Minsk’s shadows, six years missing out on the Belarusian league title, six years absent from the Europe’s elite club competition.

However, all that has changed after Dinamo’s demise and Brest gladly struck back to take the title again in 2014. Some Dinamo players such as Dzianis Rutenka (brother of Siarhei) and Maxim Babichev joined Meshkov – and after a long absence they are now in the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase, where they had been constant participant from 2004 until 2008. In recent times, Brest were unlucky in the EHF Cup, twice coming up against eventual semi-finalists in the final qualification round in 2012 and 2013 and twice failing to beat German sides Frisch Auf Göppingen and Füchse Berlin. Brest have also been competing in the regional SEHA Liga and even made it to the final tournament in April 2014 in Novi Sad.

For the new season, Meshkov signed experienced players Nikola Manojlovic from Rhein- Neckar Löwen and Austrian international Janko Bozovic. And hosting the qualification tournament for the group phase, those newcomers (and stars like Serbian line player Rastko Stojkovic and Slovenian playmaker David Spiler) helped the side through in the final against Slovak champions Tatran Presov.

In the next stage the powerhouses of THW Kiel, Paris Saint-Germain and Metalurg Skopje will be visiting Brest, but despite those big names the hopes are high at the Belarusian champions to make it to the Last 16, as well as defend their domestic title and again reach the SEHA final Playing hall event. Sports director Pavel Bashkin is confident: “Our goal is to enter the knock-out stage of the VELUX EHF Champions League. The participants of our group are very strong. They Sportshall Victoria constantly participate in this competition, but the famous names of our opponents are also a Leningradskaya 4 guarantee that the hall will be full at our home matches.” 224028 Brest

Belarus After the long absence, team captain Ljubo Vukic says he is “very glad to play in the strongest Capacity: 3,500 league in Europe. Of course, our group is difficult, but we will fight to be among the top four teams in the end, which would grant us with a ticket to the Last 16.” Club Address: HC Meshkov Brest Leningradskaya 4 224028 Brest Belarus [email protected]

Media Contact: Alexandr Kulbaka +375 293 50 74 79 Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF [email protected] Champions League season: Belarusian Past achievements champions, winner of qualification Online information: tournament 1 VELUX EHF Champions League Website: www.bgk-meshkova.com Participations (including 2014/15 Facebook: bgkmeshkova Newcomers: season): 6 Twitter: bgk_meshkova Janko Bozovic (Emsdetten) Group Matches (4): 2004/05, 2005/06, Nikola Manojlovic (Rhein-Neckar Löwen) 2006/07, 2007/08 Simon Razgor (Maribor Branik) Qualification (1): 2008/09 Kit colours

Light Left the club: Other Player shirt: blue Alexey Ushal (Kronon) Cup Winners’ Cup: quarter-final Player short: blue Alexey Haisa (Kronon) 2011/12 Goalkeeper shirt: yellow Denis Volyntsev (Gomel) Belarusian league: 6 titles (2004-08, Dark Milan Dzukic (Borac Banja Luka) 2014) Player shirt: red Robert Markotic (Aix-En Provence) Belarusian cup: 7 titles Player short: red David Milicevic (Samberiju) Goalkeeper shirt: green/black Jury Tatarin (Sungul) Nerius Ataevas (destination unknown)

41 HC Meshkov Brest (BLR)

Biggest win: 28:22 (11:12) v Wisla Plock SSA POL (h), 13.11.2005 30:24 (15:12) v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH (h), 17.11.2007 Biggest defeat: 36:17 (16:08) v GOG Gudme DEN (a), 09.10.2004 Longest winning run: 1 match (16.10.2004) 1 match (13.11.2005) 1 match (17.11.2007) Longest unbeaten run: 1 match (16.10.2004) 1 match (13.11.2005) 1 match (17.11.2007) Longest losing run: 10 matches (09.10.2004 – 06.11.2005) 10 matches (30.09.2006 – 10.11.2007) Longest run without win: 10 matches (09.10.2004 – 06.11.2005) 10 matches (30.09.2006 – 10.11.2007) Most goals: 31 v RK Gorenje Velenje SLO 31:29W (h), 16.10.2004 31 v THW Kiel GER 31:37L (h), 06.11.2005 Most goals opponent: 39 v BM Ciudad Real ESP 39:29L (a), 11.11.2006 Most goals both teams: 68 v THW Kiel GER 31:37L (h), 06.11.2005 68 v BM Ciudad Real ESP 39:29L (a), 11.11.2006 Fewest goals: 17 v GOG Gudme DEN 36:17L (a), 09.10.2004 17 v RK Gorenje Velenje SLO 27:17L (a), 30.10.2004 Fewest goals opponent: 22 v Wisla Plock SSA POL 28:22W (h), 13.11.2005 Fewest goals both teams: 44 v RK Gorenje Velenje SLO 27:17L (a), 30.10.2004

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2004/05 Brestskiy HC Meshkovo BLR 6 1 0 5 143:184 -41 2 4th Gr. C 2005/06 Brest HC Meshkov BLR 6 1 0 5 165:183 -18 2 4th Gr. E 2006/07 Brest HC Meshkov BLR 6 0 0 6 146:189 –43 0 4th Gr. B 2007/08 HC Meshkov Brest BLR 6 1 0 5 154:182 -28 2 4th Gr. H Total 24 3 0 21 608:738 -130 6

42 HC Meshkov Brest (BLR)

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

90 Aleh Astrashapkin BLR Right Back 20.1.1992 187 81 6 Maxim Babichev BLR Line Player 7.3.1986 196 97 24 Maksim Baranau BLR Right Wing 11.4.1988 188 82 7 Janko Bozovic AUT Right Back 14.7.1985 203 101 21 Vitali Charapenka BLR Goalkeeper 27.1.1984 194 86 11 Dzmitry Kamyshyk BLR Left Back 1.5.1990 200 95 29 Ivan Karacic BIH Centre Back 26.5.1985 190 93 9 Nikola Manojlovic SRB Left Back 1.12.1981 196 100 17 Dzmitry Nikulenkau BLR Centre Back 12.7.1984 187 87 16 Dzmitry Patotski BLR Goalkeeper 3.10.1992 195 107 1 Ivan Pesic CRO Goalkeeper 17.3.1989 193 112 31 Simon Razgor SLO Left Wing 18.9.1985 183 84 30 Dzianis Rutenka BLR Right Wing 14.2.1986 187 85 22 Viachaslau Shumak BLR Line Player 22.12.1988 204 116 88 Siarhei Shylovich BLR Right Back 16.5.1986 198 95 13 David Spiler SLO Centre Back 2.1.1983 190 95 18 Rastko Stojkovic SRB Line Player 12.7.1981 191 104 23 Ljubo Vukic CRO Left Wing 3.8.1982 192 96

43 Željko Babić Vitali Charapenka coach goalkeeper The 42-year-old Croatian begins his second The 30-year-old is a veteran of HC Meshkov year at the helm of HC Meshkov Brest. In Brest where he has been playing since 2005. the past, he worked in his native Croatia as a During this time, he won a number of local coach of Zagreb and the national team, where trophies with his club, including the title of he was an assistant of the famous Slavko Belarusian champion in 2014. Last year, there Goluza. His first steps in Brest were perhaps were rumors that Charapenka would move to not very impressive, but in the end Babić France’s Creteille, but in the end he stayed at convinced everyone of his high professional home. Vitali is currently also the first-choice qualities, having led the team to the first title of Belarusian champion goalkeeper of the Belarus national team. And in Brest, he showed since 2008. The emotional and impulsive Balkan coach is always eager his skills once again in the qualifying round of the VELUX Champions to learn something new, and he is a good motivator for his players. League, where a few weeks ago his saves were crucial in the decisive match against Tatran Presov. Ljubo Vukić Nikola Manojlović left wing left back The Croatian from Split is the captain of The 32-year old native of Belgrade is a new HC Meshkov Brest — he was given this player in Brest, but he can boast quite a rich role by the club owner Alexander Meshkov international experience. With the Serbia personally. Vukić starts his third year in national team, he participated in a number Brest, and he already speaks Russian quite of major tournaments including the London fluently, which makes him a connecting link Olympics. He has played in his native Serbia between the local players and the large as well as Switzerland, Slovenia, Romania Balkan diaspora in the team. He acquired a lot and Germany, so Belarus is the sixth country of international experience in the national team — he was a part of it in his profile. In the Bundesliga, he spent four years at Frisch Auf during some major tournaments including the 2008 Olympics. Before Goppingen and had two spells at Rhein-Neckar Lowen. Brest he mostly played for HC Osiguranje Zagreb. EURO: S 2008 EURO: S 2012

Dzmitry Nikulenkau Rastko Stojković centre back line player The 30-year-old native of Minsk is a national The native of Belgrade started his career at RK player of Belarus and a well-respected player Crvena Zvezda, but moved abroad at the age in the country. During a number of years, he of 24. He gained some experience in Germany, played a key role at Dinamo Minsk, where he where he played for Pfullingen and Nordhorn- was the captain. Nikulenkau was at Dinamo Lingen, and with the latter team won the EHF since the club foundation in 2008 and until Cup in 2008. Then the Serb moved to Kielce Dinamo ceased to exist in February 2014. where he won three titles of Polish champion Nikulenkau had some offers from abroad, but and four Polish cups. During the last season, he opted to move to Brest together with two other ex-Dinamo players, he managed to play for three clubs — first for Crvena Zvezda, then a Maxim Babichev and Dzianis Rutenka. couple of months in the exotic Qatar, and in December he joined Brest.

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2008 EURO: S 2012

Janko Božović Dzianis Rutenka right back right wing Although the 29-year-old is an Austrian His name is very famous in handball — international, he was born in Bar, Dzianis is a younger brother of the famous Montenegro. His mother, Stanka Božović, Barcelona left back Siarhei Rutenka. The two also used to play for Austria in the past. And brothers play together for the national team Janko, whose height is 203 cm, moved abroad of Belarus, but unlike Siarhei, the 28-year-old already at the age of 21. He travelled across Dzianis has spent most of his career at home. Europe, having played in , Spain, With Dinamo Minsk, he became a five-time Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia. His last Belarusian champion, and when this club station was Germany’s TV Emsdetten where he spent three seasons. went bankrupt last February, the right wing was immediately picked And now Božović is looking forward to a new challenge with the up by Brest. With his new club, Rutenka won the national title once Belarusian champions. again, adding the sixth championship to his collection.

44 Group B preview

FLENSBURG ARE THE CHAMPIONS, BUT BARCELONA ARE ALWAYS FAVOURITES

When SG Flensburg-Handewitt won the VELUX EHF FINAL4 back in May, it came as a surprise to most people in the handball world. The North Germans will start their title defence while having to replace players such as substitute goalkeeper Søren Rasmussen who played a great part in the their triumph in the Lanxess Arena in Cologne in May, as well as the experiences line player Michael V. Knudsen and right back Steffen Weinhold.

On the positive side is the fact that Flensburg can welcome the hard-shooting left back back from his one year injury break. One of the toughest rivals already in the group phase will be FC Barcelona who are almost always mentioned among the hottest favourites for the title. The Catalonians who have won the EHF Champions League seven times already, proved that they mean business once again, as the won the Super Globe in Qatar earlier this month.

Barcelona will have to play their first group matches without right wing Victor Tomas who has fractured his hand, but even this handicap does not remove the status as group favourites from the shoulders of the Barcelona players. At first sight, 35-year-old Icelandic left wing Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson seems like their most exciting new signing.

KIF Kolding København have said goodbye to right wing Albert Rocas and defence specialist Joachim Boldsen, but even though no replacements have been signed for those key players, the Danish champions look stronger than last year, simply because they are not bothered by that multitude of injuries which handicapped them last season. Lately, , who has been nursing shoulder problems since April 2013, has even started shooting again, and in goal, veteran Kasper Hvidt has got himself a highly competent colleague in the shape of another former Danish international, .

Orlen Wisla Plock will have amibtions of doing better than last season, where a fourth place in the group phase lead to an early exit in the Last 16. However, coach Manuel Cadenas´ men may have another tough season, having said goodbye to players such as Marcin Lijewski, Nikola Eklemovic and Petar Nenadic.

Alingsas HK are in the VELUX EHF Champions League for the second time and after a five year break. It will be interesting to see what the Swedish champions can do in this tough group, and it will be particularly interesting to follow their promising young playmaker .

For the first time in 11 years is Turkish handball represented in the Champions League, and for Besiktas MOGAZ HT it is even the debut in the tournament. The Turkish champions have promised to fight “until even their socks are torn apart”, and they are probably going to need that. However, it will be interesting to follow their most prominent signing, Croations left wing Ivan Nincevis who has joined from Dinamo Minsk.

Peter Bruun

45 Group B head-to-heads

Historic encounters of the Group B opponents in the EC

FC Barcelona vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 20.12.1997 FC Barcelona vs Kolding IF, ECh for Club Teams – 1/2-finals 37:26 (20:14) 17.10.2009 FC Barcelona Borges vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 46:36 (23:19) 06.03.2010 KIF Kolding vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 25:25 (10:12)

FC Barcelona vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 18.12.1999 FC Barcelona vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, ECh for Club Teams – 1/2-finals 32:29 (16:14) 23.02.2007 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs FC Barcelona-Cifec, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 31:21 (13:10) 03.03.2007 FC Barcelona-Cifec vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 34:29 (14:12) 31.05.2014 FC Barcelona vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF FINAL4 – 1/2-finals 39:41 AET and SO (36:36, 32:32, 17:18)

KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs Orlen Wisla Plock 02.10.2005 KIF Kolding vs Wisla Plock SSA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group E 38:29 (16:14) 06.11.2005 Wisla Plock SSA vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group E 19:25 (10:12) 07.10.2006 KIF Kolding Elite A/S vs Wisla Plock SA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 35:18 (19:4) 19.10.2006 Wisla Plock SA vs KIF Kolding Elite A/S, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 25:31 (13:13) 20.10.2013 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 23:22 (13:11) 13.02.2014 Orlen Wisla Plock vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:26 (08:10)

KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 12.11.1995 Kolding IF vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, EHF Cup – Last 16 19:26 (8:8) 18.11.1995 SG Flensburg Handewitt vs Kolding IF, EHF Cup – Last 16 25:23 (13:10) 13.12.2003 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Kolding KIF, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 34:29 (16:13) 21.12.2003 Kolding KIF vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 20:33 (11:17)

Orlen Wisla Plock vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 08.12.2001 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Orlen SSA Plock, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16 33:27 (19:12) 15.12.2001 Orlen SSA Plock vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16 25:23 (10:9)

No previous encounters in European competitions FC Barcelona vs Alingsas HK FC Barcelona vs Orlen Wisla Plock FC Barcelona vs Besiktas Mogaz HT KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs Alingsas HK KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs Besiktas Mogaz HT Alingsas HK vs Orlen Wisla Plock Alingsas HK vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt Alingsas HK vs Besiktas Mogaz HT Orlen Wisla Plock vs Besiktas Mogaz HT SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Besiktas Mogaz HT

46 GROUP B FC Barcelona (ESP)

Despite reaching the final destination of Cologne four times, FC Barcelona have only once lifted the coveted trophy in the VELUX EHF FINAL4 era. With that in mind and another near miss fresh in the memory, one of the team’s clear goals is to make it back to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 again, and maybe avoid a German team this time around.

The Catalans’ only win against a German team came in 2011 against Rhein Neckar Löwen compared to two final defeats against Kiel (2010) and Hamburg (2013) as well as last season’s thrilling semi- final loss to eventual winners SG Flensburg-Handewitt. Opportunities to make up for that heart- breaking loss present themselves to Barcelona in the two guaranteed encounters in the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase. Additionally, the seven-time EHF Champions League winner will compete with Kolding, Alingsas, Plock and the winner of qualification tournament 3 in the first stage of the competition.

The Barca squad did not change all that much in the squad, with all of their top back court players such as Nikola Karabatic, and Siarhei Rutenka remained in the blaugrana jersey. Departures included all-time top scorer of the Asobal league, Juanin Garcia (La Rioja), and Spanish world champion Arpad Sterbik (Vardar Skopje), who both found new jobs at Champions League clubs, while Slovak left wing Martin Stranovsky transferred to German side Erlangen.

Sterbik’s replacement, Gonzalo Pérez De Vargas, is very well known to Barca, as he comes from the youth programme of the Catalans and was on loan at French side Felix Toulouse until now and the goalkeeper promises that he is ready for the challenge. Coming into the squad are two players from Playing hall one of Barcelona’s top rivals, Tunisian left back Wael Jallouz and Icelandic left wing Gudjon Valur Palau Blaugrana Sigurdsson arrived from THW Kiel. With those newcomers, the goals for the upcoming season are Av. Aristides Maillol, s/n the same as last year’s: to win all available competitions. The domestic competition has become a 08028 Barcelona one-horse race, with Barcelona winning the Spanish Asobal league at a canter last season. Spain Capacity: 7,250 At least in the first three rounds Barca will miss their captain Victor Tomas, who fractured his right hand at the Asobal game one week before the start of the new season.

Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX Club Address: Past achievements EHF Champions League season: Spanish FC Barcelona Intersport champions Avda. Aristides Maillol, s/n VELUX EHF Champions League 08028 Barcelona Participations (including 2014/15 Newcomers: Spain season): 18 Gonzalo Pérez De Vargas (Fenix Toulouse) Winner (7): 1995/96, 1996/97, 1997/98, Wael Jallouz (THW Kiel) Media contact: 1998/99, 1999/00, 2004/05, 2010/11 Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson (THW Kiel) Gustau Galvache Final (3): 2000/01, 2009/10, 2012/13 +34 618522789 Semi-final (2): 2007/08, 2013/14 Left the club: [email protected] Quarter-final (3): 2005/06, 2006/07, Juanin García (Naturhouse La Rioja) 2011/12 Arpad Sterbik (Vardar Skopje) Online information: Last 16 (1): 2003/04 Martin Stranovsky (HC Erlangen) Website: www.fcbarcelona.cat Main Round (1): 2008/09 Facebook: FCBHandbol Twitter: @FCBHandbol Other EHF Cup: Winners 2002/03, Runners-up 2001/02 Kit colours Cup Winners‘ Cup: Winners 1993/94, Light 1994/95 Player shirt: red and yellow Player short: red Spanish league: 21 titles (1969, 1973, Goalkeeper shirt: green/grey 1980, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, Dark 2000, 2003, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, Player shirt: blue and red 2014) Player short: blue Spanish cup: 18 titles Goalkeeper shirt: black/dark red Asobal cup: 9 titles

47 FC Barcelona (ESP)

Biggest win 17:43 (9:21) v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH (a), 19.11.2011 Biggest defeat 31:21 (13:10) v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER (a), 23.02.2007 41:31 (20:15) v THW Kiel GER (a), 06.04.2008 Longest winning run 12 matches (24.04.2011 – 12.02.2012) Longest unbeaten run 16 matches (24.01.1996 – 16.03.1997) Longest losing run 2 matches (25.03.2000 – 22.04.2000) 2 matches (16.10.2004 – 23.10.2004) 2 matches (11.12.2004 – 05.03.2005) 2 matches (15.03.2008 – 06.04.2008) 2 matches (23.11.2008 – 14.02.2009) 2 matches (30.05.2010 – 25.09.2010) Longest run without win 3 matches (30.05.2010 – 03.10.2010) Most goals 46 v KIF Kolding DEN 46:36W (h), 17.10.2009 Most goals opponent 41 v THW Kiel GER 41:31L (a), 06.04.2008 Most goals both teams 82 v KIF Kolding DEN 46:36W (h), 17.10.2009 Fewest goals 21 v ABC Braga POR 21:21D (a), 09.11.1997 21 v SC Pick Szeged HUN 22:21L (a), 23.10.2004 21 v Portland San Antonio ESP 25:21L (a), 25.02.2006 21 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 31:21L (a), 23.02.2007 Fewest goals opponent 12 v Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 12:26W (a), 06.11.2004 Fewest goals both teams 38 v Elgorriaga Bidasoa ESP 23:15W (a), 20.04.1996 38 v Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 12:26W (a), 06.11.2004

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage Reached 1995/96 FC Barcelona ESP 8 5 2 1 213: 173 + 40 12 Winner 1996/97 FC Barcelona ESP 12 10 1 1 358: 264 + 94 21 Winner 1997/98 FC Barcelona ESP 12 9 1 2 358: 284 + 74 19 Winner 1998/99 FC Barcelona ESP 12 8 3 1 357: 289 + 68 19 Winner 1999/00 FC Barcelona ESP 12 10 0 2 345: 271 + 74 20 Winner 2000/01 FC Barcelona ESP 12 8 2 2 316: 281 + 35 18 Runner-up 2003/04 FC Barcelona ESP 8 5 1 2 262: 212 + 50 11 Last 16 2004/05 FC Barcelona Cifec ESP 14 8 0 6 400: 360 + 40 16 Winner 2005/06 FC Barcelona-Cifec ESP 10 9 0 1 293: 244 + 49 18 1/4-finals 2006/07 FC Barcelona-Cifec ESP 10 8 0 2 314: 263 + 51 16 1/4-finals 2007/08 FC Barcelona ESP 14 11 0 3 475: 407 + 68 22 1/2-finals 2008/09 FC Barcelona Borges ESP 10 6 0 4 307: 275 + 32 12 3rd MR Gr. 4 2009/10 FC Barcelona Borges ESP 16 13 1 2 545: 461 + 84 27 Runner-up 2010/11 FC Barcelona Borges ESP 16 10 3 3 501: 451 + 50 23 Winner 2011/12 FC Barcelona Intersport ESP 14 11 0 3 459: 357 +102 22 1/4-finals 2012/13 FC Barcelona Intersport ESP 16 13 0 3 488: 404 + 84 26 Runner-up 2013/14 FC Barcelona ESP 16 12 1 3 535:426 +109 25 Third Place Total 212 156 15 41 6526:5422 +1104 327

48 FC Barcelona (ESP)

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

13 Aitor Arino Bengoechea ESP Left Wing 5.10.1992 185 75 9 Raul Entrerrios Rodriguez ESP Centre Back 12.2.1981 193 92 18 Martinez ESP Right Back 8.11.1987 194 92 22 Wael Jallouz TUN Left Back 3.5.1991 197 92 33 Nikola Karabatic FRA Centre Back 11.4.1984 196 102 77 Kiril Lazarov MKD Right Back 10.5.1980 195 99 27 de Argila ESP Left Back 15.12.1983 199 99 3 Jesper Brian Nöddesbo DEN Line Player 23.10.1980 199 100 1 Gonzalo Perez de Vargas ESP Goalkeeper 10.1.1991 189 93 22 Siarhei Rutenka BLR Left Back 29.8.1981 199 109 12 Danijel Saric BIH Goalkeeper 27.6.1977 194 93 11 Daniel Sarmiento Melian ESP Centre Back 25.8.1983 186 85 37 Joan Saubich Mir ESP Right Wing 7.11.1989 186 88 9 Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson ISL Left Wing 8.8.1979 187 82 10 Cedric Sorhaindo FRA Line Player 7.6.1984 192 100 8 Victor Tomas Gonzalez ESP Right Wing 15.2.1985 178 85

49 Pascual Danijel Šarić coach goalkeeper The name is a “double feature” at FC One of the best Barcelona players, known for Barcelona, as the coaches of both the his incredible quality in goal and for the joy he handball and the basketball section hold the brings to the team. The Bosnian goalkeeper same name. Handball’s Xavi Pascual played won the CL in 2011 with Barcelona, was for a lengthy period for Barcelona and some awarded the best goalkeeper of the ASOBAL other Spanish clubs, before becoming the league in 2011 and 2012, and the best player goalkeeper coach at the EHF Champions overall in 2011. He joined Barça in 2009, after League record winners in 2005, where he spells with Spanish clubs San Antonio, León, started working with the legendary David Barrufet and others. In Alcobendas and Cantabria, but began his career in Serbia with RK 2009 he succeeded at Barcelona’s helm. Crvena Zvezda and RK Sintelon. EC trophies: CL 2011 EC trophies: CL 2011

Gudjón Valur Sigurdsson Siarhei Rutenka left wing left back Before his arrival to Barcelona the Icelandic In 2011 the Belarusian became the second spent just one season away from the player to win five CL titles with three clubs Bundesliga - in 2011/12 he played for AG after Jose Javier Hombrados (with Santander, Kobenhavn. The former Tusem Essen, VfL San Antonio, Ciudad Real) completed this Gummersbach and Rhein-Neckar Löwen feat as the first one. After lifting the trophy player had some outstanding performances in 2004 with Celje, Rutenka won three titles in Europe and really appeared to have got with Ciudad Real, followed by the victory the joy of playing handball back. With his with Barcelona. No matter what competition, enormous experience from top handball and his equally large talent, Rutenka is among the top scorers, e.g. at the 2006 EHF EURO and in 2008 Olympic silver medallist Sigurdsson is a real key player. 2003/04 and the 2004/05 Champions League season.

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2005 EC trophies: CL 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 OG: S 2008

Nikola Karabatić Jesper Nøddesbo centre back / left back line player The former World Handball Player of the Noddesbo started his career at Team Tvis Year was one of Barcelona transfer coups last Holstebro – long before the Danish club summer, with Kiril Lazarov being another one. made it as far as the EHF Cup semi-final in the Karabatic has already won everything there 2012/13 season. His career started spiralling is to win, as he has triumphed at Olympic upwards when he joined KIF Kolding in 2004. Games, World Championships and EHF Since then, he has been among Europe’s elite European Championships with the French year after year – with Kolding from 2004 national team. The left back is one of the to 2007, and ever since with FC Barcelona, most complete handball players with strengths in attack and defence. whom he joined in the summer of 2007. He is an imposing presence He has also won the EHF Champions League twice – in 2003 with on the court and is not afraid of anything when it comes to stopping Montpellier and 2007 with THW Kiel. opposing attackers. EC trophies: CL 2003, 2007 EURO: G 2008, S 2014, WCh: S 2011, 2013 OG: G 2008, 2012, WCh: G 2009, 2011, B 2003, 2005, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008

Kiril Lazarov Victor Tomas right back right wing The powerful back court shooter from FYR Following the victories in 2005 and 2011, the Macedonia is the most successful scorer at a Barcelona-born Tomas will be hoping to lift single EHF EURO event (2012 Serbia, 61 goals) his third EHF Champions League trophy at and also at World Championship level (2009 the FINAL4 in Cologne. He joined Barcelona’s Croatia, 92 goals). He was also top scorer of youth team in 1998 and has not played for the EHF Champions League twice (2005/06 any other club. In fact he is that loyal to and 2007/08) – but still this title is missing in Barça, he has always stated that if he were his trophy cabinet. In the 2012/13 ASOBAL to leave the Catalan club he would only season he converted 62 per cent of his shots, being particularly play outside of Spain. He biggest assets are his great pace and his effective from the penalty line (76 per cent) and with counter attack impressive flexibility that make him a strong player in attack but also (86 per cent). in defence. EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011, EHF Cup 2003 OG: B 2008, EURO: B 2014, WCh: G 2013

50 GROUP B KIF Kolding København (DEN)

A big name in Danish and international handball has said farewell to the court. Joachim Boldsen brought an end to his long and successful career, but not before he and his club KIF Kolding København finished on top again in his last season, snatching back the Danish championship in May from the defending champions Aalborg thanks to two final victories. The Danes hope that winning their 13th national title will not prove to be an unlucky number when they go for the title again and look to step up a level on the international stage.

After a season of many long-term injuries to key players such as Kim Andersson, and Kasper Irming, KIF are back on track with everyone healthy once again. They have even strengthened their squad with the signing of former EHF Champions League winning goalkeeper Marcus Cleverly, arriving from HSV Hamburg. Another big name to join the team is Landin Jacobsen – but not the famous Niklas, rather his younger brother Magnus, who made the switch from Nordsjælland.

The new season is the first full one for coach Aron Kristjansson (also in charge of the Icelandic national team) after starting his job at KIF in February. With this barrage of good news at the club, hopes are high in Kolding and København to defend their Danish title and at least qualify for the Last 16 of the VELUX EHF Champions League like they had done in the 2013/14 season.

However, the opponents KIF face already in the group phase are high hurdles to clear: defending champions Flensburg, competition favourites Barcelona, Polish powerhouse Plock, Alingsas and Turkish newcomers Besiktas. Despite their twelfth appearance in the Champions Playing hall League, for KIF club director Jens Boesen it is still something special to be part of the top TRE-FOR Arena 24 teams: “The VELUX EHF Champions League is the top product of our sport and it is very Ambolten 2-6 important for our club and our team to be a part of this and to perform well. Of course my 6000 Kolding biggest dream is to be among the last four teams in Cologne. But to make it there do not only Denmark need to perform well but also need some luck in the draws on the way.” Capacity: 2,800 For team captain Torsten Laen, Champions League winner with Ciudad Real and VELUX EHF FINAL 4 participant with Füchse Berlin, the return of key players shall be crucial to success: Club Address: “We have big ambitions for the upcoming season. We had a lot of success last season even KIF Kolding København though we had a lot of injury problems. With the return of Kim Andersson, Lasse Boesen and Ambolten 2-6 Kasper Irming and new players at least at the same level as those who left the team, we expect 6000 Kolding at least the same success as last year.” Denmark Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions League season: Danish Past achievements Media contact: champions Thomas Christensen VELUX EHF Champions League +45 22 629062 Newcomers: Participations (including 2014/15 [email protected] Marcus Cleverly (HSV Hamburg) season): 12 Martin Dolk (Hammarby) Semi-final (1): 2001/02 Online information: (Nordsjælland) Quarter-final (1): 2002/03 Website: www.kif.dk Last 16 (7): 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, Facebook: KIFKBH Left the club: 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2013/14 Twitter: @KifKoldingKBH Stefan Hundstrup (Bjerringbro-Silkeborg) Last 32 (1): 1993/94 Søren Westphal (Aalborg Håndbold) Group Phase (1): 1994/95 Joachim Boldsen (end of career) Kit colours Albert Rocas Comas (Naturhouse La Rioja) Other Cup Winners’ Cup: Semi-final Light 1999/2000, Quarter-final 2007/08 Player shirt: white EHF Cup: Quarter-final 2012/13 Player short: white Alternative playing hall Goalkeeper shirt: orange/blue Broendby Hallen Danish league: 13 titles (1987, 1988, Dark Broendby Stadion 20 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 2001, 2002, Player shirt: black 2605 Brondby 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2014) Player short: black Denmark Danish cup: 8 titles Goalkeeper shirt: orange/blue Capacity: 5,000

51 KIF Kolding København (DEN)

Biggest win: 35:18 (19:04) v Wisla Plock SA POL (h), 07.10.2006 Biggest defeat: 38:23 (20:10) v THW Kiel GER (a), 27.02.2010 40:25 (19:10) v Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA (a), 28.11.2010 Longest winning run: 4 matches (16.11.2002 – 08.12.2002) 4 matches (30.09.2006 – 19.10.2006) 4 matches (13.10.2013 – 24.11.2013) Longest unbeaten run: 6 matches (30.09.2006 – 12.11.2006) Longest losing run: 4 matches (26.02.2011 – 02.04.2011) Longest run without win: 4 matches (17.10.2009 – 22.11.2009) 4 matches (27.02.2010 – 03.04.2010) 4 matches (26.02.2011 – 02.04.2011) Most goals: 42 v RK Partizan Belgrad SCG 42:26W (h), 12.10.2003 42 v Prule 67 Ljubljana SLO 42:31W (h), 30.11.2003 Most goals opponent: 46 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 46:36L (a), 17.10.2009 Most goals both teams: 82 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 46:36L (a), 17.10.2009 Fewest goals: 16 v TEKA Santander ESP 28:16L (a), 25.01.1995 Fewest goals opponent: 18 v Lovcen Osiguranje YUG 20:18W (h), 11.11.2001 18 v Wisla Plock SA POL 35:18W (h), 07.10.2006 18 v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 18:20W (a), 13.10.2013 Fewest goals both teams: 38 v Lovcen Osiguranje YUG 20:18W (h), 11.11.2001 38 v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 18:20W (a), 13.10.2013

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

1994/95 Kolding IF DEN 6 1 0 5 140:163 –23 2 4th Gr. A 2001/02 Kolding IF DEN 10 5 1 4 263:256 +7 11 1/2-finals 2002/03 Kolding IF DEN 8 5 0 3 235:215 +20 10 1/4-finals 2003/04 Kolding KIF DEN 8 4 1 3 253:239 +14 9 Last 16 2004/05 Kolding KIF DEN 8 4 0 4 279:267 +12 8 Last 16 2005/06 KIF Kolding DEN 8 4 0 4 251:240 +11 8 Last 16 2006/07 KIF Kolding Elite A/S DEN 8 6 1 1 252:213 +39 13 Last 16 2009/10 KIF Kolding DEN 12 4 4 4 336:342 -6 12 Last 16 2010/11 KIF Kolding DEN 12 5 0 7 349:388 -39 10 Last 16 2013/14 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 12 7 0 5 292:293 -1 14 Last 16 Total 92 45 7 40 2650:2616 +34 97

52 KIF Kolding København (DEN)

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

7 Lasse Bredekjaer Anderson DEN Left Back 11.3.1994 5 Kim Andersson SWE Right Back 21.8.1982 200 104 Morten Ankersen DEN 25.11.1994 3 Lasse Boesen DEN Left Back 18.9.1979 192 100 Mikel Dalby Christensen DEN 19.6.1995 20 Marcus David Cleverly DEN Goalkeeper 15.6.1981 188 90 Martin Per Dolk SWE Left Wing 25.3.1990 1 Kasper Hvidt DEN Goalkeeper 6.2.1976 192 96 18 Kasper Ryan Irming Andersen DEN Right Back 12.3.1986 188 80 21 Simon Edelberg Jensen DEN Right Wing 2.6.1984 185 85 Daniel Jörgensen DEN Centre Back 22.4.1993 6 Lars Troels Jorgensen DEN Left Back 3.2.1978 192 102 2 SWE Centre Back 21.5.1982 180 83 4 Torsten Laen DEN Line Player 26.11.1979 198 96 Magnus Landin Jacobsen DEN Left Wing 20.8.1995 Kristian Stoklund Larsen DEN Centre Back 12.4.1994 16 Mikkel Drud Nielsen DEN Goalkeeper 14.3.1991 191 85 9 Jacob Vinholt Pedersen DEN Left Wing 18.7.1993 180 80 14 Rolf Schwartz Ravn DEN Right Back 10.10.1992 190 93 10 Boris Schnuchel DEN Left Wing 15.3.1975 190 90 8 Bo Dybdal Spellerberg DEN Left Back 24.7.1979 192 84 13 Thomas Björn Theilgaard DEN Right Wing 13.1.1993 188 78 19 Cyril Viudes FRA Line Player 6.2.1982 198 110

53 Aron Kristjansson Kasper Hvidt coach goalkeeper Danish handball is no stranger to Aron The 38-year-old is still considered to be Kristiansson, as he played for Skjern among the five best goalkeepers in the world. Håndbold from 1998 to 2001, where he was After being awarded MVP as Denmark won part of the team who won the club’s only the EHF EURO 2008 in Norway, he retired Danish championship so far, in 1999. He has from international handball in 2010. After also got round to another Danish league club, a career in Germany and Spain, including Team Tvis Holstebro in his active career which a successful spell in FC Barcelona, Hvidt also contained 85 internationals for Iceland. returned home to Denmark in 2009 to play As a coach he was back in Skjern from 2004 to 2006, and since 10 for first FCK Håndbold, then AG København, with whom he reached February 2014 has he been head coach in KIF along with national the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2012. Since August last year he has been coach in Iceland, a job he has had since August 2012. with KIF. WCh: S 2011 / EHF EURO: G 2008

Martin Dolk left wing left back When Stefan Hundstrup left for league rivals He has been a KIF Kolding player for 11 years, Bjerringbro-Silkeborg and veteran Boris since he joined the club from FIF Copenhagen Schnuchel ended his career at top level, in 2003, and he recently reached 500 games KIF needed new left wings. Together with for the team. He has won the Danish title five Magnus Landin, younger brother of Niklas times with the club. He has been in the CL Landin, Martin Dolk was the answer. Dolk, with the club six times, and during his entire who was top scoring player in the Swedish time in the club, he has been a key player to league last season with Hammarby, whom the team. Being an elegant and hard-shooting he also represented in the EHF Champions League in the 2008/09 playmaker as well as left back, the experienced Danish international season, has become an asset from the start. He is good from the left has constantly been a leader in the team’s attacking play. wing position, his speed comes in useful in the counter attacks, and EHF EURO: G 2008, 2012 he has proved to a reliable seven metre shooter as well.

Lukas Karlsson Torsten Laen centre back line player The Swedish international joined KIF Kolding After celebrating several triumphs with from Viborg HK in 2009. The elegant and top Danish side GOG, the former Danish inventive playmaker was bothered by shoulder international went abroad in 2007. First stop problems for a long time, but thanks to a lot was to Ciudad Real, with whom he won the of physical therapy he seems to be back to his EHF Champions League in 2008 and then on best. Apart from orchestrating KIF´s attacking to the Bundesliga and Füchse Berlin, with a play, he has also turned into one of the team´s place in the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2012 the most dangerous shooters, proving that fact major achievement. The experienced pivot with 35 goals in the VELUX EHF Champions League last season, where and defence specialist joined KIF Kolding København in the summer KIF reached the Last 16.. He is married to Norwegian international Ida of 2013 and has proved to be just as important a player in all aspects Bjørndalen. of the club’s play as expected. EC trophies: EHFCL 2007/08

Kim Andersson Simon Edelberg Jensen right back right wing He was nominated for the World Handball 185 cm is not much for a back court player Player of the Year 2012, finishing joint-third these days, but still Jensen started his career place behind winner Daniel Narcisse. The as a right back. However, he had changed for nomination capped a brilliant year for the the wing position when he joined KIF from right back which included Olympic Silver their eternal rivals GOG in 2007. His career with Sweden and winning the VELUX EHF nearly came to an end in the winter of 2011, Champions League with THW Kiel for a when an emboli was found in one of his lungs. third time. His first two seasons with KIF Now he is back at full strength, though, and were disrupted with a shoulder injury, but after having surgery in his speed in the counter attacks as well as his reliability from the right November last year, he is now on his back to the court, although not wing position have come in particularly useful after Albert Rocas has yet with his former shooting power. left the club. EC trophies: EHFCL 2006/07, 2009/10, 2011/12 OG: S 2012

54 GROUP B Alingsas HK (SWE)

Five years ago they had their first appearance and were taught a lesson, now Alingsås HK are back in the VELUX EHF Champions League and the whole city of 23,000 inhabitants is eagerly awaiting the next challenge.

By beating Lugi in the Swedish final, Alingsas took their second domestic championship title and are rewarded with encounters against European powerhouses such as defending champions SG Flensburg-Handewitt, record winners FC Barcelona and their Danish neighbours KIF Kolding Kobenhavn in the group phase.

Coach Mikael Franzén and his team, including seven newcomers, hope for a special atmosphere in their one-year-old, state-of-the-art arena with a capacity of 3,000 fans. “It will be a big challenge for us as players to face some of the best teams in the world. We will have the possibility to play international handball both in Europe and in our own arena in Alingsås, that will be great. We are looking forward to this,” says team captain . Franzén, who also acts as the club manager, adds: “For us it is a big challenge both for the club and for our organisation.”

Five seasons ago, Alingsas finished their debut Champions League season with two wins and eight defeats and this year they hope to do much better. Despite the top opponents they will compete with, Franzén and his team will be keen to make the most of any opportunity.

Playing hall “You must always look for the chances and of course the possibility to reach the knock-out Estrad Arena stage is there. It will be extremely tough, we are well aware of that, but as a coach and a Lillagatan 1 player you always have to look for the opportunities. That is part of the reason why you play 44130 Alingsas handball.” Sweden Capacity: 2,000 In contrast to most of his players, Franzén already knows what it’s like to be part of the VELUX EHF Champions League after* to be coachingconfirmed former Swedish champions Sävehof in the competition, as does Fredrik Larsson, the biggest name among the newcomers, arriving from German side VfL Gummersbach after a spell under Franzén at Sävehof. Club Address: Alingsas HK Nolhaga alle 12 A 44155 Alingsas Sweden

Media contact: Daniel Vandor Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX +46 705 355 517 EHF Champions League season: Swedish Past achievements [email protected] champions VELUX EHF Champions League Online information: Newcomers: Participations (including 2014/15 Website: www.ahk.nu Rickard Frisk (Caperiotuma) season): 2 Facebook: AlingsasHK Emil Frend Öfors (Caperiotumba) Group Phase (1): 2009/10 Twitter: @AlingsasHK Oscar Bergendahl (HK Aranäs) Andreas Flodman (Västerås Irsta HF) Other Fredrik Larsson (VfL Gummersbach) EHF Cup: Last 32 1999/00 Kit colours Olivier Löwenius (HP Alingsås) Light Rasmus Torbjörnsson (Redbergslids IK) Swedish league: 2 titles (2009, 2014) Player shirt: light green Player short: light green Left the club: Goalkeeper shirt: yellow Alexander Johnsson (LIF Lindesberg) Alexander Axelsson (Sörhaga HK) Dark Alexander Borgstedt (Ystad IF) Player shirt: blue Erik Nilsson (HP Warta) Player short: blue Glenn Andersson (Rya HF) Goalkeeper shirt: red Markus Stegefelt (IFK Skövde)

55 Alingsas HK (SWE)

Biggest win: 32:24 (16:09) v Fyllingen Handball NOR (h), 27.02.2010 Biggest defeat: 21:33 (09:15) v FCK Handbold A/S DEN (h), 17.10.2009 Longest winning run: 1 match (07.11.2009) 1 match (27.02.2010) Longest unbeaten run: 1 match (07.11.2009) 1 match (27.02.2010) Longest losing run: 4 matches (14.11.2009 – 20.02.2010) Longest run without win: 4 matches (14.11.2009 – 20.02.2010) Most goals: 32 v Fyllingen Handball NOR 32:24W (h), 27.02.2010 Most goals opponent: 37 v HSV Hamburg GER 27:37L (h), 20.02.2010 Most goals both teams: 64 v HSV Hamburg GER 27:37L (h), 20.02.2010 Fewest goals: 21 v HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 30:21L (a), 07.10.2009 21 v FCK Handbold A/S DEN 21:33L (h), 17.10.2009 Fewest goals opponent: 24 v Fyllingen Handball NOR 32:24W (h), 27.02.2010 Fewest goals both teams: 50 v BM Ciudad Real ESP 24:26L (h), 14.11.2009

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2009/10 Alingsas HK SWE 10 2 0 8 251:302 -51 4 5th Gr. C Total 10 2 0 8 251:302 -51 4

56 Alingsas HK (SWE)

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

16 SWE Goalkeeper 20.1.1985 191 91 23 Oscar Bergendahl SWE Line Player 8.3.1995 192 109 7 Felix Claar SWE Centre Back 5.1.1997 191 90 5 Max Darj SWE Line Player 27.9.1991 192 99 2 Marcus Enström SWE Right Wing 29.8.1987 182 87 14 Johan Fagerlund SWE Right Back 9.12.1988 180 82 9 Andreas Flodman SWE Right Wing 14.3.1993 184 84 20 Emil Frend Öfors SWE Left Wing 13.9.1994 193 87 1 Rickard Frisk SWE Goalkeeper 3.12.1992 191 90 17 Pontus Johansson SWE Left Wing 11.1.1990 184 87 10 Jesper Konradsson SWE Centre Back 4.6.1994 184 84 24 Fredrik Larsson SWE Left Back 14.4.1984 195 95 15 Oliver Löfwenius SWE Left Wing 20.1.1996 195 103 21 Johan Nilsson SWE Right Back 9.7.1992 193 90 18 Erik Östling SWE Line Player 7.8.1994 190 101 12 Erik Pettersson SWE Goalkeeper 27.5.1997 190 85 11 Fredrik Teern SWE Centre Back 28.9.1988 200 106 3 Daniel Tellander SWE Left Wing 6.7.1983 191 92 25 Rasmus Torbjörnsson SWE Right Wing 29.11.1996 188 80 4 Pål Wetterbrandt SWE Right Back 3.3.1986 190 96

57 Mikael Franzén Mikael Aggefors coach goalkeeper While Alingsas HK only became Swedish Not only is Mikael Aggefors one of only three champions for the second time when players in the current Alingsas squad who was defeating Lugi HF in the final last season, it also part of the team in their only previous was actually the tenth Swedish championship EHF Champions League campaign – in the for Franzén who has been as least as 2009/10 season. He can also take a great successful as coach as he was as a player. part of the credit for the fact that the club Having reached the quarter-final of the is back in the tournament after four years of 2001/02 CL with Redbergslids IK and the final absence. As Alingsas qualified for the VELUX of Cup Winners’ Cup with the same club the following year as a player, EHF Champions League by winning the Swedish championship final Franzén´s greatest coaching achievements have been taking Aranäs 24:22 against Lugi HK, Aggefors simply closed his goal for almost ten from the third league to the top flight in Sweden and lately bringing minutes towards the end, and this meant that his teammates could back the Swedish championship and a EHFCL berth to Alingsas. change a 19:22 deficit into the 24:22 win.

Daniel Tellander Fredrik Larsson left wing left back With 14 internationals for Sweden and four It was a quite good signing, Alingsas made year long career in the Bundesliga by MT when former Swedish international Fredrik Melsungen, from 2007 to 2010, he is another Larsson joined them from VfL Gummersbach one of those experienced players who are so this summer. Hard-shooting Larsson, who was crucial to Alingsas coach Franzén’s otherwise part of the Swedish team at the EURO 2010 in young team. Tellander may be behind players Austria as well as at the WCh 2011 on home like and Jonas Källman court, brought a lot a of experience with when it comes to the left wing position in the him. Not only from his time with the national national team, but at Alingsas, his experience and his varied shots team and from his years in Spanish and German handball, but just as from the left wing position are extremely important qualities. well from his CL campaigns with the Swedish clubs Hammarby and IK Sävehof.

Jesper Konradsen Max Darj centre back line player Just like goalkeeper Mikael Aggefors, Jesper Despite his relatively young age of 23, Darj Konradsen is a great part of the reason for has already made to become team captain Alingsas being in the CL. Scoring the last by Alingsas. However, he also possesses the two goals in the Swedish championship final experience to take that responsibility upon on the 24 May, he contributed decisively him, as he has been a regular in the team to Alingsas’ 24:22 win against Lugi, and this since 2009. This also means that the 192 young lad proved that nerves seem to be cm tall and 99 kilo heavy pivot is the third something he does not know about. Young player from Alingsas’ Champions League Konradsson also displayed his huge qualities at the Men’s 20 EHF team from the 2009/10 season. Actually, he got his debut against no EURO this summer, where he played a large part in Sweden winning other opponent than Ciudad Real, at the age of only 19 year. In the the silver medal. meantime has he developed his physical strength even further, and today he is very valuable to the team at both ends of the court.

Pål Wetterbrandt Marcus Enström right back right wing The 190 cm tall and 95 kilo heavy player is Being another player from the 2009/10 particularly important in Alingsas’ attacking Champions League team from Alingsas, play when it comes to putting pressure on Enström is also one of the experienced the opponents’ defence. Through his physical players whom the team will have to rely on strength he is a hard opponent to almost a lot, if they are going to have success in any defence. Furthermore, apart from his the VELUX EHF Champions League. Having excellent left handed shot, his teammates been with Alingsas since 2006, he knows the can always count on total commitment club and the team inside out, and with his from Wetterbrandt who is playing his second season with Alingsas variation of shots from the right wing positions as well as his skills in after joining from league colleagues Aranäs in the summer of 2013, the counter-attacks, “The Comet of the Year” in the Swedish league in rejoining his former coach Aranäs, Franzén. the 2010/11 will be a valuable figure in their game once again.

58 GROUP B Orlen Wisła Płock (POL)

Eleven players left, while just six arrived at Plock over the summer, giving Manuel Cadenas, Orlen Wisla Plock and Spanish national team coach, plenty to think about at the beginning of his second season at the club. After eliminating Montpellier in the wildcard qualification last season, the Polish runners-up this year were awarded with direct entry into the group phase.

Among those who left, some big names occur like right back Marcin Lijewski, goalkeeper Marin Sego (replaced by Spaniard Rodrigo Corales) and experienced playmaker Nikola Eklemovic. Right before the start of the season, another key player, Serbian international Petar Nenadic, left for German side Füchse Berlin to replace the injured Polish playmaker Bartlomiej Jaska. Plock needed to react and found a solution in Spain, signing the Kazakh Alexandre Tioumentsev from Naturhouse La Rioja.

Mariusz Jurkiewicz will leave Plock after this season to join arch rivals Kielce, who had again snatched away the Polish championship from the “Oilers” thanks to a 3:1 series win in the league final. After the EHF EURO 2014 break Plock had already signed tall Spanish right back Angel Montoro, whose talent had already been discovered by Cadenas, when he was coach in Leon. Besides Jurkiewicz and Montoro, left wing Ivan Nikcevic, goalkeeper Marcin Wichary and right wing Valentin Ghionea remain Plock’s key players.

To fight with Kielce for the domestic title and to qualify for the VELUX EHF Champions League quarter-finals are the main goals of Cadenas & Co. However, they were drawn into a tough group, competing with defending champions Flensburg, competition favourite Barcelona, Kolding Kobenhavn, Alingsas and Besiktas.

Playing hall Orlen Arena Pl. Celebry Papieskiej 1 09-400 Płock Poland Capacity: 5,467

Club Address: Orlen Wisła Płock Plac Celebry Papieskiej 1 09-400 Płock Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Poland Champions League season: Polish runners-up Media contact: Newcomers: Piotr Raczkowski Nemanja Zelenovic (Celje) Tel: +48-691-99881 Miljan Pusica (HC Vojvodina) [email protected] Past achievements Rodrigo Corrales (FC Barcelona/loan Huesca) Tiago Rocha (FC Porto) Online information: VELUX EHF Champions League Michal Daszek (Kwidzyn) Website: www.sprwislaplock.pl Participations (including 2014/15 Alexandre Tioumentsev (Rioja) Facebook: sprWisla season): 10 Twitter: @SPRWisla Last 16 (3): 1995/96, 2011/12, 2013/14 Left the club: Group Phase (5): 2002/03, 2004/05, Marcin Lijewski (Wybrzeze Gdansk) 2005/06, 2006/07, 2008/09 Kit colours Mateusz Goralski (Piotrkow) Qualification (1): 2012/13 Light Ivan Milas (HCM Minaur Baia Mare) Nikola Eklemovic (HCM Minaur Baia Mare) Player shirt: blue Other Petar Nenadic (Füchse Berlin) Player short: blue EHF Cup: quarter-finals 1993/94, Group Bostjan Kavas (Stord Handball) Goalkeeper shirt: lemon green Phase: 2012/13 Vedran Zrnic (Celje) Dark Janko Kevic (HCM Minaur Baia Mare) Player shirt: white Polish league: 7 titles (1995, 2002, 2004, Muhamed Toromanovic (US Creteil) Player short: blue 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011) Pawel Paczkowski (Dunkerque HB) Goalkeeper shirt: orange Polish cup: 10 titles Marin Sego (Vive Tauron Kielce)

59 Orlen Wisła Płock (POL)

Biggest win: 42:26 (19:11) v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SCG (h), 13.11.2004 Biggest defeat: 35:18 (19:04) v KIF Kolding Elite A/S DEN (a), 07.10.2006 34:17 (15:07) v HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO (a), 12.10.2008 Longest winning run: 2 matches (08.10.2005 – 15.10.2005) 2 matches (16.11.2013 – 21.11.2013) Longest unbeaten run: 2 matches (08.10.2005 – 15.10.2005) 2 matches (03.12.2011 – 09.02.2012) 2 matches (16.11.2013 – 21.11.2013) Longest losing run: 6 matches (05.10.2008 – 20.11.2008) Longest run without win: 6 matches (05.10.2008 – 20.11.2008) Most goals: 42 v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SCG 42:26W (h), 13.11.2004 Most goals opponent: 40 v Sportclub Magdeburg GER 40:32L (a), 16.11.2002 Most goals both teams: 72 v Sportclub Magdeburg GER 40:32L (a), 16.11.2002 Fewest goals: 13 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 21:13L (a), 15.10.2006 Fewest goals opponent: 19 v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SRB 31:19W (h), 28.09.2006 19 v HCM Constanta ROU 19:34W (a), 09.02.2012 Fewest goals both teams: 34 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 21:13L (a), 15.10.2006

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2002/03 Wisla Plock SSA POL 6 1 0 5 167:195 –28 2 3rd Gr. A 2004/05 Wisla Plock SSA POL 6 1 0 5 159:177 -18 2 4th Gr. D 2005/06 Wisla Plock SSA POL 6 2 0 4 155:182 -27 4 3rd Gr. E 2006/07 Wisla Plock SA POL 6 2 0 4 141:170 –29 4 3rd Gr. C 2008/09 Wisla Plock SA POL 6 0 0 6 122:188 -66 0 4th Gr. H 2011/12 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 12 4 1 7 321:332 -11 9 Last 16 2013/14 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 12 5 0 7 335:341 -6 10 Last 16 Total 54 15 1 38 1400:1585 –185 31

60 Orlen Wisła Płock (POL)

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

5 Lukasz Calujek POL Left Back 25.7.1994 202 104 36 Rodrigo Corrales Rodal ESP Goalkeeper 24.2.1991 202 99 3 Michal Daszek POL Right Wing 27.6.1992 180 70 15 Valentin Marian Ghionea ROU Right Wing 29.4.1984 197 94 19 Mariusz Jurkiewicz POL Left Back 3.2.1982 199 103 2 Zbigniew Kwiatkowski POL Line Player 2.4.1985 202 120 25 Angel Montoro Cabello ESP Right Back 10.4.1989 213 105 16 Adam Morawski POL Goalkeeper 17.10.1994 193 94 77 Ivan Nikcevic SRB Left Wing 11.2.1981 182 80 18 Mateusz Piechowski POL Line Player 1.3.1995 210 110 13 Miljan Pusica SRB Left Back 30.6.1991 199 101 7 Dan Emil Racotea ROU Left Back 21.7.1995 202 97 17 Tiago Rocha POR Line Player 17.10.1985 196 104 21 Kamil Syprzak POL Line Player 23.7.1991 206 120 9 Alexander Tioumentsev Barabash ESP Centre Back 4.10.1983 185 85 12 Marcin Wichary POL Goalkeeper 17.2.1980 193 100 10 Adam Wisniewski POL Left Wing 24.10.1980 192 100 24 Nemanja Zelenovic SRB Right Back 27.2.1990 194 93

61 Manolo Cadenas Marcin Wichary coach goalkeeper Before he signed to Orlen last season he had Depite his inconspicuous look, while standing made a short return to León, where he was between the posts he turns into a beast. The the coach from 1995 to 2007, in the “golden 34-year-old player came to Płock in 2004 era” of the club. He led Ademar to their only and since that moment he has become a true national championship title in 2001, two cup Oiler, beloved by the local fans and certain titles and victories in the European arena. point in the goal. For many years he has been He joined Płock in a difficult period facing a a part of the national team with 105 matches challenge of building the team nearly from played so far. In his WCh debut in 2013 he the scratch. This season he is going to continue forming a group ready impressed with a 50% save efficiency in the group phase. His best to make a step further both in domestic league and the CL. Besides achievement to date remains the 5th place in the Olympic Games the Polish runners-up he also coaches the Spanish national team. 2008 in Beijing. EC Trophies: Cup Winner’s Cup 1989, 1999, 2005 EURO: B 2014

Ivan Nikcević Miljan Pušica left wing left back Wisła’s experienced left winger has many Th 23-year-old player is among six new faces titles to his name. Raised in Crvena Zvezda that reinforced the ranks of Wisła this season. Belgrade, he moved to Spain in 2005 where He replaced on the left side his countryman, he played for the likes of Portland San Petar Nenadić, who walked out to Füchse Antonio, Reyno de Navarra San Antonio and Berlin in the summer. With his current club Cuatro Rayas Valladolid, achieving his best he will have a chance to finally appear in European performance with Navarra in the the regular contest of the CL as with his EHF Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final in 2010. previous team, RK Vojvodina, he fell in the Nikcević is also an important Serbian national team player scoring 453 Qualification Tournament last year. The young back has scored 8 goals goals in 123 international appearances (as of September 2014). in 7 matches of his national team so far. EURO: S 2012

Mariusz Jurkiewicz Kamil Syprzak left back/centre back line player Wisła Płock’s 2013 signing seems to be in the With his height of 206 cm the Polish Tower, prime of his career. Over past few years he as the domestic media call the young player, transformed from the typical defender into is intended for his position, but even though comprehensive player able to threaten his he plays on the line, sometimes he surprises rivals with the distance throw. After long time his opponents with a jump throw from the spent in Spain, he returned to his homeland distance. From the beginning connected and soon became the Oilers’ key player and with Płock, he debuted in the Polish first one of the pillars of Polish representation. league in the age of 17. Since 2011 he has also His best European achievement was the CL Final in 2012 with Cuidad performed in the national team, playing 47 matches with the balance of Real. Next season the back is going to join Kielce. 64 goals. Besides handball he has got a talent for drawing.

WCh: B 2009

Nemanja Zelenović Valentin Ghionea right back right wing He is another representative of the young Romanian Handballer of the Year in 2008, and guns of Płock. He arrived this summer from two-time top scorer in Romania (2005, 2007), Celje Pivovarna Laško. With Serbian Red Star, joined Wisła Płock in 2012 and during his his first club, he experienced the CL debut first season, he showed his great goalscoring in the 2007/08 season and still as a teenager ability. Ghionea quickly became a very he scored 18 goals next season. At the age important Wisła Player and his team’s top of 24 he is currently the first choice at right scorer. In the 2013/14 season he scored 226 back position and a member of Serbian goals in 43 appearances including 48 goals national team, where he also played at the EHF EURO in Denmark. in the Champions League. With his speed he is an important part of He is expected to share his time at the right back position with Angel Manolo Cadenas’s philosophy of the game. Montoro.

62 GROUP B SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER)

The trophy earned in Cologne just a few months ago will be present at the Flensarena for every VELUX EHF Champions League match this season, providing SG Flensburg-Handewitt with a permanent reminder of their club’s biggest success to date, beating Barcelona and Kiel in the 2014 edition of the VELUX EHF FINAL4.

However, the defending champions will start the new season with a different, younger look. Three key players Michael Knudsen and Sören Rasmussen (both to Bjerringbro-Silkeborg) and Steffen Weinhold (THW Kiel) left, while youngsters from Scandinavia and the club’s own youth programme were brought in. Nevertheless, coach Ljubomir Vranjes is sure that this team is ready for big challenges: “It is highly important for the development of those young players to perform on the international stage for as long as possible.”

The German club, a three-time EHF Champions League finalist, has a tough group ahead for their quest to return to Cologne. The biggest focus is on a repeat of the most thrilling semi- final since the implementation of the VELUX EHF FINAL4, when Flensburg came from six goals behind in the final stages to beat FC Barcelona after a penalty shoot-out in Cologne on 31 May.

“Barcelona is the clear favourite to win the group,” admits Flensburg manager Dierk Schmäschke, adding: “The group is tough but interesting for our fans, not only because of the duel with our Danish neighbours from Kolding. It is our dream to make it to Cologne again, which will be a much harder task than last season.” Playing hall FLENS-ARENA Swedish champions Alingsas and Polish runners-up Plock are the other confirmed opponents Campusallee 2 for Flensburg, with the winner of qualification tournament 3 to join this group as well. Team 24943 Flensburg captain Tobias Karlsson shares the opinions and hopes of his manager: “We are truly looking Germany forward the new challenges but we know that we face tough opponents in the group phase. Capacity: 6,000 “It’s our goal to build a good foundation for the knock-out stage, as our dream destination is Cologne once again. Our debut there in June was extraordinary and it would be perfect to be Club Address: part of this event again. To play in the Champions League is something very special. But this SG Flensburg-Handewitt season is very hard for us with the Bundesliga, IHF Super Globe and Champions League. From Schiffbrücke 66 end of August until Christmas we have to play 34 matches, so my biggest hope is that all our 24939 Flensburg players stay fit and healthy,” says the Swedish defensive specialist. Germany

Media contact: Sandra von Wallis +49 4611609625 Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Past achievements [email protected] Champions League season: Third ranked in Germany VELUX EHF Champions League Online information: Participations (including 2014/15 Website: Newcomers: season): 10 www.sg-flensburg-handewitt.de (Aalborg Handbold) Winners (1): 2013/14 Facebook: SGFleHa (Sönderjysk Elitesport) Final (2): 2003/04, 2006/07 Twitter: @SGFleHa Kevin Møller (GOG Håndbold) Kasper Kisum (TMS Ringsted) Semi-final (1): 2005/06 Lukas Blohme (SG youth) Quarter-final (4): 2004/05, 2008/09, Kit colours Michael Nicolaisen (SG youth) 2010/11, 2012/13 Main Round (1): 2007/08 Light Player shirt: white Left the club: Michael Knudsen (Bjerringbro-Silkeborg) Other Player short: blue Cup Winners’ Cup: Winners 2000/01, Goalkeeper shirt: yellow Sören Rasmussen (Bjerringbro-Silkeborg) Steffen Weinhold (THW Kiel) 2011/12 Dark Olafur Gustafsson (Aalborg Handball) EHF Cup: Winners 1996/97 Player shirt: blue with orange Goran Bogunovic (HCM Constanta) City Cup: Winners 1998/99 Player short: blue Goalkeeper shirt: black German league: 1 title (2004) German cup: 3 titles

63 SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER)

Biggest win: 43:24 (23:12) v RK Metalurg Skopje MKD (h), 19.10.2006 Biggest defeat: 36:22 (16:10) v Montpellier HB FRA (a), 06.03.2005 24:38 (08:19) v Renovalia Ciudad Real ESP (h), 21.04.2011 Longest winning run: 6 matches (13.03.2005 – 05.11.2005) 6 matches (02.12.2010 – 03.04.2011) Longest unbeaten run: 7 matches (24.04.2004 – 14.11.2004) 7 matches (25.11.2012 – 23.03.2013) Longest losing run: 3 matches (04.03.2006 - 01.04.2006) Longest run without win: 5 matches (10.02.2008 – 08.03.2008) Most goals: 44 v Redbergslids IK SWE 44:33W (h), 22.11.2003 Most goals opponent: 41 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 41:31L (a), 02.12.2006 Most goals both teams: 80 v FC Barcelona ESP 39:41W (a), 31.05.2014 Fewest goals: 19 v Renovalia Ciudad Real ESP 27:19L (a), 22.09.2010 Fewest goals opponent: 18 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 25:18W (h), 02.03.2011 Fewest goals both teams: 43 v Montpellier HB FRA 22:21W (h), 01.03.2009 43 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 25:18W (h), 02.03.2011 43 v Renovalia Ciudad Real ESP 21:22W (a), 01.05.2011

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2003/04 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 10 1 3 450:401 +49 21 Runner-up 2004/05 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 10 7 1 2 319:270 +49 15 1/4-finals 2005/06 SG Flensburg Handewitt GER 12 7 0 5 372:326 +46 14 1/2-finals 2006/07 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 8 1 5 437:398 +39 17 Runner-up 2007/08 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 12 4 2 6 355:356 -1 10 4th MR Gr. 3 2008/09 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 12 8 0 4 360:329 +31 16 1/4-finals 2010/11 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 11 0 3 394:354 +40 22 1/4-finals 2012/13 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 9 3 2 416:384 +32 21 1/4-finals 2013/14 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 16 12 1 3 489:441 +48 25 Winner Total 118 76 9 33 3592:3259 +333 161

64 SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Weight Height

1 Mattias Andersson SWE Goalkeeper 29.3.1978 185 93 2 Lukas Blohme GER Right Wing 7.11.1994 188 72 7 Anders Eggert DEN Left Wing 14.5.1982 179 77 9 GER Right Back 30.3.1983 195 90 24 SWE Centre Back 2.9.1992 190 95 21 Jacob Heinl GER Line Player 9.10.1986 195 101 19 Johan Mikael Jakobsson SWE Right Back 12.2.1987 195 89 32 Thore Jöhnck GER Goalkeeper 28.7.1995 184 84 3 Tobias Karlsson SWE Line Player 4.6.1981 196 102 18 Lars Kaufmann GER Left Back 25.2.1982 199 103 33 Kasper Kisum DEN Left Back 20.8.1992 190 92 4 Maik Machulla GER Centre Back 9.1.1977 189 95 16 Kevin Möller DEN Goalkeeper 20.6.1990 200 103 10 DEN Centre Back 30.1.1983 187 100 5 Drasko Nenadic SRB Left Back 15.2.1990 202 91 17 Michael Nicolaisen GER Left Back 6.5.1995 195 100 41 Bogdan Radivojevic SRB Right Wing 2.3.1993 192 80 11 Lasse Svan DEN Right Wing 31.8.1983 184 84 40 Ljubomir Vranjes SWE Centre Back 3.10.1973 168 80 14 SWE Left Wing 10.12.1993 184 84 20 Stefan Wilhelm GER Centre Back 22.1.1996 190 93 22 Anders Zachariassen DEN Line Player 4.9.1991 192 96

65 Ljubomir Vranjes Mattias Andersson coach goalkeeper Player, manager, coach – this the running order The Swedish was the most outstanding of the career of former Swedish international Flensburg player in the last years, including player. After retiring as a player he became his award “best player of the Bundesliga club manager in 2009 and coach in November season 2011/12”. Already in the younger age 2010. And after winning the CL last season categories he was part of all All-Star teams the number of top offers like from PSG and and became member of the senior national the German national team were huge – but team. After a highly successful time at Kiel Vranjes stayed in Flensburg. Intermediately he (2001-08), he left for three years to join TV led Serbia to the 2014 EHF EURO in Denmark in a caretaker role, but did Großwallstadt. In 2011 he returned northwards, signing in Flensburg. not continue on the Serbian bench. In his spare time, Vranjes is a highly His saves in Cologne were the major keys to finally stand on the creative photographer and just started to write his memoirs. FINAL4 winners’ podium in June – to win his last missing EC trophy. EC trophies: CL 2014 (as coach), Cup Winners’ Cup 2012 (as coach) EC trophies: CL 2007, 2014, EHF Cup: 2002, 2004, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012 OG: S 2000, WCh: G 1999, EURO: G 1998, 2000 and 2002 OG: S 2012, EHF EURO: G 2000

Anders Eggert Lars Kaufmann left wing left back Fast, faster, Eggert: The Dane had to fill A man like Adonis with cannon shots and seriously big shoes in Flensburg as successor high jumps: It is no surprise that he became of legendary Lars Christiansen. But he coped a model for men’s underwear and that his perfectly with this situation and was the top favourite movie is “Gladiator”. After some scorer of the German Bundesliga in 2011 injuries in the last years (including another (248 goals) and top scorer of the 2013 World surgery at the start of last season) he always Championship in Spain (55 goals). Eggert just returned to the court, willing to prove why started his ninth season in Flensburg after he was an important player of the 2007 WC intermediately being on loan at Skjern handball. Eggert, who started winning team of Germany. By winning the CL and the Cup Winners’ Cup his career at Gudme, is also famous being as cold as ice from the Kaufmann (like Glandorf and Andersson) has won all three major ECs. penalty line with one of the highest percentages in the CL. EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012 EC trophies: CL 2014, EHF Cup: 2011, Cup Winners’ Cup: winner 2012 WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2008, 2012, silver medallist 2014 WCh: G 2007 Thomas Mogensen Tobias Karlsson centre back line player With more than 1,000 goals for his club and He is the typical powerful Scandinavian long list of silverware, the Danish playmaker defence specialist, who – together with former is highly experienced. Since 2007 he has Barcelona rock - build the played for Flensburg – his first stop outside Swedish middle block in the last years. He is the his home country Denmark. Before he had team captain, a great honour after legendary played for Viborg and Svendborg, becoming Lars Christiansen left SG. He became Swedish Danish champion and cup winner twice. champion three times with Hammarby IF. SG will have at least three more years of On national team level he was awarded best inspiration, as his contract expires in 2017. To focus only on SG he quit defence player at the 2014 EHF EURO. He is the clear boss in the SG his career in the Danish national team after the last EHF EURO. defence, while he seldom enters the opponent’s half. EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup 2012 EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012 WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014 OG: S 2012

Holger Glandorf Lasse Svan right back right wing Years ago it was impossible to find any One who names „roasted hot dog“ as his German stars in the Flensburg squad, which favourite dish cannot be a professional mostly had been imprinted by Scandinavian sportsmen, right? But despite his love for players - but times have changed. One of the typical Danish snack, he is one of the two German 2007 world champions in the fastest wing players in the CL. He has the Flensburg roster is left handed shooter same qualities as Eggert on the other side: Glandorf. Despite some injury breaks, the fast counter-attacks and a high scoring right back always returned to a high level of efficiency. And he has another task in his performance. He is one of only a few players, who have the full set team: motivation and relaxing – as his business is mental coaching. of three major European Cup competitions titles on his tally, with After four seasons at GOG Svendborg he moved to Flensburg in 2008. Nordhorn and Flensburg. Last August he announced to quit from the In addition to all his merits and trophies in handball, Svan was billiards German national team and will only focus on his club now. champion in his home region Seeland. EC trophies: CL 2014, EHF Cup: 2008, 2010, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012 EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012 WCh: G 2007 WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014

66 GROUP B Besiktas MOGAZ HT (TUR)

The VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase has not even started yet, but Besiktas MOGAZ HT have already made history. By winning the qualification tournament in Hasselt with a clear 34:25 final victory against Romanian side HCM Constanta they became the first Turkish team to make it past the qualification – after they themselves had unsuccessfully tried six times before. “To be part of the Champions League is a big chance for us, albeit a tough one and a new challenge,” says club manager Berk Karahan and adds: “It’s also an opportunity to represent Turkish handball and the Turkish style of play. And there is an old saying in Turkish: ‘The Eagles love to fly high’, so our confidence is high as the sky.” Besiktas first put their name on the map of European top handball, when they qualified for EHF Cup Group Phase two seasons ago. Before the current season – and thanks to the support of their new sponsor MOGAZ – Besiktas signed some big names like Croatian wing player Ivan Nincevic and Chilean international Erwin Feuchtmann. These two helped to make the dream of the group phase come true, and over the coming weeks Besiktas will be welcoming handball powerhouses such as FC Barcelona and defending champions SG Flensburg-Handewitt to their arena. Plock, Alingsas and Kolding are Istanbul’s opponents other three opponent on their maiden voyage in the VELUX EHF Champions League. “We want to go as far as we can. We know that our rivals are very strong and experienced in the Champions League but we are very encouraged to face them. On the court, the conditions are the same for all teams, each team plays with seven players,” says Karahan. Team captain Ibrahim Demir is sure that “qualifying for and competing in the Champions League will bring us a new vision of handball.” Playing hall Sinan Erdem Arena “We are very happy to be in the same group with the best teams in Europe. Our main target Zuhuratbaba Mh, Bakritköy is to fight until even our socks are torn apart. All my teammates have the same mind-set. After 34147 Istanbul eleven years, Turkish handball is finally getting what it deserves.” Turkey Capacity: 15,000

Club Address: Besiktas MOGAZ HT Suleyman Seba Cd. No. 48 34357 Besiktas - Istanbul Turkey

Media contact: Berk Karahan Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX Past achievements Tel: +90-535-358-8747 EHF Champions League season: Turkish [email protected] champions, winner of qualification VELUX EHF Champions League Online information: tournament 3 Participations (including 2014/15 www.bjk.com.tr season): 8 Twitter: @BJKHentbol Newcomers: Qualification (6): 2005/06, 2007/08, Facebook: Besiktas Ivan Nincevic (Dİnamo Minsk) 2009/10, 2010/2011, 2011/12, 2012/13 Erwin Jan Feuchtmann Perez (Oderheu) Other Kit colours Predrag Dacevic (Ademar Leon) EHF Cup: Last 16 1998/99, 2005/06, Light Yunus Özmusul (İl Özel İdare) Volkan Caliskan (İl Özel İdare) 2010/11 Player shirt: white Challenge Cup: Semi-final Player short: white 2008/09, Quarter-final 2002/03 Goalkeeper shirt: green Left the club: Sevket Altug Tasdemir Dark Turkish champions: 10 titles (1981, Player shirt: green Vladimir Zelic 1982, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, Player short: green Valeri Parshkov (end of career) 2012, 2013, 2014) Goalkeeper shirt: black Armi Part Turkish Cup winners: 10 titles

67 Besiktas MOGAZ HT (TUR)

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

7 Ömer Ozan Arifoglu TUR Right Back 20.8.1989 196 102 15 Ercan Asikoglu TUR Right Wing 4.1.1983 190 95 13 Muhammed Taha Ayar TUR Line Player 12.6.1996 192 90 10 Senol Boyar TUR Centre Back 8.5.1984 185 85 19 Oguzhan Büyük TUR Left Wing 18.3.1977 179 84 11 Josip Buljubasic CRO Back 11.7.1988 202 118 6 Volkan Caliskan TUR Centre Back 3.11.1990 192 98 22 Mesut Cebi TUR Goalkeeper 6.9.1991 195 105 34 Ugur Coban TUR Left Wing 10.11.1988 177 80 25 Predrag Dacevic SRB Left Back 21.7.1986 198 95 26 Ibrahim Demir TUR Goalkeeper 4.10.1975 194 105 53 Ramazan Döne TUR Right Back 10.7.1981 192 106 3 Bülent Erkol TUR Right Wing 1.12.1977 194 96 4 Erwin Jan Feuchtmann Perez GER Left Back 2.5.1990 195 96 36 Berkay Gulyurt TUR Centre Back 3.3.1997 196 91 37 Yigit Ilgin TUR Left Wing 1.2.1997 190 90 1 Tolga Kirli TUR Goalkeeper 28.3.1993 192 102 8 Viktor Ladyko UKR Centre Back 30.4.1979 194 95 2 Ömer Mercan TUR Right Back 10.4.1997 192 92 27 Ivan Nincevic CRO Left Wing 27.10.1981 184 88 20 Tolga Özbahar TUR Line Player 24.4.1984 195 115 12 Yunus Özmusul TUR Goalkeeper 4.2.1989 199 100 99 David Rasic SRB Left Back 4.12.1986 196 93 18 Kubilay Yilmaz TUR Right Wing 22.3.1997 188 79

68 Mufit Arin Yunuz Özmusul coach goalkeeper Arin has had plenty of success as a coach with Despite transferring to Beşiktaş only recently, Beşiktaş JK, dominating theTurkish domestic the talented goalkeeper feels himself like scene over the past ten years. He is an eight an established ‘Black Eagle’. He started his time Turkish league champion, six time career in 2008/09. After five years in Turkish Turkish cup winner, six time Turkish Super capital representative Maliye Milli Piyango, Cup winner, and reached the EHF Challenge he went to Ankara İl Özel İdare for another Cup semifinal in the 2008/09 season. Arin’s challenge and where his potential was notable playing achievement is winning the discovered by Beşiktaş. He was the star of the Turkish league with Arcelik HK in 1983, but nothing can be compared Qualification Tournament in Hasselt, Belgium, especially in the final to the successful qualification for the CL group phase this season. against HCM Constanta.

Ivan Ninčević Erwin Feuchtmann Perez left wing left back Croatian national team’s left winger is a big Chile, Germany, Romania – and now reinforcement for Turkish champions, right Turkey: Feuchtmann is a real globetrotter in before their first CL season. Ninčević has handball. His grandfather made it in 1928 managed to build his name in Germany. From from Mannheim to Chile and his sons and the second division and Stralsunder, as a top grandchildren had handball in their veins. scorer he has earned a transfer to Füchse Erwin, his brothers Emil and Harald and his Berlin with which he was always among sister Inga were or are part of the Chilean Bundesliga’s best clubs. After that he has national team and participated in several played in Dinamo Minsk and later accepted Beskitas’ call. Outstanding world championships. Erwin played for several German clubs, then scorer and a good defensive player able to motivate the whole team. he transferred to Ordohei in Romania, before he joined the Besiktas squad this summer – to enjoy his first ever CL experience in his life. OG: B 2012, EURO: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013

Tolga Özbahar Ramazan Döne line player right back The 30-year-old line player came to Beşiktaş The 33-year-old joined Beşiktaş in 2006 in 2010 and is recognised as one of Turkey’s from Çankaya Belediyesi. He became the top best players in his position, with over 60 scorer of the Challenge Cup in 2005/06 with international matches for Turkey and being 66 goals in 7 games as well as the top scorer awarded the best line player in the Turkish of the Turkish league in 2005/06, 2006/07 and league several times. In the 2012/13 season, 2009/10. In the 2012/13 season he helped when Besiktas reached the EHF Cup Group Besiktas to reach the EHF Cup Group Phase Phase, he was the second best scorer (27) and was their top scorer with 30 goals. He and shined with his 10-goal haul in the Qualification Round 2 match was awarded the best right back in the Turkish league several times against Odorheiu Secuiesc. and has played over 150 international matches for Turkey so far.

Ozan Arifoğlu Ercan Aşıkoğlu right back right wing As a one of the earliest members of Beşiktaş ‘The Speed of Black Eagle’ Ercan Aşıkoğlu Mogaz, Turkish star Ozan Arifoğlu always is one of the most experienced player at plays with his heart. Besides he has been a Beşiktaş Mogaz. Aşıkoğlu’s handball life vital part of senior team for five years. He began in Bursa Nilüfer after he moved on to won three league titles, three cup titles and Turkey from Bulgaria. Being a high profile several other domestic trophies. He also has handball player, on the other hand he is a a bright future in Turkish national Team, Ozan sport scholar who graduated from Uludağ wore the red-white jersey more than 120 Universty Sport Academy. Especially with his times. Playing the CL for the first time in his career will give him a new professionalism and family life, he is a proper role-model for young objective to represent the Turkish style of handball. eagles of Beşiktaş Mogaz. Although he won 12 domestic trophies, he is ready for a new challenge in the CL.

69 Group C preview

EUROPEAN HEAVYWEIGHTS CONGREGATE

We do not like to use the truism “Group of death” but Group C is definitely full of Champions League heavy weights: last year four of the six teams featured in the last 16, three played in the quarter-final and MKB-MVM Veszprém went all the way to Cologne. Considering how miserably close Löwen and Vardar were to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 the sextet of MKB-MVM Veszprém, Rhein-Neckar Löwen, HC Vardar, Chekhovskie Medvedi, RK Celje and Montpellier promises thrilling handball action with an almost unpredictable outcome.

Three of the six teams shared the same group last year, Veszprém advanced as group winners, Löwen finished second while Celje was third but this year HC Vardar will definitely have a say in the matter of knockout stage. So will EHF Cup-finalist Montpellier and Russian champion Chekhovskie. The Hungarian champion finished on top of their group in three years running, and had the best of familiar opponent Rhein-Neckar Löwen, whom they beat last year as well as in the Cup Winners’ Cup final in 2008. MKB-MVM Veszprém even strengthened their impressive squad with reinforcements to all compartments while Löwen have a rather long list of departures including coach Gudmundur Gudmundson.

Vardar used their abundant resources to further upgrade their enviable squad by landing the likes of Árpád Sterbik, Sergei Gorbok and Blazenko Lackovic, which rightfully made coach Raul Gutierrez Gonzalez optimistic. Without the above mentioned superstars the Macedonian team only went down against to-be-champions Flensburg on an away goal rule after they remained unbeaten at home versus PSG and Barcelona.

It looks likely that Celje, Montpellier and Medvedi will battle it out for the fourth spot, for which it is impossible to tell who might have a small edge over the others. Celje lost quite a few important players, some of whom where distributed among group rivals (Marguc and Lékai to Veszprém, Mackovsek to Montpellier) and the same goes for Montpellier as well, who waved goodbye to William Accambray, Thierry Omeyer and Wissem Hmam.

Russian champions (13 times in a row!) are coming back from a year long absence from the main stage of European handball but are eager to prove they can do well with only Russian players in their squad.

Bence Mártha

70 Group C head-to-heads

Historic encounters of the Group C opponents in the EC MKB-MVM Veszprém vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 09.10.1994 Fotex Veszprem vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 2 22:18 (8:9) 15.10.1994 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Fotex Veszprem, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 2 21:24 (12:10) 29.09.2007 MKB Veszprém KC vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F 24:24 (14:11) 18.11.2007 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F 28:23 (15:14) 29.09.2012 MKB Veszprém KC vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:22 (16:11) 01.12.2012 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 19:24 (9:11) 17.11.2013 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:31 (14:15) 23.11.2013 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 27:26 (13:10)

MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Chekhovskie Medvedi 1982/83 CSKA Moskau vs SC Epitök Veszprem, Champions Cup – Last 16 31:19 (16:11) 1982/83 SC Epitök Veszprem vs CSKA Moskau, Champions Cup – Last 16 25:30 (13:14) 1987/88 CSKA Moskau vs VAEV Bramac Veszprem, Champions Cup – Last 16 24:14 (15:6) 1987/88 VAEV Bramac Veszprem vs CSKA Moskau, Champions Cup – Last 16 22:22 (11:13) 22.10.2011 MKB Veszprém KC vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 24:22 (10:10) 16.02.2012 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:26 (13:13)

MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 03.05.2008 MKB Veszprém KC HUN-Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER, Cup Winners’ Cup – finals 37:32 (20:20) 10.05.2008 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER-MKB Veszprém KC HUN, Cup Winners’ Cup – finals 28:28 (14:14) 04.10.2009 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER-MKB Veszprém KC HUN, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:29 (17:14) 21.02.2010 MKB Veszprém KC HUN-Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 34:30 (17:12) 29.09.2013 MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN-Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:29 (17:14) 09.02.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER-MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 25:25 (12:13)

MKB-MVM Veszprém vs HC Vardar 10.11.2001 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje vs Fotex KC Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 24:27 (11:10) 08.12.2001 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 27:22 (14:10)

MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB 08.11.1998 Montpellier HB vs Fotex KC Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 21:17 (12:10) 03.01.1999 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:17 (9:8) 26.02.2006 Montpellier HB vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 23:21 (11:10) 04.03.2006 MKB Veszprém KC vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 27:22 (14:11) 22.02.2009 Montpellier HB vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 3 24:30 (11:14) 07.03.2009 MKB Veszprém KC vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 3 22:23 (11:10) 09.10.2010 MKB Veszprém KC vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 27:26 (13:15) 06.03.2011 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:24 (13:11)

RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Chekhovskie Medvedi 10.11.2001 CSKA Moskau vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 25:27 (12:14) 08.12.2001 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs CSKA Moskau, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 28:26 (16:12)

RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 14.02.2009 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round-Group 2 28:34 (14:16) 26.02.2009 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round-Group 2 31:26 (15:16) 02.10.2010 HC Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 28:32 (12:14) 04.12.2010 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs HC Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 33:32 (14:16) 12.10.2013 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 25:28 (07:13) 20.02.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 35:25 (19:12)

Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB 24.04.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 27:29 (12:09) 30.04.2011 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 26:35 (17:15)

71 Group C head-to-heads

Historic encounters of the Group C opponents in the EC RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB 25.02.2001 Montpellier HB vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 24:23 (10:9) 03.03.2001 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 29:23 (13:12)

Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 28.03.2009 Chehovskie Medvedi vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 33:31 (21:15) 05.04.2009 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Chehovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 36:28 (16:13)

Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB 09.11.1996 Montpellier HB vs CSKA , EHF Cup – Last 16 24:18 (10:9) 16.11.1996 CSKA Moscow vs Montpellier HB, EHF Cup – Last 16 17:17 (10:9) 10.11.2002 Chehovski Medvedi, Moskau vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 30:31 (15:11) 08.12.2002 Montpellier HB vs Chehovski Medvedi, Moskau, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 25:24 (13:12) 12.10.2003 Montpellier HB vs Chehovski Medvedi Moscow, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 27:19 (14:9) 22.11.2003 Chehovski Medvedi Moscow vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 25:30 (14:13) 16.10.2005 Montpellier HB vs Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 36:29 (19:14) 12.11.2005 Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 35:28 (20:12) 08.11.2009 Montpellier HB vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 33:28 (19:14) 25.02.2010 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 27:28 (11:16) 28.04.2010 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 32:27 (18:13) 01.05.2010 Montpellier HB vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – 1/4-finals 36:32 AET (32:27, 12:14) 18.10.2012 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 35:29 (19:15) 17.02.2013 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:30 (17:17)

No previous encounters in European competitions Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs HC Vardar Chekhovskie Medvedi vs HC Vardar RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Vardar HC Vardar vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB

72 GROUP C MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN)

They have tasted the success of being part of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne this year, and now they want to go all the way again. Several times they were highly close to the final destination of the VELUX EHF Champions League and failed on the last step, in the 2013/14 their time had come.

Despite finishing on the fourth position, the Hungarian record champions had given THW Kiel and FC Barcelona a great fight, honoured and cheered by hundreds of Veszprém fans in the LANXESS arena. In order to reach this goal, Veszprém have bolstered their strong squad by two former Champions League winners. Left handed hammer shooter Christian Zeitz (three times winner) arrives from Kiel, Swedish powerful line player Andreas Nilsson from Hamburg (2013 winner). Additionally Veszprém changed their goalkeeper from Nandor Fazekas to Roland Mikler – so like in the national team the former Szeged stopper and EHF Cup winner with Pick now is the successor of Fazekas also on club level. Their shopping spree led the Hungarians also to their upcoming group opponent Celje, signing Hungarian playmaker Mate Lekai and Slovenian goal machine Gasper Marguc.

Due to those big names, who have arrived at Veszprém, the aim is to go all the way in all competitions: Defending the Hungarian championship title for 23rd time, the Hungarian Cup for the 24th time – and to make it again to Cologne in the VELUX EHF Champions League. But on the way to Cologne, Veszprém – traditionally – got a handful of stumble stones already in the group phase like the last season’s quarter-finalists Rhein Neckar Löwen and Vardar, 2003 Champions League winner Montpellier, 2004 Champions League winner Celje or 2010 VELUX Playing hall EHF FINAL4 participants Medvedi. “We were for sure drawn in the strongest group of this Veszprém Arena season’s Champions League,” says club director Csaba Hajnal, adding: “In our opinion there is Külso Kadartai ut not even one weak opponent among our competitors.” But team captain Laszlo Nagy hopes for 8200 Veszprém “this special atmosphere” to come for all Champions League matches in their every time sold- Hungary out arena, but also agrees that “we are in a very strong group”. Capacity: 5,020 The preparation of the Balaton based team was anything but free of problems: Iman Jamali, Mirko Alilovic and newcomer Mate Lekai needed to undergo surgeries – and will miss some more weeks. Club Address: MKB-MVM Veszprém Past achievements Küldő-Kádártai út 5 Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF 8200 Veszprém Champions League season: Hungarian VELUX EHF Champions League Hungary Champion Participations (including 2014/15 season): 20 Media contact: Newcomers: Final (1): 2001/02 Zsolt Sevinger Mate Lekai (Celje Pivovarna Lasko) Semi-final (3): 2002/03, 2005/06, +36 305024547 Gasper Marcuc (Celje Pivovarna lasko) 2013/14 [email protected] Roland Mikler (Pick Szeged) Quarter-final (9): 1997/98, 1998/99, Andreas Nilsson (HSV Hamburg) 1999/00, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2006/07, Online information: Christian Zeitz (THW Kiel) 2008/09, 2009/10, 2012/13 Website: www.mkb-mvmveszprem.eu Last 16 (2): 1993/94, 2010/11, 2011/12 Facebook: mkbveszpremkc Left the club: Group Phase (3): 1994/95, 1995/96, Twitter: @mkbveszpremkc Nandor Fazekas (El Jaish Doha) 2007/08 Tamas Ivancsik (Balatonfüredi KSE) Uros Vilovski (Balatonfüredi KSE) Other Kit colours Cup Winners’ Cup: Winners 2007/08, Light Runners-up 1996/97 Player shirt: white Player short: white Hungarian league: 22 titles (1985, 1986, Goalkeeper shirt: grey 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, Dark 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, Player shirt: red 2013, 2014) Player short: red Goalkeeper shirt: black Hungarian cup: 23 titles

73 MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN)

Biggest win: 38:17 (18:09) v HC LTU (h), 06.11.2004 Biggest defeat: 30:18 (16:08) v Badel Zagreb CRO (a), 24.01.1995 Longest winning run: 11 matches (11.10.2009 – 03.04.2010) Longest unbeaten run: 11 matches (11.10.2009 – 03.04.2010) Longest losing run: 3 matches (16.01.1996 – 08.02.1996) Longest run without win: 4 matches (09.01.1999 – 31.10.1999) Most goals: 46 v MSK SIRS Povazska Bystrica SVK 46:26W (h), 07.10.2006 46 v MSK SIRS Povazska Bystrica SVK 30:46W (a), 21.10.2006 Most goals opponent: 39 v THW Kiel GER 39:32L (a), 01.03.2007 Most goals both teams: 76 v MSK SIRS Povazska Bystrica SVK 30:46W (a), 21.10.2006 Fewest goals: 15 v TEKA Santander ESP 25:15L (a), 15.03.1995 Fewest goals opponent: 13 v SO Chambery FRA 29:13W (h), 18.11.2001 13 v Panellinios AC Athens GRE 19:13W (h), 17.11.2002 Fewest goals both teams: 32 v Panellinios AC Athens GRE 19:13W (h), 17.11.2002

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

1994/95 Fotex Veszprem HUN 6 2 2 2 131:147 –16 6 3rd Gr. A 1995/96 Fotex Veszprem HUN 6 3 0 3 147:144 +3 6 3rd Gr. A 1997/98 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 8 5 1 2 228:204 +24 11 1/4-finals 1998/99 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 8 3 1 4 200:188 +12 7 1/4-finals 1999/00 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 8 4 0 4 203:202 +1 8 1/4-finals 2001/02 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 12 9 0 3 310:267 +43 18 Runner-up 2002/03 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 10 8 0 2 276:238 +38 16 1/2-finals 2003/04 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 10 7 0 3 306:276 +30 14 1/4-finals 2004/05 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 10 7 0 3 317:259 +58 14 1/4-finals 2005/06 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 9 0 3 373:318 +55 18 1/2-finals 2006/07 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 10 7 0 3 338:288 +50 14 1/4-finals 2007/08 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 6 2 2 2 184:171 +13 6 3rd Gr. F 2008/09 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 8 0 4 351:320 +31 16 1/4-finals 2009/10 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 14 11 0 3 419:368 +51 22 1/4-finals 2010/11 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 9 0 3 373:338 +35 18 Last 16 2011/12 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 7 0 5 321:322 -1 14 Last 16 2012/13 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 14 11 0 3 410:348 +62 22 1/4-finals 2013/14 MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 16 11 1 4 477:410 +67 23 4th Place Total 186 123 7 56 5364:4808 +556 253

74 MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN)

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

32 Mirko Alilovic CRO Goalkeeper 15.9.1985 201 113 12 Adam Borbely HUN Goalkeeper 22.6.1995 197 122 34 David Fekete HUN Left Wing 12.10.1996 180 85 35 Daniel Füzi HUN Line Player 9.8.1996 180 78 3 Peter Gulyas HUN Right Wing 4.3.1984 200 106 13 Momir Ilic SRB Left Back 22.12.1981 200 109 4 Gergö Ivancsik HUN Left Wing 30.11.1981 190 89 21 Iman Jamali IRI Left Back 11.10.1991 200 102 34 Otto Kancel SVK Left Back 1.2.1995 205 95 66 Mate Lekai HUN Centre Back 16.6.1988 190 89 24 Gasper Marguc SLO Right Wing 20.8.1990 182 82 16 Roland Mikler HUN Goalkeeper 20.9.1984 190 102 19 Laszlo Nagy HUN Right Back 3.3.1981 207 117 18 Andreas Nilsson SWE Line Player 12.4.1990 196 117 25 Jose Maria Rodriguez Vaquero ESP Line Player 5.1.1980 187 98 36 Gergely Rozsavölgyi HUN Goalkeeper 8.5.1996 187 93 11 Pasarin ESP Line Player 10.3.1985 184 98 37 Peter Schmid HUN Centre Back 6.8.1996 180 75 5 Istvan Timuzsin Schuch HUN Line Player 5.6.1985 197 110 33 Renato Sulic CRO Line Player 12.10.1979 192 109 30 Mirsad Terzic BIH Left Back 12.7.1983 196 104 23 Garcia ESP Left Wing 19.10.1987 187 82 38 Martin Varju HUN Right Wing 3.1.1996 185 82 20 Christian Zeitz GER Right Back 18.11.1980 186 103

75 Antonio Carlos Ortega Mirko Alilović coach goalkeeper Six-time winner of the CL, five European Cup Like his predecessor Dejan Perić, he belongs triumphs, six time Spanish champion, 14 to the elite class of goalkeepers who can send different cup titles in Spain, a silver medallist the audience to their feet and inspire his at the EHF EURO 1998 and Olympic bronze teammates. He is a member of the Croatian medallist in 2000 – Ortega’s cabinet of medals national team and his medal tally consists of and trophies is absolutely huge. As a player for three silver medals (WCh in 2009 and the EHF Barcelona he won every possible title at least EURO 2008 and 2010) and two bronze (2012 three times. In 2005 he started his coaching Olympics and 2013 WCh). In Spain he played career in Antequera, in 2012 he left Spain for the first time to take on an important role as an attack-starter and recorded 11 goal assists the challenge in Veszprém and in his second year he steered them to during the WCh. As he played for five years in the Asobal league he is the VELUX EHF FINAL4 for the first time. very familiar with the Spanish contingent in Veszprém. EC trophy: CL 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, Cup Winers’ Cup 1995, EHF Cup 2003 OG: B 2012, EURO: S 2008, 2010, WCh: S 2009, B 2013 OG: B 2000, EURO: S 1998, B 2000

Cristian Ugalde Momir Ilić left wing left back Veszprém caught a really big fish in Ugalde. The top scorer of the last CL season joined He is a player who was brought up by THW Kiel in 2009 from VfL Gummersbach Barcelona and who played regularly in the and won seven titles during his four years first team since he was 18. He excelled at with the club, including two CL titles. The international level in the 2007/08 season with Serbian left back led his country to their first his 34 goals and participation in the national handball medal as an independent nation at team. His biggest success with Barcelona was EHF EURO 2012 on home court, where he was the CL title in 2011 but he won every possible selected as the MVP of the tournament. He title with Barca – some of them multiple times. He has found a new was the only player last season who passed 100 goals (103) in the CL challenge in Veszprém altering with Gergő Iváncsik, who is one of the and was voted by fans in the All-Star team as the best left back of the best players in this position according to Ugalde. competition.

EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011 EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012 EURO: B 2014, WCh: B 2011 EURO: S 2012

Chema Rodríguez Vaquero Renato Sulić centre back line player Until 2012 he played only in Spain (Valladolid, This is the second stint of the robust Croatian Ciudad Real, Atlético Madrid). In 2007 he in Veszprém, but in the 2004/05 season he transferred to Ciudad Real in what was did not have a chance to wear their jersey one of the most expensive transfers in as he was injured in a car incident before his handball history. At club level he is a two- first match. He came back to Veszprém after time CL winner and he won the Spanish several years in Zagreb and Celje. During Championship and the Spanish Cup three Slavko Goluža’s time at the Croatian national times. His accolades with Spain started with a team helm, he was left out of the squad silver medal at the EHF EURO in 2006, followed with the third place at for the WCh in Spain. He will share his time on the court with the the WCh 2011 and a world title in January 2013. defensive specialist Timuzsin Schuh and Andreas Nilsson. EC trophies: CL 2008, 2009 EURO: S 2008, WCh: G 2003 EURO: S 2006, WCh: G 2005, B 2011

László Nagy Gašper Marguč right back right wing He started his career as a basketball player He took part in the WCh in Spain 2013, where and he was close to a move to the USA at the Slovenia placed fourth. Marguč came to age of 13. In the end he decided for handball Veszprem from Celje where was playing since and became one of the best right backs of 2009. In the 2012/13 season he played his best the world. He transferred from Szeged to season so far and became Slovenia’s top scorer Barcelona in 2006 and became the captain in the CL, netting 72 times (10th overall). He of the team despite being a foreign player. played two amazing matches against THW Kiel, He was the captain of the national team until scoring 18 times from 18 shots against the 2009 and then took a break until 2012. He reached 4th place at the legendary Thierry Omeyer. His goals were regularly voted by fans as Olympics twice, he was selected in the All Star team of the last WCh one of the best shots of the week. and the best right back of the 2012/13 CL season. EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011, EHF Cup 2003

76 GROUP C Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO)

It took them four tough years, but after the 2013/14 season the record champions from Celje were on top of the Slovenian league again. So exactly ten years after winning the EHF Champions League for the first and only time, the team of coach Branko Tamše qualified straight for their in 20th participation in the Champions League, a record held alongside Zagreb and Veszprem.

Branko Tamše has spent the summer seeing his team undergo many changes, with established players leaving, such as Gasper Marguc and Mate Lekai (both to Veszprem), Sebastian Skube (to Silkeborg) or Borut Mačkovšek (to join the large Slovenian contingent at MAHB Montpellier). This means that we will see the youngest Celje squad ever competing in Europe, with an average age of only 23 years. Hopes lie on the shoulders of many young talents, including two Olympic gold medalists - goalkeeper and right wing Gal Marguc, who led Slovenia to the title at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing two weeks ago.

The group phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League has set high hurdles for the youngsters, with Veszprem, Rhein Neckar Löwen, Medvedi, Vardar and Montpellier (with five Slovenian players) lying in wait. But after the 19th title on home ground and also winning the Slovenian Super Cup for the third time, international ambitions are high, particularly with victories last season over Kiel, Flensburg and Hamburg over the last two seasons.

“We are out for more surprises,” is the goal for this international season, in which reaching Playing hall the Last 16 is the main goal, despite changing half of the squad and mascot – the new one Dvorana Zlatorog is called Poki. New manager Gregor Planteu hopes for a full Zlatorog arena against either Opekarinska cesta 15 top teams or traditional rivals: “From a marketing point of view we have same goals as last 3000 Celje season. Opponents such as Veszprem, Vardar, Montpellier and Rhein Neckar Lowen should Slovenia attract many fans. So from this point of view we are very happy with draw. We will see also a Capacity: 5,830 lot of former RK Celje Pivovarna Laško players such as Marguč, Lekai, Harbok, Toskić, Brumen, Mačkovšek and Gajič at Montpellier.”

Club Address: Celje Pivovarna Laško Opekarniska Cesta 15 Qualification for the 2014/2015 VELUX Past achievements 3000 Celje EHF Champions League season: Slovenian Slovenia champions VELUX EHF Champions League Participations (including 2014/15 Media contact: Newcomers: season): 20 Nejc Ajdnik Miha Zarabec (RK Maribor Branik) Winner (1): 2003/04 +386 40687766 Šime Ivić (RK Nexe Našice) Semi-final (6): 1996/97, 1997/98, [email protected] Živan Pešić (Veszprem) 1998/99, 1999/2000, 2000/01, 2004/05 Michal Kasal (FC Barcelona) Quarter-final (2): 2001/02, 2005/06 Online information: (youth team Celje) Last 16 (4): 1995/96, 2006/07, 2012/13, Website: www.rk-celje.si Gal Marguč (youth team Celje) 2013/14 Facebook: rkceljepivovarnalasko Jaka Malus (youth team Celje) Main Round (2): 2007/08, 2008/09 Twitter: @RKCPL Urh Kastelic (youth team Celje) Group Phase (3): 1993/94, 1994/95, 2010/11 Left the club: Qualification (1): 2009/10 Gašper Marguč (Veszprem) Kit colours Mate Lekai (Veszprem) Other Light Sebastjan Skube (Silkeborg) Cup Winners‘ Cup: Semi-final 2002/02, Player shirt: yellow Nemanja Zelenović (Wisla Plock) 2011/12 Player short: blue Borut Mačkovšek (MAHB Montpellier) Goalkeeper shirt: blue Uroš Bundalo (Tremblay) Slovenian league: 19 titles (1991, 1992, Dark Žiga Mlakar (RK Maribor Branik) 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, Player shirt: blue Igor Žabič (loan to RK Maribor Branik) 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, Player short: blue Gregor Potočnik (loan to RK Trimo Trebnje) 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014) Goalkeeper shirt: black Nikola Ranevski (Gorišnica) Slovenian cup: 18 titles

77 Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO)

Biggest win: 37:17 (16:09) v Redbergslids IK SWE (h), 18.11.2000 Biggest defeat: 43:27 (23:16) v THW Kiel GER (a), 27.02.2011 Longest winning run: 6 matches (23.03.1997 – 24.01.1998) 6 matches (25.03.2000 – 09.12.2000) Longest unbeaten run: 8 matches (31.10.2004 – 02.04.2005) Longest losing run: 4 matches (16.02.2008 – 08.03.2008) 4 matches (14.02.2009 – 07.03.2009) 4 matches (02.10.2010 – 21.11.2010) 4 matches (27.02.2011 – 06.10.2012) Longest run without win: 6 matches (16.02.2008 - 05.10.2008) Most goals: 44 v HC ‘Granitas-Karys’ LTU 44:27W (h), 22.11.2008 Most goals opponent: 44 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 44:33L (a), 09.10.2010 Most goals both teams: 77 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 44:33L (a), 09.10.2010 Fewest goals: 17 v UHK West Wien AUT 18:17L (a), 06.04.1994 Fewest goals opponent: 16 v SG Wallau-Massenheim GER 23:16L (h), 13.02.1994 16 v Redbergslids Göteborg SWE 31:16W (h), 14.11.1998 Fewest goals both teams: 35 v UHK West Wien AUT 18:17L (a), 06.04.1994

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

1993/94 Celje ‘Pivovarna Lasko’ SLO 6 2 0 4 120:116 +4 4 4th Gr. A 1996/97 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 1 2 254:213 +41 15 1/2-finals 1997/98 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 8 0 2 268:234 +34 16 1/2-finals 1998/99 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 1 2 290:245 +45 15 1/2-finals 1999/00 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 0 3 294:250 +44 14 1/2-finals 2000/01 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 6 1 3 292:254 +38 13 1/2-finals 2001/02 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 8 6 0 2 232:217 +15 12 1/4-finals 2003/04 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 14 10 2 2 447:398 +49 22 Winner 2004/05 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 8 1 3 360:327 +33 17 1/2-finals 2005/06 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 0 3 311:273 +38 14 1/4-finals 2006/07 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 8 6 0 2 272:237 +35 12 Last 16 2007/08 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 4 2 6 342:344 -2 10 4th MR Gr. 4 2008/09 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 4 0 6 296:287 +9 8 4th MR Gr. 2 2010/11 HC Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 3 0 7 300:332 -32 6 5th Gr. A 2012/13 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 5 0 7 305:324 –19 10 Last 16 2013/14 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 5 1 6 322:327 -5 11 Last 16 Total 164 95 9 60 4705:4378 +327 199

78 Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

3 Blaz Blagotinsek SLO Line Player 17.1.1994 202 108 98 Stefan Cavor MNE Right Back 3.11.1994 195 92 2 Rok Cvetko SLO Centre Back 10.9.1996 184 82 6 Blaz Husar SLO Left Wing 8.2.1996 181 93 5 Sime Ivic CRO Right Back 21.1.1993 194 90 8 Blaz Janc SLO Right Wing 20.11.1996 185 84 41 Michal Kasal CZE Left Back 3.4.1994 208 99 99 Urh Kastelic SLO Goalkeeper 27.2.1996 200 91 4 Vid Kaucic SLO Right Wing 18.4.1995 182 77 10 Luka Kikanovic SLO Left Back 24.10.1996 196 84 25 Tilen Kodrin SLO Left Wing 14.5.1994 190 85 14 Bostjan Kostomaj SLO Left Wing 6.2.1990 180 70 1 SLO Goalkeeper 24.8.1990 187 94 13 Jaka Malus SLO Centre Back 15.6.1996 187 84 11 Gal Marguc SLO Right Wing 16.11.1996 177 72 18 David Miklavcic SLO Right Back 29.1.1983 195 100 35 Zivan Pesic SRB Line Player 7.7.1993 195 106 15 SLO Line Player 5.4.1991 193 104 9 David Razgor SLO Centre Back 13.7.1989 181 80 16 Matevz Skok SLO Goalkeeper 2.9.1986 188 94 19 Ivan Sliskovic CRO Left Back 23.10.1991 194 98 23 Miha Zarbec SLO Centre Back 12.10.1991 174 72 7 Rok Zuran SLO Left Back 7.8.1987 189 94 77 Luka Zvizej SLO Left Wing 9.12.1980 185 89

79 Branko Tamše Matevž Skok coach goalkeeper Former player and coach of Celje’s arch The more experienced in the Celje’s rivals from Velenje took over the club last goalkeeper tandem is Matevž Skok, a December, just 48 hours after Vladan Matic Slovenian international player at the age of 28. and Celje announced the termination of their He moved to Celje two years ago from their contract. The major task of the former youth biggest rival Velenje. In Celje he has become and junior national team player is to rebuild a the first choice and also cemented his position young team with hungry talents and create a in the national team. Before this season he had competitive force to keep the pace with the several tempting offers, but decided to stay in more renowned rivals in the group. Celje. His efforts have been featured among the top saves of the round last season on many occasions.

Luka Žvižej Ivan Slišković left wing left back Žvižej competed at the 2004 Olympics in He joined Celje in summer 2013 from RK Athens and he was listed among the top ten Nexe Našice. Allready in his first season at goal scorers at the 2012 EHF EURO. He was the club he showed great handball skills, he also part of the national team at the WCh fit in perfectly with their training and working 2013, where Slovenia finished just below the system. He is playing in both ways – he is medal positions. In 2003 he moved from his very good attacking player, while being a home team to Spain – first to CB Cantabria very important defensive player as well. His and then to FC Barcelona, where he stayed great perfomances in Celje’s shirt did not go for 2 years and won the CL in 2005 and the Spanish league in 2006. unnoticed by Croatian national coach Slavko Goluža who placed him Before moving back to Celje he had a second stint at Cantabria and on list for the EHF EUROI in Denmark. spent three years with Pick Szeged. EC trophies: CL 2005

Miha Zarabec Vid Poteko centre back line player He joined RK Celje Pivovarna Laško in summer He is a member of Celje since 2010. Since from another Slovenian club RK Maribor then, he is a key part of Celje’s defence. He is Branik, where he experienced the EHF Cup known as a true fighter, who never gives up. Group Phase in 2012/13. After Sebastian He was part of the Slovenian Mediterranean Skube and Mate Lekai left the club, Miha team playing in Mersin 2013 together with Zarabec will take over attacking duties. His Gašper Marguč, Urban Lesjak and Borut main strenghts are speed, explosivity and his Mačkovšek. After Alem Toskić left Celje for vision of play. This season will be his first in Vardar Skopje over the summer, he will the VELUX EHF Champions League. get more minutes in the offensive part of play. Besides him, Blaž Blagotinšek, one of the shiniest Slovenian talents, is expected to get some minutes on the line as well.

Šime Ivić Blaž Janc right back right wing He is a new member of RK Celje Pivovarna Blaž Janc in one of the biggest talents in Laško since summer 2014, as he joined them history of Slovenian handball. He is only 17, but from RK Nexe Našice (Croatia). In Nexe he he is playing already his third season in the first played a very important role, as he was the team of Celje. He made his debut in the CL at second best scorer of the team and overall age of just 15 years, but this season he will be 7th scorer in SEHA league. This was very clear their main attacking power on right wing since sign that he is ready for a bigger stage and Gašper Marguč left to Veszprém. Blaž was also he decided to try the CL for the first time. His chosen as best right back in the previous Men’s main positive characteristic are his agility and ability to play well in 20 EHF EURO, where he was playing with players two years older than both attack and defence. him. He was the main force for Slovenia U-18 national team which won the Youth Olympic Games.

80 GROUP C Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS)

Despite the problems suffered during the last year, Chekhovskie Medvedi remains a major force in the Russian handball. Last spring, the team led by Vladimir Maximov won the national league for the 13th time in a row. And now, they return to the VELUX Champions League after a year of absence.

Last season, the club from Chekhov had to withdraw from the main European competition due to financial problems. Those troubles were so strong that about two thirds of the squad opted to leave the sinking ship. However, some experienced players stayed, and Maximov gave a chance to a number of talented youngsters from the reserve squad. As a result, no team in Russia could prevent Medvedi from getting another national title.

The club got through the turbulent times with dignity and now the situation seems to be more stable. The majority of Medvedi’s best players have remained, with only Daniil Shisharev leaving for Vardar Skopje. At the same time, Medvedi managed to strengthen their side with a few newcomers. Left wings Maxim Kuretkov (SKIF ) and Anton Otrezov (Dinamo Viktor Stavropol) joined, while Sergey Shelmenko returned after a year’s absence.

In 2013, the right back of the Russian national team moved to Dinamo Minsk, but after their exit from the VELUX EHF Champions League, he spent the rest of the season at St.Petersburg HС. With this team, he won silver in the Russian league, before returning to the champions.

In Group C of the VELUX Champions League, Maximov’s team will meet MKB-MVM Vesprem, Playing hall RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, Rhein-Neckar Löwen, HC Vardar and Montpellier AHB. There is plenty Sport Hall “Olimpiyskiy” Chekhov of history with the French team, as Chekhovskie Medvedi will face them for the seventh time Poligrafistov Str. 30 in the last 13 years. Matches with Vardar are also going to be special, as this team’s roster 142300 Chekhov contains a number of ex-Chekhov players such as Timur Dibirov, Alexei Rastvortsev, Siarhei Russia Harbok, Mikhail Chipurin and Daniil Shishkarev. Capacity: 3,000 Medvedi got their season off to the perfect start, beating Permskie Medvedi 27:26 in the Russian Super Cup. “We seem to start the season in good shape. Of course we made some mistakes but the team looked well and physically we were quite fit,” Sergei Shelmenko told Club Address: the club’s official website. Quite soon, the players from Chekhov will set their sights on the Chekhovskie Medvedi VELUX Champions League and Vladimir Maximov and his players want to make a remarkable Poligrafistov str. 30 comeback. 142300 Chekhov, Mosk. oblast Russia

Media contact: Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX Past achievements Benjamin Kuznetsov EHF Champions League season: Russian +7 9166186054 champions [email protected] VELUX EHF Champions League Participations (including 2014/15 Newcomers: season): 14 Online information: Anton Otrezov (Dinamo Victor Stavropol) Semi-final (1): 2009/10 Website: www.ch-medvedi.ru Maxim Kuretkov (SKIF Krasnodar) Quarter-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11 Sergey Shelmenko (St. Petersburg HC) Last 16 (3): 2004/05, 2006/07, 2012/13 Main Round (1): 2007/08 Left the club: Group Phase (6): 2000/01, 2001/02, Daniil Shishkarev (Vardar Skopje) 2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06, Kit colours 2011/12 Light Player shirt: white Other Player short: white Cup Winners’ Cup: Winner 2005/06 Goalkeeper shirt: yellow Dark Russian league: 13 titles (2002, 2003, Player shirt: purple 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, Player short: purple 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) Goalkeeper shirt: red : 12 titles

81 Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS)

Biggest win: 22:46 (12:24) v AC PAOK GRE (a), 03.03.2010 Biggest defeat: 38:24 (20:15) v HSV Hamburg GER (a), 23.04.2011 Longest winning run: 5 games (29.11.2003 – 06.11.2004) Longest unbeaten run: 8 games (18.10.2012 – 14.03.2013) Longest losing run: 5 games (10.11.2001 – 08.12.2001) Longest run without win: 6 games (23.04.2011 – 22.10.2011) Most goals: 46 v AC PAOK GRE 22:46W (a), 03.03.2010 Most goals opponent: 45 v TBV Lemgo GER 45:32L (a), 04.12.2004 Most goals both teams: 77 v TBV Lemgo GER 45:32L (a), 04.12.2004 Fewest goals: 19 v Montpellier HB FRA 27:19L (a), 12.10.2003 19 v RK Zagreb CRO 26:19L (a), 08.10.2006 Fewest goals opponent: 17 v HC Bosna BH Gas BIH 30:17W (h), 31.03.2011 Fewest goals both teams: 45 v TBV Lemgo GER 23:22W (h), 11.12.2004 45 v RK Zagreb CRO 26:19L (a), 08.10.2006

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2001/02 CSKA Moscow RUS 6 1 0 5 155:181 –26 2 4th Gr. C 2002/03 Chehovski Medvedi Moscow RUS 6 2 0 4 182:170 +12 4 3rd Gr. C 2003/04 Chehovski Medvedi Moscow RUS 6 3 0 3 166:165 +1 6 3rd Gr. D 2004/05 Chehovski Medvedi Chekhov RUS 8 6 0 2 252:246 +6 12 Last 16 2005/06 Chehovski Medvedi Chekhov RUS 6 3 0 3 192:184 +8 6 3rd Gr. A 2006/07 Chehovskie Medvedi RUS 8 4 0 4 242:233 +9 8 Last 16 2007/08 Chehovskie Medvedi RUS 12 7 1 4 369:331 +38 15 2nd MR Gr. 1 2008/09 Chehovskie Medvedi RUS 12 7 0 5 387:370 +17 14 1/4-finals 2009/10 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 16 9 2 5 529:476 +53 20 Fourth Place 2010/11 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 14 8 3 3 437:396 +41 19 1/4-finals 2011/12 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 10 3 4 3 291:276 +15 10 5th Gr. B 2012/13 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 12 6 4 2 373:347 +26 16 Last 16 Total 116 59 14 43 3575:3375 +200 132

82 Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

11 Pavel Andreev RUS Line Player 19.7.1992 195 85 10 Alexander Chernoivanov RUS Line Player 13.2.1979 202 105 17 Alexander Dereven RUS Left Wing 26.3.1992 193 91 4 Victor Furtsev RUS Line Player 17.6.1996 200 89 1 Oleg Grams RUS Goalkeeper 20.2.1984 200 103 16 Artem Grushko RUS Goalkeeper 20.6.1993 193 91 23 Alexander Izmailov RUS Centre Back 30.10.1995 185 80 6 Dmitriy Kornev RUS Right Back 16.6.1992 186 75 9 Kirill Kotov RUS Centre Back 23.5.1992 185 75 7 Dmitry Kovalev RUS Right Wing 15.5.1982 180 80 14 Maxim Kuretkov RUS Right Wing 16.11.1994 191 87 15 Maksim Makarov RUS Left Wing 10.9.1992 181 78 19 Roman Ostashchenko RUS Left Back 26.9.1992 190 86 26 Anton Otrezov RUS Centre Back 24.8.1988 188 80 16 Dmitry Pavlenko RUS Goalkeeper 1.1.1991 192 89 3 Dmitrii Santalov RUS Left Back 7.4.1996 196 86 83 Sergey Shelmenko RUS Right Back 5.4.1983 195 98 22 Roman Tsarapkin RUS Left Back 9.5.1995 197 92 89 Dmitry Zhitnikov RUS Back 20.11.1989 193 90

83 Vladimir Maximov Oleg Grams coach goalkeeper The handball legend is still the only person Born and raised in Krasnodar, the 30-year- who has become an Olympic champion both old moved to Chekhov at a very young age. as a coach and as a player. He led the Russian He has been a member of the team since its national team to a number of big titles. In foundation in 2001. During this time, Grams 2012, Maximov resigned from the national has become a 13-time Russian champion. The team to fully concentrate on Medvedi, where talented player gained a lot of experience on he has been working since 2001. During his the international stage, competing both for work at the Chekhov team, they have become Medvedi and for the Russian national team at a Russian champion every year. Last season was no exception, even the EURO, WCh and the Olympics. Currently Oleg is one of the most though Medvedi had lost about two thirds of their squad. experienced players in Chekhov.

EC trophy: Cup Winner’s Cup 2006 EC trophy: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006 OG: G 1976 (as player), 2000, B 2004, WCh: G 1993, 1997, S 1978 (as player), 1999, EURO: G 1996, S 1994, 2000

Roman Ostashchenko Alexander Dereven left wing left back This player is still young but he certainly This is another young player who is only has talent. He is especially good in defence. 22-years old. He was born in Toliatti but, like Ostashchenko was born in Moscow and many talented Russian players, was spotted started to play at Kuntsevo, but then moved by Chekhov scouts at a young age. First he to Medvedi. However, he played for the played for the junior team of Medvedi where reserve team until 2013. And when Maximov he stood out with his scoring ability. When invited him to the main team, he faced a many experienced players left the team in tough challenge — he had to replace Timur 2013, Dereven was one of the young talents Dibirov, who had moved to Vardar. He is still not very experienced, that Maximov had to rely on. Dereven is progressing fast and has a but is improving and can become quite an important player. good future at Medvedi.

Dmitry Zhitnikov Alexander Chernoivanov centre back line player He comes from Krasnodar, and his first coach The 35-year-old line is currently the oldest at the local handball school was his father. At players in the squad. He was born in the age of 16, the talented boy was invited to Krasnodar and started his career at the Chekhov where he played five seasons in the local team SKIF. In 2004, he was invited to reserve team. But in 2010, he finally broke Chekhov, but spent first two years in the through to the main squad. As he matured reserve team. Only at the age of 27, he and experienced players left, Zhitnikov began started to play for the first team of Medvedi, to play a more prominent role at Medvedi. and did so well that soon was invited to the It is no wonder that he has also become a member of the Russian Russian national team. He is an eight-time Russian champion, and national team. now he shares his rich experience with younger players.

EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006

Sergey Shelmenko Dmitry Kovalev right back right wing He was born in Ukraine and played for the The 32-year-old is a captain of Medvedi and national team, but then acquired Russian one of the key figures both on and off the citizenship and opted to play for Russia. After court. Born in Omsk, he played for seasons at a number of seasons at Medvedi, Shelmenko Sungul Snezhinsk before moving to Chekhov left the team last summer following the in 2003. Currently he is an 11-time Russian financial problems at the club. Sergey moved champion, and his role at Medvedi only to Dinamo Minsk, but was unlucky again as increased in the summer of 2013. Having this club ceased to exist. The right back came competed at a number of major tournaments back to Russia where he spent the rest of the season at St.Petersburg. including the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, he is a natural leader But in summer, he was offered a return to Chekhov and accepted. who serves as a good example for his young teammates.

EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006

84 GROUP C Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER) It was a heartbreaking end to last season for Rhein-Neckar Löwen. So close to glory both at home and in Europe, but twice left empty handed. First an eight-goal lead against FC Barcelona in the first leg of the VELUX EHF Champions League quarter-final was not enough to make it to Cologne, as the Catalans went through on away goals. Then the Lions missed out on their first German league title with an inferior goal difference compared to THW Kiel.

But the German runners-up have refused to look back in anger and disappointment, instead looking ahead to a season full of changes in all departments. Key personnel left the 2013 EHF Cup winners on and off the court, with coach Gudmundur Gudmundsson taking charge of the Danish men’s national team and replaced by a Dane, . Assistant and goalkeeper coach (six-time Champions League winner) is in the same position at Magdeburg now. Manager Thorsten Storm quit his job after seven highly successful years to return to where it all started for him, at THW Kiel. His successor is Lars Lamadé.

Eight players left Löwen over the summer, including Gorbok, Roggisch, Sesum, Stojanovic, Manojlovic, Prodanovic and Isaias Guardiola, and next summer will see top star also saying “farvel, Mannheim”, as goalkeeper Niklas Landin will join THW Kiel. Jacobsen starts his mission at Löwen with a handful of highly ambitious youngsters from all over Europe, such as Danish jewel , Norwegian and a player regarded by many as the best German talent in years, Tim Suton. Despite these many changes, all involved at Löwen are confident they will play a starring role in all competitions, with a top three finish in the German League alongside final tournament appearances in the German cup and Europe the goals. In the VELUX EHF Champions League, Löwen were drawn in arguably the toughest of all Playing hall groups, facing FINAL4 contenders Veszprem, Vardar and Montpellier as well as internationally SAP Arena experienced teams Medvedi and Celje. Xaver-Fuhr-Str. 150 68219 Mannheim “From a sporting aspect, this group is highly attractive,” says team captain Uwe Gensheimer, Germany adding: “Since last season we know how hard it is to play at Veszprem and thanks to their new Capacity: 12,900 arrivals they are a new powerhouse in European handball. In terms of travelling, the group could have been better.” New manager Lars Lamadé shares this opinion: “We will face teams which belong to the top of the Champions League. After making it to the FINAL4 in June, Veszprem is the favourite in our group.” Before starting their European campaign, Löwen were Club Address: part of a new handball world record, when 44,189 spectators attended the Bundesliga match Rhein-Neckar Löwen against HSV Hamburg in Frankfurt’s Commerzbank-Arena, the highlight of the German day of Mollstraße 49a handball on 6 September. 68165 Mannheim Germany Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions League season: runners-up in Germany Media contact: Christopher Monz Newcomers: [email protected] coach Nikolaj Jacobsen (Aalborg Handbold) +491744288849 Bastian Rutschmann (Frisch Auf Göppingen) Harald Reinkind (Fyllingen Handball) Online information: Mads Mensah Larsen (Aalborg Handbold) Website: www.rhein-neckar-loewen.de Stefan Kneer (SC Magdeburg) Facebook: rnloewen Past achievements Tim Suton (HG Saarlouis) Twitter: @RNLoewen VELUX EHF Champions League Left the club: Participations (including 2014/15 coach Gudmundur Gudmundsson (Danish national Kit colours season): 6 team) Semi-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11 Light assistant coach Tomas Svensson (SC Magdeburg) Quarter-final (2): 2009/10, 2013/14 Player shirt: yellow Goran Stojanovic (El Jaish SC) Qualification (1): 2011/12 Player short: yellow Isaias Guardiola (Aalborg Handbold) Goalkeeper shirt: white/red Nikola Manojlovic (Meshkov Brest) Other Dark Rajko Prodanovic (Pick Szeged) Cup Winners’ Cup: Runners-up 2007/08 Player shirt: black Sergei Gorbok (Vardar Skopje) EHF Cup: Winners 2012/13, semi-final Player short: black Zarko Sesum (Frisch Auf Göppingen) 2011/12, quarter-final 2006/07 Goalkeeper shirt: blue/green Oliver Roggisch (end of career, now assistant coach and club management)

85 Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER)

Biggest win: 40:25 (19:10) v Chambery Savoie HB FRA (h), 08.03.2009 24:39 (10:20) v HC Bosna BH Gas BIH (a), 18.10.2009 37:22 (19:11) v Chambery Savoie HB FRA (h), 10.10.2010 Biggest defeat: 37:23 (20:08) v THW Kiel GER (a), 26.04.2009 Longest winning run: 5 matches (12.10.2013 – 28.11.2013) Longest unbeaten run: 8 matches (30.04.2009 – 13.02.2010) 8 matches (12.10.2013 – 20.02.2014) Longest losing run: 2 matches (25.04.2010 – 02.05.2010) 2 matches (28.05.2011 – 29.05.2011) Longest run without win: 4 matches (28.05.2011 - 29.09.2013) Most goals: 40 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 40:25W (h), 08.03.2009 Most goals opponent: 38 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 38:38D (h), 20.02.2011 Most goals both teams: 76 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 38:38D (h), 20.02.2011 Fewest goals: 23 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 25:23L (a), 18.02.2009 23 v THW Kiel GER 37:23L (a), 26.04.2009 23 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 23:23 (a), 17.10.2010 Fewest goals opponent: 17 v St. Petersburg HC RUS 31:17W (h), 17.10.2013 Fewest goals both teams: 46 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 23:23 (a), 17.10.2010

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2008/09 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 14 9 2 3 447:392 +55 20 1/2-finals 2009/10 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 14 9 2 3 450:408 +42 20 1/4-finals 2010/11 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 16 7 4 5 486:465 +21 18 4th Place 2013/14 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 14 9 2 3 422:369 +53 20 1/4-finals Total 58 34 10 14 1805:1634 +171 78

86 Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Heigh Weight

26 Michal Abt GER Line Player 25.7.1990 193 97 Marco Bitz GER 9.11.1995 60 SWE Left Back 23.7.1989 194 100 72 David Ganshorn GER Line Player 27.5.1989 191 99 3 Uwe Gensheimer GER Left Wing 26.10.1986 188 90 42 Marvin Gerdon GER Right Wing 24.7.1996 179 75 24 GER Right Wing 4.7.1989 189 84 30 Gedeon Guardiola Villaplana ESP Line Player 1.10.1984 200 103 6 Roy James GER Left Wing 12.12.1995 190 96 4 Stefan Kneer GER Left Back 19.12.1985 194 98 20 DEN Goalkeeper 19.12.1988 200 95 22 Mads Mensah Larsen DEN Centre Back 12.8.1991 188 109 18 Bjarte Hakon Myrhol NOR Line Player 29.5.1982 192 96 12 Roko Peribonio CRO Goalkeeper 16.10.1991 194 99 32 Alexander Petersson ISL Right Back 2.7.1980 186 87 27 Harald Reinkind NOR Right Back 17.8.1992 195 95 23 Bastian Rutschmann GER Goalkeeper 30.12.1982 195 94 9 Lukas Sauer GER Left Wing 25.10.1995 183 83 2 Andre Schmid SUI Centre Back 30.8.1983 190 90 77 David Schmidt GER Right Back 19.10.1993 181 86 11 Stefan Rafn Sigurmannsson ISL Left Wing 19.5.1990 197 101 19 Marius Steinhauser GER Right Wing 6.2.1993 187 83 10 Tim Suton GER Centre Back 8.5.1996 191 91

87 Nikolaj Jacobsen Niklas Landin coach goalkeeper A new face on the Löwen bench: As The 25-year-old Dane is in the Löwen squad Gudmundur Gudmundsson became Danish since 2012 and is one of the main reasons national team coach, a Dane took over. for their success – but will leave Löwen after Jacobsen was coach at Aalborg before. After this season to join THW Kiel. The successor of he had finished his playing career (decorated legendary Kasper Hvidt in the Danish national also with six league titles and seven cup titles team broke through during the 2011 WCh. in Denmark and Germany) in 2007 he first Before arriving in Mannheim he played for became a TV expert and assistant coach in Gudme in Denmark, where he was number 1 Viborg and Bjerringbro. In 2012 he took over Aalborg steering them to already at the age of 20. Landin was twice awarded best goalkeeper at a surprising title in 2013 and leading them to the CL 2014 again before the 2013 World Championship and the 2014 EHF EURO – and is seen to he left to Mannheim. be among the three best keepers in the world currently.

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2002, 2004 (as player) EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014

Uwe Gensheimer Kim Ekdahl Du Rietz left wing left back Born in Mannheim, he is the 100% local hero. Despite the huge competition at left back in the Since 2003 he has been playing for “his” club. previous seasons, the Swede became number His talent was discovered early as he became 1 on this position, leaving players like Sergey Junior European champion in 2006, one year Gorbok behind. Ekdahl du Rietz arrived in later he was awarded MVP at the Junior WCh. Mannheim in 2012 from Nantes after beginning In 2011 and 2012 he was awarded German his career at Lugi Lund, where he became player of the year and was the top scorer Swedish international very early thanks to of 2010/11 CL season. In 2012 he tore his making his first league debut at the age of 16. Achilles tendon, but right for the EHF Cup Finals in Nantes he was Ekdahl du Rietz, with the particularly large shoe size of 51, is famous for back helping Löwen to take their first title in history. Despite offers his long-range shots and is an important part of the Löwen defence as from Kiel and Barcelona, he extended his contract last season. well. EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 OG: S 2012

Andre Schmid centre back line player The five-time Swiss handball player of In August 2011 his biggest fight started – not the year played for both Zürich clubs on, but off the court. After he was diagnosed Grasshoppers and ZMC Amicitia until 2009, with cancer, an immediate surgery and chemo before he left his mother country for one therapy changed his life. But the Norwegian season with Bjerringbro-Silkeborg. The international was always willing to fight and playmaker, who was twice a Swiss champion, only two and a half months after the surgery transferred to Rhein-Neckar Löwen in 2010. he returned to the court. After he left his And in recent years, Schmid became the key first club in Sandefjord, he joined Veszprém, in attack – both as playmaker and as shooter and was awarded best before arriving in Nordhorn and later Mannheim. After this season he Bundesliga player in the 2013/14 season. will leave the club. EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 EC trophies: EHF Cup 2008, 2013

Alexander Petersson Patrick Groetzki right back right wing Born in Latvia, he took over Icelandic He was born in Pforzheim only a few citizenship and became an Olympic silver kilometres away from Mannheim. Right after medallist in 2008 and EHF EURO bronze ending his youth career he switched to Löwen medallist in 2010. He moved to Germany in and became part of the German younger age 2003, playing for Düsseldorf, Großwallstadt, category national teams. He was an MVP and Flensburg-Handewitt, and Füchse Berlin, silver medallist of the Men’s 20 EHF EURO in before he transferred to Löwen in 2012. He is 2008 and crowned himself as junior world more a playmaker on the right back position champion one year later. He established but is also strong in man-to-man-actions. In the rejuvenated squad himself as a key player right after he was nominated for the men’s the Icelandic, who was member of the 2011 WCh All Star Team, is the national team for the first time. Like Gensheimer, he is a counter-attack most experienced player. specialist and one of the main fan favourites. EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 OG: S 2008, EURO: B 2010

88 GROUP C HC Vardar Skopje (MKD)

Vardar has its own arena and it is certainly something to be proud of. The 5,500 capacity Sportski Centar Jane Sandanski (named after a 18th century revolutionist) is the new home of both – men’s and women’s – EHF Champions League teams of Vardar Skopje. Vardar hope that Jane Sandanski shall become a fortress and the starting point to make a dream come true: to be the first ever handball club with men and women participating in the EHF FINAL4 tournaments.

After the women already made it to the final destination Budapest in May 2014, after their debut season in the EHF Champions League, the men’s team have the same aim now. In the previous season, Vardar were one goal short of reaching the VELUX EHF FINAL 4 in Cologne, as they were eliminated by eventual champions Flensburg in the quarter-finals.

But it is not only Jane Sandanski which makes coach Raul Gutierrez Gonzalez and club owner Sergej Samsonenko feel optimistic, more so the big names Vardar has signed. Headed by 2013 world champion, former World Handball Player of the Year and four-time EHF Champions League winner Arpad Sterbik (arriving from FC Barcelona) the prestigious squad had been strengthened enormously with players such as 2013 EHF Cup winner Sergej Gorbok (Löwen) and 2013 VELUX EHF Champions League winner Blazenko Lackovic (HSV Hamburg).

Besides the goal of making it to Cologne, the bolstered squad is supposed to leave their local rivals Metalurg behind in the Macedonian league. In the 2013/14 season, Vardar were Playing hall surprisingly defeated by Metalurg. The team’s preparation, including a ten days camp in the Jane Sandanski Slovenian Alps (Kranjska Gora), was intense, but in general Raul Gutierrez Gonzalez was highly Skopje satisfied with the integration of the newcomers. FYR Macedonia Capacity: 5,000 Vardar need to play on a top level already in the group phase, as they were drawn in what is arguably the toughest group alongside with Veszprem, Rhein Neckar Löwen, Montpellier, Celje and Medvedi. But despite those tough opponents the whole club is looking forward to the next successful steps, as manager Marko Savovski mentions: “This season we have four new players who can help us to achieve the goal that we haven’t made last year - to enter the VELUX EHF Club Address: FINAL4 with the best four teams in Europe. HC Vardar - Skopje Marko Savovski BUL 8 mi Septemvri 20 FYR Macedonia

Media contact: Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Past achievements Marko Savovski Champions League season: Macedonian +389 75 200 008 runners-up VELUX EHF Champions League [email protected] Newcomers: Participations (including 2014/15 season): 9 Online information: Arpad Sterbik (Barcelona) Quarter-final (1): 2013/14 Website: www.rkvardar.com.mk Blazenko Lackovic (HSV Hamburg) Last 32 (1): 1999/2000 Facebook: rkvardar Sergei Gorbok (Rhein-Neckar Lowen) Daniil Shishkarev (Chekhovskie Medvedi). Group Phase (6): 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2007/08, 2009/10 Left the club: Miladin Kozlina (GWD Minden) Other Kit colours Luka Rakovic (HC Zagreb) Cup Winners’ Cup: semi-final 1998/99, Light Zlatko Daskaloski (CS Universitatea Timisoara) 2004/05, 2010/11, quarter-final Player shirt: red/white Mitko Stojlov (CS Odorheiu Secuiesc) 2006/07 Player short: red/white Vlado Nedanovski (HC Vardar II) SEHA league: 2 titles (2012, 2014) Goalkeeper shirt: red/black/yellow Gradimir Chanevski (HC Vardar II) Dark Vlatko Jovchevski (HC Vardar II) Macedonian league: 8 titles (1999, Player shirt: black/Red 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, Player short: red/white 2013) Goalkeeper shirt: black/grey Macedonian cup: 8 titles

89 HC Vardar Skopje (MKD)

Biggest win: 24:37 (11:19) v Wacker Thun SUI (a), 19.10.2013 Biggest defeat: 41:19 (19:08) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 18.10.2003 Longest winning run: 2 matches (19.10.2013 – 14.11.2013) 2 matches (09.02.2014 – 16.02.2014) Longest unbeaten run: 3 matches (13.11.2004 – 07.10.2007) 3 matches (13.10.2013 – 14.11.2013) Longest losing run: 7 matches (12.10.2003 – 09.10.2004) Longest run without win: 8 matches (12.10.2003 – 16.10.2004) 8 matches (03.10.2009 – 20.02.2010) Most goals: 37 v Wacker Thun SUI 24:37W (a), 19.10.2013 Most goals opponent: 41 v FC Barcelona ESP 41:19L (a), 18.10.2003 Most goals both teams: 67 v Haukar Hafnarfjördur ISL 34:33L (a), 09.11.2003 Fewest goals: 12 v FC Barcelona ESP 12:26L (h), 06.11.2004 Fewest goals opponent: 22 v HCM Constanta ROU 22:22D (h), 13.11.2004 22 v GC Amicitia Zürich SUI 22:22D (h), 07.11.2009 22 v HC Metalurg MKD 22:27W (a), 14.11.2013 22 v HC Dinamo Minsk BLR 30:22W (h), 09.02.2014 Fewest goals both teams: 38 v FC Barcelona ESP 12:26L (h), 06.11.2004

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2001/02 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 1 1 4 152:175 –23 3 4th Gr. D 2002/03 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 2 0 4 152:181 –29 4 4th Gr. D 2003/04 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 0 0 6 157:210 -53 0 4th Gr. B 2004/05 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 1 2 3 124:153 -29 4 3rd Gr. A 2007/08 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje MKD 6 2 1 3 161:180 -19 5 4th Gr. C 2009/10 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje MKD 10 1 1 8 253:316 -63 3 5th Gr. D 2013/14 HC Vardar – Skopje MKD 14 6 3 5 376:369 +7 15 1/4-finals Total 54 13 8 33 1375:1584 –209 34

90 HC Vardar Skopje (MKD) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

20 Ilija Abutovic SRB Left Back 2.8.1988 202 99 26 Petar Angelov MKD Goalkeeper 8.3.1977 192 103 7 Matjaz Brumen SLO Right Wing 23.12.1982 190 90 80 Mikhail Chipurin RUS Line Player 17.11.1980 190 110 31 Timur Dibirov RUS Left Wing 30.7.1983 180 74 19 ESP Right Back 17.12.1992 187 88 32 Sergei Gorbok RUS Left Back 4.12.1982 196 98 18 Igor Karacic CRO Centre Back 2.11.1988 189 87 6 Blazenko Lackovic CRO Left Back 25.12.1980 197 99 23 MKD Left Back 21.4.1985 199 100 15 Dobrivoje Markovic SRB Left Wing 22.4.1986 188 81 12 Strahinja Milic SRB Goalkeeper 20.12.1990 198 135 13 Vladimir Petric SRB Right Back 5.8.1975 189 98 8 Nemanja Pribak MKD Centre Back 26.3.1984 190 103 25 Alexei Rastvortsev RUS Left Back 8.8.1978 200 128 33 Daniil Shishkarev RUS Right Wing 6.7.1988 190 85 1 Arpad Sterbik Capar ESP Goalkeeper 20.11.1979 200 119 5 Stojanche Stoilov MKD Line Player 30.4.1987 191 110 9 Stefan Terzic SRB Right Back 17.5.1994 195 93 10 Alem Toskic SRB Line Player 12.2.1982 190 108

91 Raul Gonzalez Gutierrez Arpad Sterbik coach goalkeeper After ending his playing career, the stalwart of One of the best goalkeepers who holds there BM Valladolid and bronze medallist from the different citizenship Hungarian, Serbian and Olympic Games in Atlanta with the national Spanish after ten seasons spent in Spain team of Spain started his coaching carrier in moved from Barcelona and signed four year Atletico Madrid and Ciudad Real working in contract with Macedonian runners-up Vardar. team with . At Vardar he Dozens of international awards are in the replaced Zoran Kastratovic early last season collection of the 35-year-old keeper and and achieved a great result, steering the team world best player from 2005 as he has already to a historical success. His squad reached the quarter-finals of the CL won the Champions League title three times with Ciudad Real and has for the first time and was just one goal shy of the FINAL4. been voted as the best goalkeeper of the Spanish league five times.

OG: B 1996 (as player) EC trophies: CL 2006, 2008, 2009 WCh: B 1999, B 2001, B 2011, G 2013

Timur Dibirov Sergey Gorbok left wing left back Vardar Skopje is just the second club in the The Belarusian left back started his carrier career of Dibirov. The first was Chekhovskie in Minsk and played in several different Medvedi, with whom he reached the VELUX countries inducing Ukraine, Russia, Slovenia EHF FINAL4 in 2010. At the 2013 World and Germany. After playing three seasons Championship the Russian international was in Chekovskie Medvedi he took Russian voted best left wing of the tournament and it citizenship and started playing for the can be expected that the Vardar fast breaks national team of Russia. In the previous will be more threatening and the team’s season with Reich Neckar Löwen he was step defence will more aggressive with Dibirov on the court. In 2006 close to the VELUX EHF FINAL4. In Vardar he joins the “colony” of Dibirov won the EHF Cup with Chekhov, beating CMB Valladolid in the Russian players and he will spend the next three seasons in Skopje. final.

Igor Karačić Stojance Stoilov centre back line player The 25-year-old Croatian was voted into the Stojance Stoilov is not only Vardar’s first SEHA League All-star team at the end of the choice line player, but occupies the same 2012/13 season. He is regarded as a fast and position in the Macedonian national team. tough player who is brilliant when it comes He joined Vardar four seasons ago from city to ‘one-on-one’ situations. With his former rivals Metalurg – a step that saw his career club, HC Bosna BH Gas from Sarajevo, he spiralling upwards. The spotlight was on him reached the Last 16 in the 2010/11 VELUX EHF at the EHF EURO 2012 when FYR Macedonia Champions League season, scoring 62 goals finished 5th and Stoilov played a brilliant on the way. Born in Mostar in 1988, he plays for the Croatian national tournament. In May 2013 he was selected for the All-star team of team, while his brother Ivan Karacic plays for Bosnia-Herzegovina. SEHA League Final-Four tournament at which Vardar finished second.

Alex Dujshebaev Matjaz Brumen right back right wing The son of Talant Dujshebaev joined Vardar The 31-year-old Slovenian is the only Vardar at the beginning of the season. Playing for player with a European Cup title under his Spain at the Junior World Championship this belt. He won the EHF Champions League summer, Dujshebaev was one of the best with Celje in 2004 and the Challenge Cup players, helped his team to win silver and was with Koper in 2011. He has been playing for selected for the All-star team as best right Slovenian clubs Prule 67, Celje and Koper, back. He had achieved the same honours at but this is the first time he plays outside of the 2012 Men’s 20 EHF EURO at which Spain his home country. He played for Slovenia topped the podium. In the two previous seasons during which he at several major tournaments and was part of the team which only played for BM Aragon Dujshebaev became the Spanish ASOBAL’s top narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth at the 2013 World scorer on both occasions. Championship in Spain. EC trophies: CL 2004

92 GROUP C Montpellier Agglomeration HB (FRA)

The previous season was a pure rollercoaster ride for Montpellier Agglomeration Handball. First they signed Thierry Omeyer to set high goals, then the French record champions failed in the qualification for the VELUX EHF Champions League. After two points were deducted from them in the French league, Montpellier started an incredible run to chase the leaders, but defeat in the last round against Chambery saw them miss out on the two top places in the league, finishing below Dunkerque and PSG. However, an additional place bid for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions League was successful and a return to the top flight secured. Montpellier also qualified for the EHF Cup Finals in Berlin, made it to the final, but then defeated by Szeged. The final major headline of the season was losing two of their key players to one of their biggest domestic rivals, as Omeyer and William Accambray signed for PSG, while experienced former Tunisian international Wissem Hmam also departed the club. As for newcomers, former Olympic and world champion goalkeeper Venio Losert arrived from Kielce and the number of Slovenian players in the team increased to five with Borut Mackovsek joining from Celje. Patrice Canayer has been in charge of Montpellier for more than 20 years and this season he and his charges hope to cause some surprises in all competitions, including the dream of their first ever participation at the VELUX EHF FINAL4. The tasks awaiting the 2003 EHF Champions League winners are far from straightforward, as Veszprem, Rhein Neckar Löwen, Vardar, Medvedi and Celje await in Group C. Nevertheless, team captain Michael Guigou is optimistic about clearing these hurdles. “Our objective is Playing hall to proceed to the knock-out stage and to develop as a team as quickly as possible, in order Arena Montpellier to avoid a difficult opponent in the Last 16. However, we know that the group phase will be Rue de la Foire extremely hard, competing with three contenders for the title, Veszprem, Löwen and Vardar, 34470 Pérols/Montpellier who all will be supported by extraordinary audiences at their home matches. We will have to France fight for the fourth position with Celje and Medvedi and we count on our fans at home to have Capacity: 8,000 a good base for the away matches. Prestigious games are ahead for us and we are going to take the challenge,” he said.

Club Address: Montpellier Agglomeration HB Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Past achievements Centre Jean-Paul Lacombe Champions League season: Third ranked in Centre Jean Paul Lacombe - 1000 France VELUX EHF Champions League 34090 Montpellier Participations (including 2014/15 France Newcomers: season): Media contact: Venio Losert (Kielce) Winners: 2002/03 Suzy Demonte Borut Mackovsek (Celje) Semi-final: 2004/05 +33 499 610 358 Baptiste Bonnefond (MAHB training centre) Quarter-final: 2000/01, 2005/06, [email protected] 2009/10, 2010/11 Left the club: Last 16: 1995/96, 2003/04, 2006/07, Online information: William Accambray (Paris) 2011/12 www.montpellierhandball.com Thierry Omeyer (Paris) Main Round: 2007/08, 2008/09 Facebook: montpellierhandball Wissem Hmam (Saint Raphael) Group Phase: 1998/99, 1999/00, Twitter: @MAHB Maxime Arvin Berod (Chartres) 2012/13 Mickaël Robin (Cesson) Qualification: 2013/14

Kit colours Other: Light EHF Cup: Runners-up 2013/14, quarter- Player shirt: white final 1996/97, Last 16 1993/94, 1994/95 Player short: white Cup Winners’ Cup: quarter-final Goalkeeper shirt: orange/light blue 2001/02 Dark French league: 14 titles (1995, 1998- Player shirt: blue 2000, 2002-2006, 2008-2012) Player short: blue French cup: 10 titles Goalkeeper shirt: blue

93 Montpellier Agglomeration HB (FRA)

Biggest win: 46:20 (26:09) v AC PAOK GRE (h), 04.10.2009 Biggest defeat: 37:20 (16:10) v Prosesa Ademar Leon ESP (a), 06.11.1999 Longest winning run: 7 matches (21.12.2003 – 14.11.2004) 7 matches (18.10.2009 – 25.02.2010) 7 matches (16.10.2010 – 06.03.2011) Longest unbeaten run: 10 matches (18.10.2009 – 03.04.2010) Longest losing run: 3 matches (23.10.2011 – 04.12.2011) 3 matches (07.10.2012 – 18.10.2012) Longest run without win: 5 matches (25.03.2012 – 18.10.2012) Most goals: 46 v AC PAOK GRE 46:20W (h), 04.10.2009 Most goals opponent: 38 v Kolding KIF DEN 38:29L (a), 05.12.2004 38 v Pick Szeged HUN 38:35L (a), 19.11.2011 Most goals both teams: 78 v VfL Gummersbach GER 41:37W (h), 09.02.2008 Fewest goals: 17 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 26:17L (a), 03.01.1999 17 v FC Barcelona ESP 24:17L (a), 10.12.2000 Fewest goals opponent: 16 v HC Portovik Yuzhny UKR 26:16W (h), 07.10.2006 Fewest goals both teams: 38 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 21:17W (h), 08.11.1998

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage 1998/99 Montpellier HB FRA 6 3 0 3 134:134 0 6 3rd Gr. A 1999/00 Montpellier HB FRA 6 3 0 3 139:148 -9 6 3rd Gr. A 2000/01 Montpellier HB FRA 8 4 1 3 193:193 0 9 1/4-finals 2002/03 Montpellier HB FRA 12 8 1 3 334:311 +23 17 Winner 2003/04 Montpellier HB FRA 8 6 0 2 216:199 +17 12 Last 16 2004/05 Montpellier HB FRA 12 9 0 3 375:328 +47 18 1/2-finals 2005/06 Montpellier HB FRA 10 6 0 4 282:272 +10 12 1/4-finals 2006/07 Montpellier HB FRA 8 5 1 2 224:198 +26 11 Last 16 2007/08 Montpellier HB FRA 12 7 0 5 358:348 +10 14 3rd MR Gr. 2 2008/09 Montpellier HB FRA 10 6 1 3 295:275 +20 13 4th MR Gr. 3 2009/10 Montpellier HB FRA 14 10 2 2 447:372 +75 22 1/4-finals 2010/11 Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 14 10 0 4 442:379 +63 20 1/4-finals 2011/12 Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 12 6 0 6 357:357 0 12 Last 16 2012/13 Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 10 2 2 6 301:311 –10 6 5th Gr. A Total 142 85 8 49 4097:3825 +272 178

94 Montpellier Agglomeration HB (FRA) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

3 Arthur Anquetil FRA Left Wing 23.7.1995 181 74 95 Samir Bellahcene FRA Goalkeeper 20.2.1995 189 114 24 Baptiste Bonnefond FRA Left Back 22.1.1993 193 98 18 Felipe Borges Dutra Ribeiro BRA Left Wing 4.5.1985 186 88 9 Maxime Bouschet FRA Right Back 2.4.1996 184 82 11 SLO Right Back 6.12.1988 190 94 27 Ludovic Fabregas FRA Line Player 1.7.1996 198 98 25 Jean Loup Faustin FRA Left Back 23.3.1995 185 83 22 Matej Gaber SLO Line Player 22.7.1991 196 116 30 Dragan Gajic SLO Right Wing 21.7.1984 188 83 10 Mathieu Grebille FRA Left Back 6.10.1991 198 93 14 Michael Guigou FRA Left Wing 28.1.1982 179 79 19 Antoine Gutfreund FRA Right Wing 5.10.1992 195 89 23 Vid Kavticnik SLO Right Back 24.5.1984 191 90 17 Balazs Laluska HUN Right Back 20.6.1981 202 100 2 Clement Liard FRA Right Wing 3.5.1996 191 91 1 Venio Losert CRO Goalkeeper 25.7.1976 190 89 51 Borut Mackovsek SLO Left Back 11.9.1992 203 99 12 Kevin Mesnard FRA Goalkeeper 11.1.1993 191 84 21 Alexandre Saidani FRA Centre Back 30.7.1994 188 84 16 Arnaud Siffert FRA Goalkeeper 6.12.1978 188 94 4 Diego Simonet ESP Centre Back 26.12.1989 187 87 6 Issam Tej FRA Line Player 29.7.1979 187 115 20 Vincent Thouvenot FRA Line Player 30.5.1994 200 105 26 Allan Villeminot FRA Centre Back 24.5.1995 185 81 5 Iswaran Zahm FRA Left Back 23.5.1996 200 86

95 Patrice Canayer Venio Losert coach goalkeeper He is now starting his 21st season at the head At 38, he has added another stop to his never- of Montpellier, in which he has won over 40 ending European tour. After Croatia, Spain, trophies.. In 1994 he started his coaching Denmark and Poland, he has now arrived in career and coached players like Nikola Montpellier, his twelth professionnal club Karabatić, Thierry Omeyer, Jérôme Fernandez since the beginning of his career. Very easy- and . Now, with not as many living but with a huge amount of experience stars but with as many young talented in his backpack, he should help his younger players as before, he meets again with the CL teammates in learning what international level after reaching the EHF Cup final last season. In his active career the really is. He went to the FINAL4 two seasons ago, and would really like 52-year-old coach played for Bordeaux and Racing Paris. to live a successful CL campaign again before the end of its career.

EC trophies: CL 2003 OG : G 1996, 2004, B 2012, EURO: B 2012, WCh: G 2003, S 1995, 2005, 2009

Michaël Guigou Mathieu Grébille left wing left back At 32, he is the player with the longest history At 22, he has already been branded as being in Montpellier since he has played there for the “next big thing” in French handball. 15 seasons in a row. Able to play on the left Formed at Montpellier, he has evolved step by wing or on the center back position, he is very step, and this season should see him explode quick on fast breaks and able to play in tiny into life, as well as taking more responsibilities. spaces inside the defences. Over the years, he He has already become a regular fixture in the has become less of a scorer and turned into national team, where some compare him to the brain of the team, constantly helping his Daniel Narcisse for his jumping abilities. During teammates and thinking of ways to improve the game. He is the only his younger years, he helped the team on the left wing position and has player of the winning CL campaign in 2003 who still plays for MAHB. kept the ability to switch sides whenever needed.

EC trophies: CL 2003 EURO: G 2014 OG : G 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, WCh: G 2009, 2011, B 2005

Diego Simonet Matej Gaber centre back line player The Argentinian wave is about to crash on Even if Tej gets more playing time in attack, the CL. After scoring 41 goals in the EHF Cup Matej Gaber is now the rock of Montpellier’s campaign last season, as well as being elected defence. He has got the responsibility to best centre back of the French league, replace Wissem Hmam, who left the club this Diego Simonet is ready to take on the best summer. He arrived at the beginning of last in Europe. Quick and with a sharp eye, the season alongside his friend Jure Dolenec and international player is able to shoot through has done everything since to justify his “hard- defences, to give balls to lineplayers and to defending” reputation. He has gained some run around like a mad man for 60 minutes. He is much calmer than playing time on offense as well, but he has still got a lot of progress to he used to be, he is making better choices and has become a key make there. Only aged 23, he should become a very important piece element in Canayer’s roster. of Montpellier’s puzzle in the forthcoming years.

Jure Dolenec Dragan Gajić right back right wing For his first season with his new club, Jure Arrived in 2011, Dragan Gajic is very useful to Dolenec has had some ups and downs, but Montpellier, both on and off the court. He has it had to be expected. He had to adapt to had his best season so far last year, finishing French defences and he has made a lot of as the best scorer of the EHF Cup and of the progress and has now a much more complete French league. But he also helps his Slovenian way of playing. After causing havoc when he teammates to settle in Montpellier, and that played the EHF Champions League with his gives him quite a lot of work, since there former team of Gorenje Velenje, he is ready are now six of them in the club. A fastbreak to do it all over again and wants to top his scoring mark, which he set expert, he is fast as light and very self-assured in front of the at 64 two seasons ago. At 26, he could take another step this season goalkeeper, being able to score from near-impossible angles. facing the best teams in Europe.

96 Group D preview

ALL TO PLAY FOR IN UNPREDICTABLE AND OPEN GROUP D

Having reached the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2013, leaving the tournament after the Last 16 last year was a step down the ladder for KS Vive Tauron Kielce, and the team under legendary head coach Talant Duishebaev will obviously want more this season. The chance should be there in Group B, where the Polish champions appear as favourites in competition with five teams who seem more or less equal at first sight.

Changes have been few in Kielce compared to last season, and this carries the advantage with it that it would not be necessary to integrate a lot of new players in the team. Dunkerque HB Gran Littoral had a disappointing debut in the VELUX EHF Champions League last season, where the men from the north west of France failed to even go on from the group phase.

Having won the French championship in the meantime and having their first Champions League adventure behind them, Dunkerque should definitely be able to do better this time. Looking at the Dunkerque squad, the French champions may not look stronger than last year, but you do not win the French league ahead of teams such as Paris Saint-German and Montpellier without having some extraordinary qualities, and the experiences they harvested in the Champions League last year should do them good now.

Kadetten Schaffhausen have often had an ability to just squeeze themselves in among the four teams who proceeded to the knock-out stages, and the Swiss champions may very well do so again this time in a group where Kielce seems to be only really frightening opponent. The transfer account balances, as the club has signed just as many players as it has lost, but the return of left winger Manuel Liniger to his homeland should be a boost to Schaffhausen.

MOL-Pick Szeged surprised a good deal of the European handball community last season by winning the EHF Cup. This year the Hungarian runners-up can celebrate their comeback to the VELUX EHF Champions League. And what may we expect from them here? Well, according to their Spanish coach Juan Carlos Pastor, they want to compete at the top of Europe, but having said goodbye to more players than they have brought in, they may face some difficulties here. Their most interesting signing is probably Spanish goalkeeper José Manuel Sierra who has joined from PSG and who has replaced Roland Mikler, now with local rivals Veszprém. Last season, Aalborg Handball made it to the knock-out stage for the first time, and the Danish runners-up have a very good chance to copy that achievement again this season.

When talking about Aalborg, we simply have to mention one of the most interesting and promising young newcomers in the international handball hemisphere. 19-year-old Norwegian centre back , who joined from Norwegian champions Haslum HK ahead of this season has already shown his enormous potential in attack as well as in defence.

HC Motor Zaporozhye made to the Last 16 last season, but still the Ukrainian champions had to go through the qualification tournament to reach the group phase this year. The Zappers are aiming to repeat last season’s achievement, but they are handicapped in those efforts by the fact that the security situation in Ukraine forces them to play their home matches in Kiev instead of in their home town.

Peter Bruun

97 Group D head-to-heads

Historic encounters of the Group D opponents in the EC KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral 22.09.2013 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 33:23 (15:11) 30.11.2013 Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:25 (12:15)

KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Pick Szeged 17.03.2013 Pick Szeged vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 26:25 (15:14) 24.03.2013 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 32:27 (14:11)

Kadetten Schaffhausen vs Pick Szeged 14.10.2006 SC Pick Szeged vs Kadetten Schaffhausen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 27:27 (12:14) 11.11.2006 Kadetten Schaffhausen vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 22:23 (10:13) 25.09.2010 Pick Szeged vs Kadetten Schaffhausen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 29:26 (12:10) 19.02.2011 Kadetten Schaffhausen vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 31:27 (12:15) 06.10.2012 Pick Szeged vs Kadetten Schaffhausen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 30:29 (12:14) 07.02.2013 Kadetten Schaffhausen vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 36:29 (21:14)

Kadetten Schaffhausen vs Aalborg Handball 03.10.2010 AaB Handball vs Kadetten Schaffhausen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 30:30 (15:14) 05.12.2010 Kadetten Schafhausen vs AaB Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 34:31 (17:19)

Pick Szeged vs Aalborg Handball 10.10.2010 Pick Szeged vs AaB Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 37:28 (18:13) 06.03.2011 AaB Handball vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 34:30 (17:19)

No previous encounters in European competitions KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Kadetten Schaffhausen KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Aalborg Handball KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Motor Zaporozhye Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral vs Kadetten Schaffhausen Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral vs Pick Szeged Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral vs Aalborg Handball Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral vs HC Motor Zaporozhye Kadetten Schaffhausen vs HC Motor Zaporozhye Pick Szeged vs HC Motor Zaporozhye Aalborg Handball vs HC Motor Zaporozhye

98 GROUP D KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL) A new sponsor in the name, the same hopes and dreams as the year before and the first “full” season for coach Talant Dujshebaev. Vive Tauron Kielce aim for the top once again this season, which means reaching Cologne, a place where Dujshebaev has been several times before and the Polish champions have arrived once, in 2013, when they narrowly lost their semi-final against Barcelona, then beat Kiel to finish third.

In the previous season, right after the arrival of Dujshebaev as the successor to Bogdan Wenta, Kielce were unlucky to be eliminated in the Last 16 by German side Rhein Neckar Löwen. Their group is not as tough as last season’s but still challenging, as Kielce are regarded as favourites among Dunkerque, Szeged, Aalborg, Schaffhausen and Zaporozhye. Besides a new name in the team, energy company Tauron, Kielce’s squad has not changed all that much, only two positions have to be more precise: Marin Sego from their domestic rivals Wisla Plock replaced goalkeeper Venio Losert, who moved to Montpellier, and German international Tobias Reichmann is new on the wing position, replacing Thorir Olafsson, who returned to his home country Iceland.

The only minor problem in the preparation was the injury of Krzysztof Lijewski, but the right back managed to return in time for the first league match last Saturday. Sports director Radosław Wasiak is humble prior to the new international season: “Of course all participants of the VELUX EHF Champions League fight for the top spot in their groups. We really have strong opponents like French champions Dunkerque, Szeged and Aalborg. We must show respect to all of them, as every game in this group will be tough.”

Team captain Grzegorz Tkaczyk is looking forward to “an interesting group”. “We know all the teams, because of their previous results in Europe. For example last season we lost at Dunkerque, so now we want to have some revenge. Of course, I’m happy that we will face Playing hall Kadetten Schauffhausen, because of my friend Leszek Starczan. I was playing with him in Poland, Hala M.O.S.I.R – Legionów in Warszawianka, and now we will meet again after some years apart. Every team in our group is ul. Boczna 15A really strong. Szeged, for example, are the defending EHF Cup champions and a team which made 25-093 Kielce some good signings this summer,” Tkaczyk says. Poland Capacity: 4,000

Club Address: KS Vive Tauron Kielce ul. Robotnicza 5 25-662 Kielce Poland Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Media contact: Past achievements Champions League season: Polish champions Sebastian Kozubek +48 505031244 VELUX EHF Champions League Newcomers: [email protected] Participations (including 2014/15 Tobias Reichmann (HSG Wetzlar) season): 12 Marin Sego (Orlen Wisła Płock) Online information: Semi-final (1): 2012/13 Website: www.vivetargi.pl Last 16 (5): 1993/94, 1994/95, 2009/10, Left the club: Facebook: vivetargikielce 2011/12, 2013/14 Venio Losert (Montpellier HB Agglomeration) Twitter: @vivetargikielce Last 32 (2): 1996/97, 1998/99 Thorir Olafsson (UMF Stjarnan) Group Matches (3): 1999/2000, 2003/04, 2010/11 Kit colours Light Other Player shirt: yellow Other EC records: 11 participations in Player short: blue other ECs Goalkeeper shirt: blue Dark Polish league: 11 titles (1993, 1994, Player shirt: blue 1996, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2010, Player short: blue 2012, 2013, 2014) Goalkeeper shirt: green Polish cup: 11 titles

99 KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL)

Biggest win: 35:23 (16:13) v FC Porto Vitalis POR (h), 29.09.2013 Biggest defeat: 30:41 (19:19) v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN (h), 15.11.2003 Longest winning run: 10 matches (30.09.2012 – 23.02.2013) Longest unbeaten run: 10 matches (30.09.2012 – 23.02.2013) Longest losing run: 5 matches (13.02.2010 – 27.03.2010) 5 matches (19.02.2011 – 09.10.2011) Longest run without win: 6 matches (26.09.2010 – 27.11.2010) Most goals: 38 v Orlen Wisla Plock POL 38:30W (h), 23.02.2014 Most goals opponent: 41 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 30:41L (h), 15.11.2003 Most goals both teams: 72 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 40:32L (a), 27.11.1999 Fewest goals: 21 v HC Bosna BH Gas BIH 25:21L (a), 27.02.2010 21 v HC Metalurg MKD 21:20W (h), 24.11.2012 Fewest goals opponent: 20 v HC Metalurg MKD 21:20W (h), 24.11.2012 Fewest goals both teams: 41 v HC Metalurg MKD 21:20W (h), 24.11.2012

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

1999/00 KS Iskra-Lider Market POL 6 3 0 3 173:186 –13 6 3rd Gr. B 2003/04 KS ‘Vive’ Kielce POL 6 2 1 3 159:177 -18 5 3rd Gr. G 2009/10 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 12 5 1 6 345:344 +1 11 Last 16 2010/11 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 10 1 2 7 276:300 -24 4 6th Gr. A 2011/12 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 12 6 1 5 345:336 +9 13 Last 16 2012/13 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 16 14 0 2 469:400 +69 28 Third Place 2013/14 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 12 7 1 4 362:331 +31 15 Last 16 Total 74 38 6 30 2129:2074 +55 82

100 KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

13 Akizu ESP Line Player 8.12.1982 195 110 14 POL Left Back 23.1.1982 202 101 21 Denis Buntic CRO Right Back 13.11.1982 199 110 10 Piotr Chrapkowski POL Left Back 24.3.1988 202 100 27 Ivan Cupic CRO Right Wing 22.3.1986 178 78 2 Piotr Grabarczyk POL Line Player 31.10.1982 200 99 15 Mateusz Jachlewski POL Left Wing 27.12.1984 185 88 5 Michal Jurecki POL Left Back 27.10.1984 198 110 19 Krzysztof Lijewski POL Right Back 7.7.1983 198 94 22 Zeljko Musa CRO Line Player 8.1.1986 200 114 19 Tobias Reichmann GER Right Wing 27.5.1988 188 85 24 Tomasz Rosinski POL Centre Back 24.2.1984 192 85 16 Marin Sego CRO Goalkeeper 2.8.1985 194 100 17 Manuel Strlek CRO Left Wing 1.12.1988 181 79 Wojciech Swiader POL Goalkeeper 18.8.1996 1 Slawomir Szmal POL Goalkeeper 2.10.1978 190 90 6 Grzegorz Tkaczyk POL Centre Back 22.12.1980 194 94 23 Uros Zorman SLO Centre Back 9.1.1980 189 96

101 Talant Dujshebaev Sławomir Szmal coach goalkeeper The most awarded figure in the club. During The former World Handball Player of the his longstanding player career he won plenty Year is one of the key players in the Polish of international trophies with three different national champions’ defence. The goalkeeper teams, including CIS, Russia and Spain and spent several years in German Bundesliga a lot of individual distinctions. Since almost playing for TuS N-Lübbecke and Rhein Neckar ten years he has successfully continued as a Löwen. Szmal has competed in two VELUX coach. Known for his impulsiveness, he joined EHF FINAL4 events with Rhein-Neckar Löwen Kielce in the half of last season, replacing in 2010/11 and Kielce two years ago. On the Bogdan Wenta. He changed the playing style of the team placing court a hardworking Titan, beyond it a great man always keen on greater emphasis on the aggressive defence and letting the players handball initiatives for kids. for relative equal time in. EC Trophies: CL 1994, 2006 (as coach), 2008 (as coach), 2009 (as coach), EHF Cup WCh: S 2007, B 2009 1993, Cup Winners’ Cup 2002, 2003 OG: G 1992, B 1996, 2000, WCh: G 1993, EURO: S 1996, 1998, B 2000

Manuel Štrlek Michał Jurecki left wing left back With his arrival in Kielce two years ago Manu Kielce’s powerful left back Michał Jurecki made his first step abroad, after leaving returned to Poland in 2010 after a three his boyhood club Zagreb, where he started season stint in Germany, which included gathering EHF Champions League experience spells as HSV Hamburg and TuS N-Lübbecke, in 2006. Together with his fellow countryman and has been one of the club’s most on the other side, they soon created extremely consistent scorers since. Under his steel effective duet of wingers doing with fast break covering the Polish tank hides a cheerful a true masterpiece. His excellent performance nature and a volcano of energy exploding in at the EHF EURO 2010 earned him a place on the All-star team. With the most thrilling moments of the game. the 3rd place game at the EHF EURO 2014 he added 74th match to his international account with the score of 233 goals. WCh: G 2013, B 2011, EURO: B 2014 WCh: S 2007, B 2009

Uroš Zorman Julen Aguinagalde centre back line player One of the best playmakers in the game is He is one of the world’s top line players and on the hunt for his fourth EHF Champions his presence on the line turns out to be a key League success. He is not known for scoring for Kielce. He proved that with taking a place lots of goals, 23 in last season’s CL, but his among the All-Star teams of two previous movement and passes provide ample space champion tournaments in Denmark and for his teammates in attack, which he proved Spain and receiving nomination for World throughout last season. Longstanding captain Handball Player of the Year 2012 as well. He of Slovenian national team is famous for his joined Kielce from Atlético Mardid in 2013 charisma, weakness for coffee and great approach to children, for whom for his first foreign league experience. After two VELUX EHF FINAL4 he has been organising handball summer camps over past seven years. experiences, he is still striving for a trophy. EC Trophies: CL: 2004, 2008, 2009 WCh: G 2013, B 2011, EURO: B 2014 EURO: S 2004

Krzysztof Lijewski Ivan Čupić right back right wing Although he wanted to be a basketball player, The Croatian right wing was the second best luckily under the influence of his father and goal scorer at the London 2012 Olympics. His older brother, he chose handball. The best reputation has been growing ever since he right back of recent EHF EURO 2014 is the was named on the All-Star team at the 2009 most versatile player in the team, clever in WCh at home. Despite losing one finger in an attack and vigilant in defence. He can not only accident in 2008 he continued his excellent threaten his opponents with a powerful shot form and has remained an important player but also mislead them with a precise pass to of each team he has played including the his teammate while looking in the other direction. He joined Kielce in national team. This season he will be sharing the floor with the new 2012 after seven successful years spent in Germany. face in the club, German Tobias Reichmann.

EC Trophies: Cup Winner’s Cup: 2007 OG: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013, EURO: S 2008, 2010, B 2012 WCh: S 2007, B 2009

102 GROUP D Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral (FRA)

It was one of the biggest sensations of the European club handball season, when it was not the world selection of PSG but Dunkerque Handball Grand Littoral who took the French league title. For the first time, the club were top of the league – and now the team of coach Patrick Cazal is aiming high in the VELUX EHF Champions League after an unsatisfying debut in the previous season, clearly missing out on the knock-out stage.

Dunkerque manager Régis Giunta hopes for an improvement on the international stage: “We confirmed our progress by becoming French champions ahead of Paris Saint Germain, the big favourite, and record champions Montpellier. But we have not been able to deploy the same energy in the Champions League. We were rookies and the fact that 95 percent of the team never played this competition before added difficulty to the fact that the draw put us in the hardest group. With last season’s experience and quite a good draw, we expect to qualify for the Last 16,” Giunta says.

“Regarding our opponents, Kielce seem to be out of reach, as it will be very difficult to beat them again after last year. Szeged seem to have the team to finish on the second position, so we will be in competition with Aalborg, Schaffhausen and Zaporozhye to gain one of the last two tickets to the Last 16. That’s at least the logic on paper,” he added.

Cazal’s successful team has not changed that much, two newcomers arrived, three players left. However, two of them, who made it to Germany, are hard to replace - French international Guillaume Joli, now playing with Ivano Balic at Wetzlar, and Norwegian shooter Espen Lie Playing hall Hansen, who transferred to Magdeburg. Additionally the French champions were hit hard by Stades de Flandres injuries during the preparation, with team captain Mohamed Mokrani, Pierre Soudry, Romain Avenue de Rosendael Guillard, newcomer Pawel Paczkowski and Nicolas Nieto missing most of the test stage. 59240 Dunkerque France Despite the difficulties, team captain Mokrani is confident for the upcoming Champions League Capacity: 2,500 season. “Last year was our first participation in the Champions League and it was a journey of discovery for the club. At the level we are, we can be ambitious. The minimum goal is to achieve the Last 16. When we look back to the results of last season, we can only do better as we finished last in our group. We know Kielce because we played them last year but their game Club Address: has certainly evolved as well as Szeged, winner of the EHF Cup. Both sides are big teams. If we Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral want to proceed to the Last 16, we need to be very efficient in all home matches, but also try Avenue de Rosendael - B.P. 4197 to win away once or twice,” admits Mokrani. 59378 Dunkerque cedex 1 France

Media contact: Melanie Lefevbre + 33 3 28 66 91 52 Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX Past achievements [email protected] EHF Champions League season: French champions VELUX EHF Champions League Online information: Participations (including 2014/15 Website: www.usdk.fr Newcomers: season): 3 Facebook: DunkerqueHandball Zarko Pejovic (Tatran Presov) Group Phase (1): 2013/14 Twitter: @USDKDunkerque Pawel Paczkowski (Wisla Plock) Qualification (1): 2011/12

Left the club: Other Kit colours Guillaume Joli (Wetzlar) EHF Cup: Finals 2011/12, Quarter-final (Magdeburg) 2006/07, 2007/07, 2009/10 Light Erwan Siakam (Créteil) Challenge Cup: Runners-up 2003/04 Player shirt: yellow City-Cup: Quarter-final 1998/99, Player short: yellow 1999/2000 Goalkeeper shirt: black/red Dark French league: 1 title (2014) Player shirt: black French Champions Trophy: 1 title (2012) Player short: black French cup: 1 title Goalkeeper shirt: blue/red French League cup: 1 title

103 Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral (FRA)

Biggest win: 30:25 (12:15) v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL (h), 30.11.2013 Biggest defeat: 33:23 (15:11) v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL (a), 22.09.2013 Longest winning run: 1 match (30.11.2013) Longest unbeaten run: 1 match (30.11.2013) 1 match (15.02.2014) Longest losing run: 6 matches (22.09.2013 – 20.11.2013) Longest run without win: 6 matches (22.09.2013 – 20.11.2013) Most goals: 30 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 30:25W (h), 30.11.2013 Most goals opponent: 33 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 33:23L (a), 22.09.2013 Most goals both teams: 57 v Orlen Wisla Plock POL 32:25L (a), 06.02.2014 Fewest goals: 18 v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 18:20L (h), 13.10.2013 Fewest goals opponent: 20 v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 18:20L (h), 13.10.2013 Fewest goals both teams: 38 v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 18:20L (h), 13.10.2013

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2013/14 Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 10 1 1 8 237:268 -31 3 6th Gr. B Total 10 1 1 8 237:268 -31 3

104 Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral (FRA)

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Weight Height

3 Benjamin Afgour FRA Line Player 1.4.1991 195 106 16 William Annotel FRA Goalkeeper 29.3.1983 195 93 Vincent Bello FRA Right Wing 8.7.1996 Florian Billant FRA Right Wing 7.7.1996 57 Baptiste Butto FRA Left Wing 13.2.1987 187 86 9 Theophile Causse FRA Right Wing 12.10.1992 179 72 8 Sebastien De Cocker FRA Line Player 15.4.1995 190 97 17 Julian Emonet FRA Left Wing 4.1.1992 182 91 12 Julien Gardenat FRA Goalkeeper 4.11.1995 190 97 1 Vincent Gerard FRA Goalkeeper 16.12.1986 188 97 21 Mickael Grocaut FRA Line Player 26.4.1980 194 105 19 Romain Guillard FRA Centre Back 14.1.1986 190 100 11 Jerome Hoarau FRA Left Back 4.8.1995 5 Sebastien Joumel FRA Centre Back 6.1.1995 4 Bastien Lamon FRA Centre Back 18.7.1981 186 80 46 Mohamed Mokrani FRA Line Player 31.1.1981 186 97 6 Kornel Nagy HUN Left Back 21.11.1986 195 98 20 Nicolas Nieto FRA Line Player 6.4.1994 23 Pawel Paczkowski POL Right Back 14.6.1993 195 93 23 Zarko Pejovic MNE Left Back 25.1.1986 191 96 Tom Pelayo FRA Right Back 23.2.1997 25 Roman Scattolari FRA Centre Back 11.2.1994 15 Pierre Soudry FRA Right Back 27.3.1988 183 82 7 Jalleledine Touati TUN Right Wing 12.7.1982 179 78

105 Patrick Cazal Vincent Gérard coach goalkeeper Since 2011 he has been the head coach of Gérard finally got his first title with his club, USDK and it took him only two seasons to be three seasons after arriving in Dunkirk. The voted as the best coach in the first French French championship crown came along league and three to give his club its first with his second “best goalkeeper of the french championhip. As a player he became league” award in a row, and he’s now one double world champion under coach Daniel regular fixture in the national team. Expert at Costantini in 1995 and 2001 and won two WCh stopping penalty throws and wing shots, he bronze medals in 1997 and 2003. He played gives confidence to his teammates with his for Paris, Montpellier, Irun and Essen before ending his career in 2008 exuberant gestures after every one of his saves.Definitely a strong fan with Dunkerque, where he became the assistant coach. For his second favourite, he showed last season that he had the capacity to become season in the EHF CL, he now aims for the Last 16 stage. one of Dunkerque’s key elements in the competition. EURO: G 2014

Baptiste Butto Kornél Nagy left wing left back After learning his trade in Selestat, he arrived With no connection to László Nagy, the right in Dunkerque in 2009 and has been in the top back from Veszprem, Kornél Nagy still has 10 scorers of the French league ever since. a very good talent for handball. He arrived Butto is known for his great speed on fast in Dunkerque from Hungary in 2011 and breaks and is very effective with penalties, immediately received praise both from but has never been drafted in the national coaches and teammates. Hard-working, team, due to the huge amount of good left very good defender, he is able to shoot from wings in France. He scored 30 goals in last outside the 9m line as well as scoring from season’s Champions League. A good performance, but which is far from inside the defence. Nagy is a very complete player and is now a key his personnal record of 57 goals, set in the EHF Cup campaign back in element in the squad, especially since he’s also able to play on the 2012. center back position.

Bastien Lamon Mohammed Mokrani centre back line player He first signed to Dunkerque at 18 and never An international player with Algeria, the left the club since. He is the symbol of what line player is always battling on the court. this team is about: not over-talented, but very Mokrani is a key element in the French side’s hard-working and ready to give everything on defence and although he is relatively small, the court for his partners. He’s been part of he has got the capacity to sneak behind the club’s rise, and last season’s Champions defenders on offence to create space and League participation, as well as the French score goals. The 32-year-old met again with championship, came as consecrations to him. the EHF Champions League last season, Not really the player to score goals, he is a lot better at putting his after playing with another French club, US Ivry Handball, back in the teammates in the best position, and scored the most assists of the 2007/08 season. squad last season in the CL.

Pierre Soudry Jaleleddine Touati right back right wing He has been last season’s revelation in Another player who arrived in Dunkerque a Dunkerque. Since Rambo left the club in long time ago and remained faithful to the January, he has had to play 60 minutes per club ever since. He first signed in the north game for six months, and still pulled out some of France in 2006 and climbed every step amazing performances, which owed him a since, playing the EHF Cup Finals two seasons national team calling at the end of the season. amongst all things. Shy in everyday’s life, he Relatively small but incredibly quick on his becomes someone else on the court, often feet, he took many defenders by surprise, and encouraging his own fans to increase their at 26, he’s still got a lot of room for improvement. For his first season support to his team. The right winger didn’t play much in the EHF in the EHF Champions League, he scored 34 goals. Champions League last season, but with Joli’s departure last summer, he should see his playtime increase.

106 GROUP D Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)

After a one-year-absence from the VELUX EHF Champions League, Kadetten Schaffhausen is back on track and waving the Swiss flag in Europe’s top flight.

In 2013, Wacker Thun had the better of them in the Swiss league, now Schaffhausen turned the tide to win the finals of the domestic league in style against Winterthur and even celebrated the double after winning the Swiss cup as well.

Now the team of coach and 2007 world champion Markus Baur, who just led the Germany to gold at the Men’s 20 EHF EURO in Austria and who has also been in charge at Kadetten since 2013, is aiming to return to the Last 16 after reaching the knock-out stage in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons.

To reach their goals – including making it to the finals of Swiss cup and Swiss league – they even signed a former VELUX EHF FINAL4 participant Markus Richwien, arriving from Füchse Berlin.

Two further newcomers from Bundesliga have come in to improve Baur’s team: Manuel Liniger and Anton Mansson, as has Switzerland’s top goalkeeper Nikola Portner, son of the former Yugoslav international Zlatko Portner.

Playing hall Schaffhausen will face Kielce, Dunkerque, Szeged, Aalborg and Zaporozhye in the group phase. BBC Arena Schweizersbildstr. 10 “It could have been worse,” says team captain David Graubner. “It is the main goal of our team 8207 Schaffhausen to make it to the Last 16. I think Kielce is the strongest team and will dominate this group. All Switzerland other teams are more or less on the same level. Therefore I expect a tough and interesting Capacity: 3,000 competition for us.”

Club Address: Kadetten Schaffhausen Schweizersbildstrasse 10 8207 Schaffhausen Switzerland

Media contact: Barbara Imobersteg +41 787203247 [email protected] Qualification for the 2014/2015 VELUX EHF Champions League season: Swiss Past achievements Online information: champions Website: www.kadettensh.ch VELUX EHF Champions League Twitter: @kadettensh Newcomers: Participations (including 2014/15 Facebook: kadettensh Nikola Portner (BSV Bern Muri) season): 8 Markus Richwien (Füchse Berlin) Last 16 (2): 2010/11, 2011/12 Anton Mansson (MT Melsungen) Group Phase (4): 2005/06, 2006/07, Kit colours Manuel Liniger (HBW Balingen) 2007/08, 2012/13 Light Qualification (1): 2009/10 Player shirt: orange Left the club: Player short: black Nik Tominec (HC Kriens-Luzern) Other Goalkeeper shirt: yellow Florian Goepfert (RTV Basel) EHF Cup: final 2009/10 Dark Julius Emrich (SG BBM Bietigheim) Cup Winners’ Cup: semi-final: 2007/08 Player shirt: black Arunas Vaskevicius (Pfadi Winterthur) Player short: orange Swiss league: 7 titles (2005, 2006, 2007, Goalkeeper shirt: green 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014) Swiss cup: 7 titles

107 Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)

Biggest win: 43:18 (23:08) v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH (h), 09.02.2012 Biggest defeat: 36:25 (19:13) v FC Barcelona Intersport ESP (a), 01.12.2012 2 matches (28.11.2010 – 05.12.2010) 2 matches (19.02.2011 – 23.02.2011) 2 matches (09.02.2012 – 16.02.2012) Longest unbeaten run: 2 matches (06.10.2007 – 13.10.2007) 2 matches (28.11.2010 – 05.12.2010) 2 matches (19.02.2011 – 23.02.2011) 2 matches (09.02.2012 – 16.02.2012) Longest losing run: 4 matches (06.10.2011 – 17.11.2011) 4 matches (17.10.2012 – 01.12.2012) Longest run without win: 5 matches (25.11.2007 – 14.10.2010) Most goals: 43 v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH 43:18W (h), 09.02.2012 Most goals opponent: 40 v Füchse Berlin GER 35:40L (h), 14.02.2013 Most goals both teams: 75 v Füchse Berlin GER 35:40L (h), 14.02.2013 Fewest goals: 22 v Portland San Antonio ESP 31:22L (a), 15.10.2005 22 v SC Pick Szeged HUN 22:23L (h), 11.11.2006 Fewest goals opponent: 18 v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH 43:18W (h), 09.02.2012 Fewest goals both teams: 45 v SC Pick Szeged HUN 22:23L (h), 11.11.2006

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2005/06 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 6 1 1 4 160:181 -21 3 3rd Gr. G 2006/07 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 6 2 1 3 168:169 -1 5 3rd Gr. B 2007/08 Kadetten Schaffhausen GCZ SUI 6 2 1 3 179:174 +5 5 3rd Gr. C 2010/11 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 12 5 1 6 362:376 -14 11 Last 16 2011/12 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 12 5 0 7 366:345 +21 10 Last 16 2012/13 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 10 2 0 8 284:330 –46 4 6th Gr. D Total 52 17 4 31 1519:1575 -56 38

108 Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

23 Albin Alili SUI Left Back 1.6.1996 196 94 3 Nikola Cvijetic SUI Right Wing 1.12.1989 183 83 13 Benjamin Geisser SUI Line Player 13.7.1990 193 93 8 David Graubner SUI Left Back 29.5.1984 194 93 20 Rares Lucian Jurca ROU Right Back 29.4.1983 194 96 6 Dimitrij Küttel SUI Right Back 18.2.1994 190 88 4 Peter Kukucka SVK Centre Back 20.7.1982 190 90 24 Manuel Liniger SUI Left Wing 10.9.1981 180 76 16 Jonas Maier GER Goalkeeper 12.1.1994 187 84 10 Marko Mamic CRO Left Back 6.3.1994 201 96 15 Anton Mansson SWE Line Player 9.1.1989 196 100 24 Zoran Markovic SUI Left Back 6.5.1995 197 92 23 Lucas Meister SUI Line Player 16.8.1996 197 100 22 Sergio Muggli SUI Centre Back 6.7.1993 178 78 9 Andrija Pendic SUI Centre Back 12.3.1987 190 90 1 Nikola Portner SUI Goalkeeper 19.11.1993 194 96 12 Nenad Puljezevic HUN Goalkeeper 13.3.1973 195 115 7 Markus Richwien GER Right Wing 5.7.1985 186 84 19 Ruben Schelbert SUI Left Back 11.12.1988 195 91 25 Fabian Schneider SUI Left Wing 12.8.1995 182 66 11 Leszek Starczan POL Left Wing 28.11.1977 183 90 14 Aleksandar Stojanovic SRB Right Back 22.6.1983 197 103 26 Kaj Stokholm SUI Goalkeeper 15.4.1995 195 100

109 Markus Baur Nikola Portner coach goalkeeper He was one of the most prolific playmakers Born in France with Yugoslav roots and now ever in Germany and was part of the “golden number 1 of the Swiss national team: Nikola generation“. Already as a player he was “the Portner is quite international. His father extended arm” of coach Heiner Brand, so Zlatko was a famous handball player in Ex- it was obvious that sometimes he would Yugoslavia, and Nikola followed his footprints become a coach. Baur started his coaching very early, having his first match in the Swiss career at his former club Lemgo and in 2012 league already at the age of 17. Then he he became part of the coaching staff of the transferred to Muri Bern, where he had his German federation. 2014 was his most successful year as a coach, first international appearance in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 2011 – the leading Kadetten to the Swiss championship and cup title and the same year as he became Swiss international. In summer 2014 he German juniors to gold at the Men’s20 EHF EURO in Austria. joined Kadetten to lift his career in the Champions League. EC trophies: EHF Cup: 2006 OG: S 2004, WCh: G 2007, S 2003, EURO: G 2004, S 2002, B 1998 Manuel Liniger David Graubner left wing left back The 33-year-old experienced wing player had 30-year-old Swiss international Graubner is been part of the successful Kadetten team one of the most experienced players in the from 2007 until 2010, was twice semi-finalist Kadetten squad. He already played seven of the Cup Winners’ Cup (becoming top years for Schaffhausen until 2012, before scorer of the competition in 2008/09) and he joined German side Großwallstadt, but finalist in the EHF Cup season 2009/10. He returned to the Rhine river only one year started his career in Winterthur and also had later. Like Liniger he was part of the Kadetten spell at German sides Wilhelmshaven, Lemgo team, which made it to three EHF EC semi- and Balingen. Since summer 2014 the Swiss international is back at finals, including the final of the EHF Cup in 2010, when they lost Schaffhausen. Scoring 833 goals he is the third most successful Swiss against Lemgo, former club of their coach Markus Baur. Graubner is national team scorer of all time. five times Swiss champion and four times Swiss cup winner.

Damir Doborac Anton Mansson centre back line player Switzerland is already the seventh country This newcomer is the only Scandinavian in in which Doborac plays handball at a the quite international Kadetten squad. The professional level. The Bosnian international Swedish line player was the predecessor of (34) started in Gradacac, then made it to Italy former Barcelona star Magnus Jernemyr at (Prato), was twice Slovenian cup winner with Lugi Lund, before he transferred to German Koper, played the CL with Bosna Sarajevo, side Melsungen in 2010. The 25-year-old left Constanta (Romania) and at last Dinamo Melsungen after their first qualification for Minsk (Belarus) and had also been part of the EHF Cup to sign a two-year contract at the SC Magdeburg squad. This summer he joined Kadetten – the sixth Kadetten this summer. Even his private life is imprinted by handball, team which he is part of an international club competition with. as his girlfriend is German international Nadja Nadgornaja, playing at CL team and German champions Thüringer HC.

Rares Jurca Markus Richwien right back right wing Romania, Germany, Croatia, Germany, German Richwien is the only current Kadetten Switzerland – this is the way the Romanian player, who was part of a VELUX EHF FINAL4 international went, before he arrived for the tournament, playing at Cologne with Füchse second time in his career at Kadetten in 2010. Berlin in 2012. Born in Magdeburg, he went Jurca – a powerful shooter – was born in the through all youth teams of former Champions “handball city” Cluj-Napoca and started his League winner SCM. In 2007 he joined international career at SC Magdeburg under Füchse Berlin, where he became German current THW Kiel coach Alfred Gislason. After international – debuting against Switzerland only one season he returned to Romania (Bucarest), then made it to in 2008. After winning the German cup and making it to the EHF Cup RK Zagreb, had his first stopover at Kadetten in 2007/08, then won Finals on home ground in the German capital in 2014, Richwien joined the EHF Cup with German side Göppingen, until he finally settled in his first club abroad, signing for Kadetten Schaffhausen. Schaffhausen to become triple Swiss champion.

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2010

110 GROUP D MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN)

At the start of last season MOL-Pick Szeged were in despair after failing to qualify for the VELUX EHF Champions League with a defeat to Metalurg. However, this defeat opened the gates for the biggest international success for the Hungarian runners-up. Szeged went on to win the EHF Cup finals in style by accounting for host Füchse Berlin in the semi-final and favourites Montpellier in the final.

In domestic competition, their domestic rivals Veszprem were too strong once again but finishing second was enough to be granted a direct spot in the group phase this season. In his second season as coach, Juan Carlos Pastor, who led Spain to its first world championship title in 2005, bolstered his squad with more Spaniards, as goalkeeper Jose Manuel Sierra and playmaker Antonio Garcia arrived from PSG.

Sierra has been given some huge shoes to fill, after influential goalkeeper Roland Mikler left for Veszprem. Slovenian international Dean Bombac and Serbian international Rajko Prodanovic also joined to leave the squad looking fit for action in Europe’s top flight. Thanks to his team’s growth in international experience, manager Nándor Szögi is confident of success on at least one front this season.

“We would really like to win one of the Hungarian trophies, but this seems a very difficult task, because playing against Veszprém is always hard. In order to win, we must surprise them. Our objective in Europe is always the same: to win the next game. Of course, our first task is to reach the Last 16, preferably after a good group result, which would give us a favourable Playing hall Last 16 game,” Szögi says, adding: “Our group seems to be very balanced. This team, with Varosi Sportcsarnok Szeged Juan Carlos Pastor as the coach, can be a surprise this season. In my opinion, Kielce are the Temesvari Krt.33 favourites of the group, they can even reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4.” 6726 Szeged Hungary Besides the Polish champions, Szeged will face Dunkerque, Schaffhausen, Aalborg and Capacity: 3,200 Zaporozhye in the group phase and team captain Attila Vadkerti believes that his side have a fantastic opportunity to progress from the group. “Last season we set the bar high both for ourselves and for our fans by winning the EHF Cup. This year, in the Champions League, our first goal is to pass the group phase in a good position, and after that, anything is possible.” Club Address: Pick Szeged Deák Ferenc u. 28-30. 6720 Szeged Hungary Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions League season: Hungarian Past achievements Media contact: runners-up Nandor Szögi VELUX EHF Champions League +36 70 3878234 Newcomers: Participations (including 2014/15 [email protected] Piotr Wyszomirski (Csurgói KK) season): 13 José Manuel Sierra (PSG Handball) Quarter-final (2): 1996/97, 2003/04 Online information: Antonio García Robledo (PSG Handball) Last 16 (5): 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, www.pickhandball.hu Rajko Prodanovic (MKB-MVM Veszprém/ 2010/11, 2012/13 Facebook: pickszeged Rhein-Neckar Löwen) Main Round (1): 2007/08 Twitter: @pickhandball Dean Bombac (PAUC Handball) Group Phase (3): 2008/09, 2009/10, 2011/12 Left the club: Qualification (1): 2013/14 Kit colours Roland Mikler (MKB-MVM Veszprém) Light Péter Tatai (Baia Mare) Other Player shirt: orange (Team Tvis Holstebro) EHF Cup: quarter-final 2000/01, Last 16 Player short: silver Nikola Prce (Azoty Pulawy) 1994/95, 1999/2000 Goalkeeper shirt: black / red / green Marko Lasica (destination unknown) Cup Winners’ Cup: semi-final 1993/94, Marinko Kekezovic (Targu-Jiu) Dark quarter-final 2002/03, 2008/09 József Czina (destination unknown) Player shirt: blue or red Player short: blue or red Hungarian league: 2 titles (1996, 2007) Goalkeeper shirt: black / red / green Hungarian cup: 6 titles

111 MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN)

Biggest win: 39:24 (15:10) v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH (h), 07.10.2007 Biggest defeat: 40:17 (19:05) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 15.02.1997 Longest winning run: 6 matches (03.10.2007 – 24.11.2007) Longest unbeaten run: 6 matches (03.10.2007 – 24.11.2007) Longest losing run: 6 matches (17.10.2009 – 20.02.2010) 6 matches (06.03.2011 – 15.10.2011) Longest run without win: 7 matches (17.10.2009 – 27.02.2010) Most goals: 39 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 39:24W (h), 07.10.2007 Most goals opponent: 40 v FC Barcelona ESP 40:17L (a), 15.02.1997 Most goals both teams: 73 v Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 38:35W (h), 19.11.2011 Fewest goals: 17 v FC Barcelona ESP 40:17L (a), 15.02.1997 Fewest goals opponent: 16 v Wisla Plock SA POL 16:26W (a), 05.10.2008 Fewest goals both teams: 39 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 20:19W (h), 08.03.2008

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

1996/97 Pick Szeged HUN 8 3 2 3 205:216 –11 8 1/4-finals 2003/04 SC Pick Szeged HUN 10 4 0 6 269:262 +7 8 1/4-finals 2004/05 SC Pick Szeged HUN 8 4 2 2 190:187 +3 10 Last 16 2005/06 SC Pick Szeged HUN 8 3 0 5 219:218 +1 6 Last 16 2006/07 SC Pick Szeged HUN 8 3 2 3 202:203 -1 8 Last 16 2007/08 Pick Szeged HUN 12 9 0 3 361:310 +51 18 3rd MR Gr. 4 2008/09 Pick Szeged HUN 6 2 0 4 159:161 -2 4 3rd Gr. H 2009/10 Pick Szeged HUN 10 2 2 6 287:307 -20 6 5th Gr. A 2010/11 Pick Szeged HUN 12 5 0 7 336:351 -15 10 Last 16 2011/12 Pick Szeged HUN 10 3 0 7 285:316 -31 6 5th Gr. D 2012/13 Pick Szeged HUN 12 4 0 8 313:350 –37 8 Last 16 Total 104 42 8 54 2826:2881 -55 92

112 MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

90 Gabor Ancsin HUN Right Back 27.11.1990 202 97 20 Patrik Arpasi HUN Line Player 17.9.1996 190 100 19 Zsolt Balogh HUN Right Back 29.3.1989 189 96 21 Alen Blazevic CRO Left Back 29.3.1986 200 110 44 Dean Bombac SLO Centre Back 4.4.1989 188 92 15 Balint Fekete HUN Right Back 27.6.1995 190 80 51 Roberto Garcia Parrondo ESP Right Wing 12.1.1980 187 86 9 Antonio Jesus Garcia Robledo ESP Left Back 6.3.1984 191 93 11 Mate Gidai HUN Right Wing 18.1.1994 180 75 98 Gergö Haszillo HUN Left Back 30.9.1996 192 92 18 Ferenc Ilyés HUN Left Back 20.12.1981 198 103 8 Jonas Källman SWE Left Wing 17.7.1981 200 100 97 Peter György Matrai HUN Goalkeeper 17.4.1996 190 80 94 Richard Mezei HUN Right Back 28.11.1996 189 96 5 Niko Mindegia Elizaga ESP Centre Back 19.7.1988 184 87 88 Bence Molnar HUN Centre Back 7.3.1994 186 85 89 Lenard Nagy HUN Centre Back 8.5.1997 182 72 87 Gabriel Papp SVK Line Player 18.12.1995 197 92 12 Imre Pasztor HUN Goalkeeper 23.7.1996 190 120 22 Rajko Prodanovic SRB Right Wing 24.4.1986 188 87 1 Jose Manuel Sierra Mendez ESP Goalkeeper 21.5.1978 194 92 31 Nikola Stojanov HUN Left Wing 28.10.1993 192 85 91 Bence Szabo HUN Left Back 11.8.1994 200 111 96 Egon Urban HUN Right Wing 12.12.1996 180 75 7 Attila Vadkerti HUN Left Wing 22.2.1982 182 88 10 Peter Velky HUN Left Wing 25.4.1992 186 82 77 Vladimir Vranjes BIH Line Player 14.12.1988 200 107 16 Piotr Wyszomirski POL Goalkeeper 6.1.1988 194 95 17 Szabolcs Zubai HUN Line Player 31.3.1984 193 93

113 Juan Carlos Pastor José Manuel Sierra coach goalkeeper One of the masterminds of contemporary The 36-year-old practicaly won all trophies handball has won an incredible amount of a handballer can lift, still Sierra faces a big silverware in his career. Pastor is a household challenge in Szeged where he is supposed name in the world of handball, no wonder to fill in for Hungarian international Roland Szeged found him fit for the job of rebuilding Mikler, who joined Veszprém. Sierra has been their team in order to be able to challenge one of the most influential goalkeepers in both for the Hungarian title against domestic the world, the Valladolid legend has won an rivals Veszprém and the EHF Cup, which the enormous amount of trophies through his Spaniard won in his first year at the helm. After Szeged legend Richárd almost two decades long career. He signed from PSG had done a grand Mezei had resigned Pastor became also the sporting director. slam of great Spanish teams (Barcelona, Ciudad Real and Valladolid.

EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2009, EHF Cup 2014 EC trophies: CL 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2009 WCh: G 2005, EURO: S 2006, OG: B 2008 WCh: G 2013, EURO: B 2014

Jonas Källman Ferenc Ilyés left wing left back Signed in the winter of 2014 Jonas Kälman Transylvania-born Ilyés has been one of the showed his unique ability to defend in three most influential Hungarian players at both positions, thus the 32-year-old ought to be a club and international level. One of the many vital part of both coach Juan Carlos Pastor’s who played both for Szeged and Veszprém defensive variatons and Szeged’s attacking the defensive specialist can also be an impact edge if unfortunate injuries do not keep player at left back as shown by his marvellous him out of action. Having spent more than a performance in the 2014 EHF Cup Finals. Ilyés decade in Spain with Ciudad Real and Atlético had been a great talisman for his team as won Madrid the versatile Swede had returned home and played for IFK three international trophies with three different clubs Skövde before he signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Pick.

EC trophies: CL 2006, 2008, 2009, EHF Cup 2014 EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008, EHF Cup: 2010, 2014 OG: S 2012

Antonio García Robledo Szabolcs Zubai left back line player The 30-year-old Spaniard was without a The 1,93 m tall line player is one of the most doubt the biggest name the EHF Cup winner technically gifted in his position in Hungary, signed this summer. He has won a great deal had Zubai been a little more robust he would of both individual, club and national team be a top drawer player. Coming from the silverware and a lot is expected from the famous Dunaferr school the 30-year-old U2 Granollers-raised shooter in Szeged, too. fan signed a contract with Pick Szeged in Former Spanish player of the year will be 2008 and has been the focal point of both trusted with the heavy burden of providing the team’s attacks and defence. Well over the team with a much needed attacking edge. Szeged will be his third his 100th cap and a decade in the grinder of opponents’ walls Zubai team in the CL having tried his luck with Leon and PSG before. finally managed to get a grip on a trophy, which came in 2014.

WCh: G 2013, EURO: B 2014 EC trophies: EHF Cup 2014

Gábor Ancsin Roberto García Parrondo right back right wing The 2,02-meter tall right back already has It came as no surprise coach Pastor brought Bundesliga experience under his belt, he was the 34 year old wing with him when he only 19 when Rhein-Neckar Löwen signed took the Szeged hotseat as the two won him from Dunaferr. The 23-year-old heavy an incredible amount of trophies together. shooter has been the first choice right back Madrid-born Parrondo had played for seven of the Hungarian runner-up but it was only Spanish teams before he decided to bring at EURO 2014 that he established himself as his talents to international courts. The left an important player for the national team, handed wingman has great technical skills too. Voted junior player of the year back in 2011 he has just started to and the speed of lightning even at 34 and is one of the few players to prove his worth at senior level. have literally won all international trophies EHF had to offer – the last being the EHF Cup with his present team, Pick Szeged. EC trophies: EHF Cup 2014 EC trophies: CL 2008, 2009, Cup Winners’ Cup 2005, EHF Cup 2013 WCh: G 2005, EURO: B 2011

114 GROUP D Aalborg Handball (DEN)

The wind of change is blowing at the North Sea coast in Aalborg: After becoming Danish champions in 2013 and making it to the Last 16 of the VELUX EHF Champions League season 2013/14, coach Nikolaj Jacobsen said “farvel” to join Rhein Neckar Löwen and succeed Gudmundur Gudmundsson, the new Danish national team coach.

Due to their strong performances in Europe last season, high profile clubs were on the hunt for Aalborg talent, leading to the departures of Danish international Mads Mensah Larsen, who joined Jacobsen at Rhein Neckar Löwen, Swedish international Johan Jakobsson (SG Flensburg-Handewitt) and Johan Bagersted (SC Magdeburg). So it is the main job for the new coach Jesper Jensen (Jacobsen’s former international teammate) to integrate the newcomers and himself at the current Danish runners-up, who lost the league final against KIF Kolding Kobenhavn.

“Obviously, we have a new team more or less, as some of the greatest stars have left, so we have to build a new basis. I think we have got pretty far already,” said an optimistic Jensen.

And the coach has every reason to be optimistic, as the names of those new arrivals are well-known in the world of handball: Spanish international Isaias Guardiola arrives from Rhein Neckar Löwen and Icelandic shooter Olafur Guststafsson from Flensburg, while Aalborg continued their tradition of signing Norwegian talents with 20-year-old Sander Sagosen, who already debuted in the men’s team at the EHF EURO 2014 – in Aalborg. 36-year-old Jensen is not only the new coach of the club but also its manager. He insists he’s ready to fulfil both tasks, despite having just two years on the bench at women’s first league team Vejen. Playing hall Gigantium Arena “Of course it is a big task for me to be in charge of one of the best teams in Denmark. I will not Olimpiaparken 2 hesitate to admit that, but I feel well prepared and well equipped for the job. When it comes to 9220 Aalborg Ost the game of handball, I feel completely at home. When it comes to management, though, I will Denmark inevitably meet some challenges in some areas, but I feel quite calm and confident about that, and Capacity: 4,666 hopefully I can learn the things I do not know yet in a hurry,” he said.

The goals of Aalborg Håndbold are set high for this season - making it at least to the semi-finals of the domestic league and progressing to the Last 16 of the VELUX EHF Champions League again. In Club Address: Group D, the Danes will face Kielce, Dunkerque, Schaffhausen, Szeged and Zaporozhye. A tricky Aalborg Håndbold A/S group made tougher by pre-season injuries to Marcus Mørk, who will not be able to play until 2015, Willy Brandts Vej 31 and Martin Larsen, who should return in October or November. DK-9220 Aalborg Øst Denmark

Media contact: Poul Madsbjerg +4520804976 [email protected]

Online information: Website: www.aalborghaandbold.dk Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Facebook: aalborghaandbold Champions League season: Danish runners-up Past achievements

Kit colours Newcomers: VELUX EHF Champions League Søren Westphal (KIF Kolding København) Participations (including 2014/15 Light Isaías Guardiola (Rhein-Neckar Löwen) season): 3 Player shirt: Lime Olafur Gustafsson (SG Flensburg-Handewitt) Last 16 (1): 2013/14 Player short: White Sander Sagosen (Haslum HK) Group Phase (1): 2010/11 Goalkeeper shirt: Blue Dark Left the club: Other Player shirt: Red Mads Mensah Larsen (Rhein-Neckar Löwen) Danish league: 2010, 2013 Player short: White Johan Jakobsson (SG Flensburg-Handewitt) Danish cup: - (2012 Supercup winner) Goalkeeper shirt: Black Richard Kappelin (Selestat) Jacob Bagersted (Magdeburg)

115 Aalborg Handball (DEN)

Biggest win: 37:23 (17:07) v HK DROTT Halmstad SWE (h), 24.11.2013 Biggest defeat: 31:20 (16:11) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 29.03.2014 Longest winning run: 3 matches (16.10.2013 – 24.11.2013) Longest unbeaten run: 3 matches (16.10.2013 – 24.11.2013) Longest losing run: 6 matches (01.12.2013 – 29.03.2014) Longest run without win: 6 matches (01.12.2013 – 29.03.2014) Most goals: 37 v HK DROTT Halmstad SWE 37:23 (h), 24.11.2013 Most goals opponent: 39 v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 39:29L (a), 23.09.2010 Most goals both teams: 68 v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 39:29L (a), 23.09.2010 68 v Cuatro Rayas BM Valladolid ESP (h) 32:36L (h), 21.11.2010 68 v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 30:38L (h), 20.02.2011 Fewest goals: 20 v HSV Hamburg GER 28:20L (a), 23.02.2014 20 v FC Barcelona ESP 31:20L (a), 29.03.2014 Fewest goals opponent: 23 v HK DROTT Halmstad SWE 37:23 (h), 24.11.2013 Fewest goals both teams: 48 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 25:23L (a), 05.02.2014 48 v HSV Hamburg GER 28:20L (a), 23.02.2014

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage Reached 2010/11 AaB Handball DEN 10 2 2 6 311:339 -28 6 6th Gr. C 2013/14 Aalborg Handball DEN 12 4 0 8 317:325 -8 8 Last 16 Total 22 6 2 14 628:664 -36 14

116 Aalborg Handball (DEN) Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

26 Niclas Andreas Barud SWE Line Player 22.3.1988 196 105 29 Emil Berggren SWE Left Back 3.8.1986 195 103 23 Juul-Lassen Engelbrecht DEN Left Wing 31.3.1993 197 93 16 Ole Erevik NOR Goalkeeper 9.1.1981 196 92 28 Joshua Krohn Grace DEN Right Back 31.1.1996 190 92 6 Isaias Guardiola Villaplana ESP Right Back 1.10.1984 200 103 22 Olafur Gustafsson ISL Left Back 27.3.1989 196 95 25 Christian Jensen DEN Right Wing 15.11.1995 186 83 27 Magnus Jensen DEN Line Player 12.7.1996 195 95 11 Jensen DEN Line Player 28.9.1994 203 109 21 Stig Bugge Jensen DEN Right Wing 9.9.1992 186 89 12 Marcus Molbjerg Jorgensen DEN Goalkeeper 20.5.1996 190 83 7 Martin Larsen DEN Right Back 19.9.1992 196 99 18 Marcus Mork Kristiansen DEN Left Back 20.10.1987 190 93 30 Mathias Mark Pedersen DEN Centre Back 30.7.1997 187 95 2 Nicolai Nygaard Pedersen DEN Left Back 15.2.1994 194 97 5 Sander Sagosen NOR Centre Back 14.9.1995 195 93 6 Morten Andreas Slundt DEN Centre Back 26.5.1984 187 89 10 Havard Tvedten NOR Left Wing 29.6.1978 183 82 12 Soren Westphal DEN Goalkeeper 8.7.1986 200 90

117 Jesper Jensen Ole Erevik coach goalkeeper His coaching experience may be modest, as Erevik started his career in his home town of he had only year as a coach behind him – and Stavanger, and has played in Spain for Reale that was a women’s coach – before taking Ademar Leon and Bidasoa Irun, in Germany over in Aalborg this summer. However, his for SC Magdeburg before joining KIF Kolding handball experience is enormous. From 1999 in 2008. He moved in 2011 to Aalborg, where to 2012 was he an elegant and inventive he won his second Danish league title. The playmaker in Skjern. The Danish national temperamental Norwegian goalkeeper has teams also benefitted from his qualities very fast reactions and great flexibility. He many times, and now the players in Aalborg benefit from his huge has been the first choice goalkeeper for the Norwegian national experience as well as from his many ideas and his uncompromising eam since Steinar Ege ended his career in 2012. He has played 156 will to win. internationals for his country. EHF EURO: G 2008 / WCh: B 2007

Håvard Tvedten Ólafur Gústaffson left wing left back Norwegian international Tvedten is in Aalborg With his 198 cm and 100 kilo, Gústafsson for the second time in his career. After playing possesses the physical qualities for being a in Spain with the clubs Logroño, Naturhouse good back court player in modern handball. If La Rioja and BM Valladolid – he returned to you add a hard and varied right handed shot, Aalborg in 2011 after five years of absence. you have a player who would be on the wish Despite having reach the age of 36, Tvedten list of many a coach. Furthermore, Gústafsson has not lost much of his speed, and his carries experience from the German scoring percentage from the wing as well Bundesliga as well as from the VELUX EHF from the penalty line and on fast breaks is as high as ever. Champions League with him from his stay in SG Flensburg-Handewitt His experience from 208 internationals for Norway also helps a lot, of last year. Qualities which has been welcomed in Aalborg, where he course. has replaced Danish international Mads Mensah Larsen.

Sander Sagosen centre back line player Already a year ago, Norway’s national coach 196 cm tall and 105 kilo heavy Barud has his at the time, predicted that greatest skills in the defence, but lately he has Sagosen (19) could become the world’s also proved his values in the attack, after Jacob best handball player. Ever since has the Bagersted left for SC Magdeburg and while remarkable playmaker and defence talent Barud´s only remaining line player colleague, done his best to prove Hedin right. Apart Simon Hald has been ill during the pre-season. from being a great organiser of his team’s Barud, who has played 30 internationals attacking and being a fine reader of the game for Sweden this far, had Champions League despite his young age, Sagosen also has an extremely dangerous shot. experience from two years in succession with Swedish IK Sävehof, when Furthermore, he is just as good in the defence as he is in the attack he joined Aalborg in 2012 and made his comeback to the Champions which is extra rare for so young a player. League the following year.

Isaias Guardiola Stig Bugge Jensen right back right wing When Isaias Guardiola left Rhein-Neckar Bugge joined Aalborg before the start Löwen where his twin brother Gideon still of last season from fellow Danish league plays, and moved north to Aalborg, it was competitors, TMS Ringsted, and is a huge to replace Swedish international Johan talent – which he proved at the U21 World Jakobsson who has left for SG Flensburg- championship in Bosnia last summer and Handewitt. At the start of this season, in the Aalborg team for great parts of shoulder problems have prevented Guardiola last season. He stepped into the shoes from being just a big threat from the distance of the former Swedish international Jan as his predecessor, but once the two meter tall left handed back court Lennartsson, who returned home in the summer of 2013. Foot player who has played six internationals for Spain is fit, Aalborg will injuries have troubled him from time to time, but at present he seems have a great asset at both ends of the court. to be fully fit and in shape, and in that condition he is a great asset to his team.

118 GROUP D HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR)

With home games over 500 km away from home in Kiev’s Palace of Sport, the situation is far from ideal for Zaporozhye this season. Nevertheless, coach Sergey Bebeshko is pleased to be part of this competition after winning the qualification tournament in Hard (Austria), beating Portuguese champions Porto in the final.

“This win was very important for our further development. This season we have no fixtures in the Ukrainian championship. I’m proud of our players. they fought like gladiators,” Bebeshko said after the final. This gives last season’s debutants another chance to leave their mark on the European handball map.

In their first VELUX EHF Champions League season the Ukrainian champions made it to the Last 16 after a sensational home win against Veszprem in the final group match. Facing THW Kiel in the Last 16 meant the end of their journey, but Motor gained enormous experience and confidence in going so far, supported by the fact that Motor won all 20 matches of the Ukrainian league to finish on top again.

After signing two players from Dinamo Minsk and Motor ZNTU, Bebeshko strengthened his squad and account for departures such as Alexey Kamanin (end of career) and back court shooter Vladislav Ostroushko, who transferred to Hungarian side Csurgoi. Bebeshko can still count on his tall and powerful back court shooters like Onufryienko or Burka, who was the decisive factor at the qualification tournament in Hard.

In the group phase Motor will face Polish champions KS Vive Tauron Kielce, French champions Playing hall Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral, as well Swiss title holders Kadetten Schaffhausen, plus two Palace of Sports runners-up from their national leagues last season: Hungarian side Pick Szeged (current EHF Sportivna Plasha 1 Cup winners) and Denmark’s Aalborg Handball – and just like in their maiden voyage last Kiev season, the Ukrainians hope to reach the Last 16 again. Ukraine Capacity: 6,897

Club Address: HC Motor Zaporozhye Ivanova Str. 24 69068 Zaporozhye Ukraine

Media contact: Qualification for the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Dmitriy Karpushchenko Champions League season: Ukrainian Past achievements +380 50 5581181 champions, winner of qualification tournament 2 [email protected] VELUX EHF Champions League Newcomers: Participations (including 2014/15 Online information: Vladyslav Dontsov season): 2 Website: www.handball.motorsich.com Stanislav Zhukov (both HC Motor ZNTU ZAS) Last 16: 2013/14 Facebook: HC-Motor Dmytro Doroshchuk Mykola Stetsyura (both HC Dinamo Minsk) Other Artem Kozakevych (HC Portovik) EHF Cup: Group Phase 2012/13 Kit colours Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-finals Light Left the club: 2011/12 Player shirt: white/red Vitaliy Gorbachov (HC Motor ZNTU ZAS) Player short: white Pavel Gurkovsky (Handball Club Dunarea Ukrainian league: 2 titles (2013, 2014) Goalkeeper shirt: yellow/black Calarasi) Ukrainian cup: 1 title Dark Alexey Kamanin (no club) Player shirt: blue Vladislav Ostroushko (HC Csurgoi) Player short: blue Alexander Semikov (no new club) Goalkeeper shirt: red/black Yuriy Shamrylo (HC Zaglebie Lubin) Mykhaylo Tsap (Handball Club Dunarea)

119 HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR)

Biggest win: 18:24 (10:14) v St. Petersburg HC RUS (a), 21.11.2013 Biggest defeat: 44:27 (20:13) v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN (a), 10.10.2013 Longest winning run: 2 matches (17.11.2013 – 21.11.2013) Longest unbeaten run: 2 matches (19.09.2013 – 26.09.2013) 2 matches (17.11.2013 – 21.11.2013) Longest losing run: 3 matches (28.11.2013 – 15.02.2014) Longest run without win: 3 matches (28.11.2013 – 15.02.2014) Most goals: 31 v Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 31:31D (a), 19.09.2013 31 v HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb CRO 31:30W (h), 26.09.2013 Most goals opponent: 44 v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 44:27L (a), 10.10.2013 Most goals both teams: 71 v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 44:27L (a), 10.10.2013 Fewest goals: 24 v St. Petersburg HC RUS 18:24W (a), 21.11.2013 Fewest goals opponent: 18 v St. Petersburg HC RUS 18:24W (a), 21.11.2013 Fewest goals both teams: 42 v St. Petersburg HC RUS 18:24W (a), 21.11.2013

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage

2013/14 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 12 4 1 7 333:367 -34 9 Last 16 Total 12 4 1 7 333:367 -34 9

120 HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR)

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Height Weight

13 Inal Aflitulin RUS Centre Back 22.3.1988 182 82 69 Sergii Burka UKR Left Back 9.6.1987 208 110 32 Vladyslav Dontsov UKR Right Back 22.9.1995 197 94 14 Dmytro Doroshchuk UKR Line Player 29.9.1986 198 115 8 Egor Evdokimov RUS Line Player 9.3.1982 204 114 1 Valentyn Koshovy UKR Goalkeeper 5.2.1981 200 90 20 Artem Kozakevych UKR Right Wing 2.10.1992 182 68 5 Iurii Kubatko UKR Right Wing 28.8.1988 184 78 18 Kostyantyn Kurylenko UKR Left Back 10.7.1980 193 98 33 Sergiy Onufryienko UKR Right Back 31.1.1985 190 95 31 Angel Perez de Inestrosa ESP Centre Back 31.3.1986 185 85 23 Yevgen Sapun UKR Goalkeeper 11.6.1985 185 85 10 Olexandr Shevelev UKR Line Player 2.12.1987 200 115 9 Oleg Skopintsev RUS Left Wing 15.4.1984 184 80 22 Mykola Stetsyura UKR Right Back 20.7.1986 195 96 12 Richard Stochl SVK Goalkeeper 17.12.1975 200 108 55 Aliaksandr Tsitou BLR Line Player 28.10.1986 190 105 24 Ievgen Zhuk UKR Left Wing 4.8.1990 184 75 2 Stanislav Zhukov UKR Left Back 26.3.1992 198 94

121 Serhiy Bebeshko Richard Štochl coach goalkeeper In December 2009 the former Ukrainian Motor’s last moment reinforcement from international, who was living in Ciudad Real at last season is one of the most experienced that time, was asked on the phone to become goalkeepers in Europe. The eight-time player new coach of Dinamo Minsk. Bebeshko of the year in Slovakia is only the second agreed and led Minsk for the first time in foreigner in Ukraine from outside of the Belarusian handball to the CL Last 16 in 2013. former Soviet Union area. Within his over After more than 20 years the 1992 Olympic 200 international matches for Slovakia he champion returned to native country and participated in two World Championships accomploshed the same feat with Motor Zaporozhye. The national 2009 and 2011 and also three EHF EURO tournaments (2006, 2008, title was his premiere since he was first champion of independent 2012). At club level he won seven championships in five different Ukraine as a player with SKA Kiev in 1992. countries – Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, France and Russia.

Oleg Skopintsev Sergey Burka left wing left back One of the Russian internationals in Motor’s After a four-year absence, the tallest (208 squad arrived from Dinamo Minsk in 2013 cm) player of the Ukrainian championship and without doubt he has become a key is finally back in the CL. He joined Motor player in Zaporozhye. The fast winger is just in 2012 from the city rivals of ZTR. He technically skillful and frequently used in collected four national titles with his former the 5:1 defence. Already after a few months club ZTR and added one with Motor last year. in the new team Skopintsev was considered Burka, together with his current teammates as the main specialist from the seven-metre Onufryienko, Shevelev and Ostroushko, has line. His first playing season for Chekhovskie Medvedi in the CL was been among players of the national team of Ukraine at their last unforgettable as he reached the VELUX EHF FINAL4. He has been a major tournament - EHF EURO 2010. Since then he has been a regular regular part of the Russian national team. fixture in the Ukrainian selection.

Inal Aflitulin centre back Alexandr Shevelev This talented Russian playmaker is bound to line player be considered as one of the strongest players There are not too many Ukrainians who in Ukraine soon. Quick on his feet and with played in the recently. But a strong shot, he is always fighting to the Motor’s pivot, who arrived from Dinamo very last second of the match. Astrakhan- Minsk (BLR), has already played in the Danish born started playing in the youth team club Aalborg and for the former Spanish club of Chekhovskie Medvedi and in 2011 he Ciudad Real scored his first goals in the CL in joined the Motor team. The twice Ukrainian 2011. But his premiere appearance in the CL champion made successful debut in the CL previous season and was in the 2006/07 season with Ukrainian deserved himself the invitation to national team for the EHF EURO club Portovik. Besides he played in Russia for Astrakhan side Zarya 2014. Kaspia. With great experience and physical strength Shevelev became a crucial figure in the center of defence and attack.

Sergey Onufryienko Artem Kozakevich right back right wing Previous CL experience of the Ukrainian Motor’s long hunt for one of the most national team right back dates back to his talented players in Ukraine was successfully stints with ZTR Zaporozhye and HC Dinamo completed this summer after the best Minsk. The left-hander remains one of the winger of the last season of the Ukrainian top-scorers in the CL among Ukrainians. He championship from Portovik Yuzhniy won five national championships with ZTR signed. His dream to score first goals in the and another four plus two domestic cups with CL is closer also courtesy of his excellent Belarusian Dinamo alongside current Motor’s performance in the qualification tournament. coach Sergey Bebeshko, with whom he transferred to the new club With his partner Yuriy Kubatko he shares his time on court at right over the 2013 summer. On the national team level he was part of the wing and despite being just a few months in the new team he is EHF EURO 2010. considered as one of the main specialists for penalties.

122 EHF Champions League Past Winners

2014 SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER

2013 HSV Hamburg (GER)

2012 THW Kiel (GER)

2011 FC Barcelona Borges (ESP)

2010 THW Kiel (GER)

2009 BM Ciudad Real (ESP)

2008 BM Ciudad Real (ESP)

2007 THW Kiel (GER)

2006 BM Ciudad Real (ESP)

2005 FC Barcelona-Cifec (ESP)

2004 RK Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO)

2003 Montpellier HB (FRA)

2002 SC Magdeburg (GER)

2001 Portland San Antonio (ESP)

2000 FC Barcelona (ESP)

1999 FC Barcelona (ESP)

1998 FC Barcelona (ESP)

1997 FC Barcelona (ESP)

1996 FC Barcelona (ESP)

1995 Elgorriaga Bidasoa (ESP)

1994 TEKA Santander (ESP)

123 History: 21 years of EHF Champions League

1993 – 2004

1993/94 the EHF Champions League trophy for the fourth time in a row. Final: ABC Braga vs TEKA Santander 22:22/21:23 (43:45) Zagreb’s coach Velimir Klajic had to admit that Barcelona “at this The inaugural year of the Men’s EHF Champions League saw the moment in time, were quite simply the best club team in the world.” classic home and away knockout matches being replaced with a totally new system. 32 teams went into two qualification rounds, eliminating 24 clubs. The remaining eight teams were placed into 1999/00 two groups of four teams each playing in a round-robin system. TEKA Final: THW Kiel – FC Barcelona 28:25 / 24:29 (52:54) Santander and ABC Braga topped their respective groups and faced THW Kiel became the first German team to make it into the Final but each other in the final. Santander narrowly kept the upper hand and even a 28:25-victory in the final’s first leg was not enough to end started what should become an eight-year Spanish club winning Barcelona’s EHF Champions League winning streak. Backed by half streak in the Men’s EHF Champions League. of the Spanish national team and international stars like Christian Schwarzer and Tomas Svensson, Barcelona won their fifth title.

1994/95 Final: Elgorriaga Bidasoa Irun vs Badel Zagreb 30:20 / 26:27 (56:47) 2000/01 The final of the EHF Champions League’s second season became the Final: Portland San Antonio – FC Barcelona 30:24 / 22:25 (52:49) match of a lifetime for Irun’s Nenad Perunicic, nicknamed “the canon” For Barcelona it was a whole new feeling to watch another team or “Il Conquistadore” by the fans. He was his team’s key player in celebrating at the end of the Champions League Final. Following five the final and, in his first year in Spain, not only the lifted the EHF consecutive titles an era came to end when Spanish King Juan Carlos Champions League but also the national championship trophy with handed the huge tropy to Portland San Antonio at the end of all- Irun. Spanish Final.

1995/96 2001/02 Final: FC Barcelona vs Elgorriaga Bidasoa Irun 23:15 / 23:23 (46:38) Final: Fotex Veszprem vs SC Magdeburg 23:21 / 25:30 (48:51) In the season that was marked by the “Bosman decision”, which had One year after Barcelona’s dominance had ended in the EHF substantial effects on transfer regulations and transfer fees in sport, Champions League, the dominance of Spanish clubs also came to FC Barcelona won their first EHF Champions League title. No other an end, when SC Magdeburg became the first German team to win should be capable of dethroning the Catalan side for the next four the competition. And late at night, at the end of a glittering party, years. Stefan Kretzschmar and coach Alfred Gislason were still up for jokes: “Training is on the agenda. The entire team is going to run through the whole town until 08:00 tomorrow morning,” they both 1996/97 proclaimed. Final: FC Barcelona vs Badel Zagreb 31:22 / 30:23 (61:45) In their second consecutive EHF Champions League Final Barcelona dominated both matches against Badel Zagreb. And while the Spanish 2002/03 side celebrated their second EHF Champions League triumph, the Final: Portland San Antonio – Montpellier HB 27:19 / 19:31 (46:50) Croatian side had lost their second final. Also in 1996/97 the so called A new star was born during the finals of the 2002/03 EHF Champions “fast break” was born due to a rule change, making handball more League season. Montpellier’s Nikola Karabatic scored 11 goals in the attractive and athletic than ever before. first leg in Spain and another six in front of his home fans, enabling his team to turn around the eight goal defeat from the first leg and to become the first French side to win the EHF Champions League. 1997/98 Final: FC Barcelona vs Badel Zagreb 28:18 / 28:22 (56:40) 2003/04 Barcelona beat Zagreb once more to win their third consecutive EHF Final: Celje vs Flensburg- Handewitt 34:28 / 28:30 (62:58) Champions League title. But at least as much news as the repeated In March 2003 the EHF had decided on a new structure for the triumph made the wedding of Barcelona player Inaki Urdangarin who competition. Three teams from Spain and Germany now had a married Christina, youngest daughter of Spanish King Juan Carlos and starting slot. Two representatives from Hungary, Slovenia, Denmark Queen Sofia, on 4th October 1997. and Croatia would start in the Group Phase. Overall 32 teams (8 groups of 4 teams each) made up the Group Phase. Flensburg had profited from the new system but Slovenian side Celje was too strong 1998/99 in the final. Final: Badel Zagreb vs FC Barcelona 22:22 / 18:29 (40:51) Once again there were tears in Zagreb and joy in Barcelona. The Spanish team beat Zagreb in their third consecutive final and lifted

124 History: 21 years of EHF Champions League

2004 – 2014

2004/05 Group Phase was reduced from 32 to 24. Four groups of six teams Final: BM Ciudad Real vs FC Barcelona Cifec 28:27 / 27:29 (55:56) each were formed and the first four teams qualified for the knockout Following four years without being present in the final, Barcelona phase which replaced the second group phase. For the first time the won their sixth EHF Champions League title. And while the spectator VELUX EHF FINAL4 tournament, which combined the Semi-finals and record for one match was 10,000 fans, the whole city celebrated the Final, was held in Cologne, Germany, to decide the champion. Barcelona’s victory. “We did a lap of honour in the Stadion Nou Camp THW Kiel won their second title when they beat Barcelona. in front of 100,000 spectators and were celebrated by the whole town,” remembers Barcelona’s Dane Lars Krogh Jeppesen. 2010/11 Final: FC Barcelona vs Renovalia Ciudad Real 27:24 2005/06 Since 2010 the event is known as the VELUX EHF Champions League. Final: Portland San Antonio vs BM Ciudad Real 19:25 / 28:37 (47:62) 40,000 fans stormed to Cologne to attend the VELUX EHF FINAL4 Spanish businessman and BM Ciudad Real president, Domingo Diaz de weekend and TV viewing audience figures went to a new height. 310 Mera, had put together a team that proved to be unbeatable in the million viewers from 76 countries worldwide watched 2,800 hours of 2005/06 Champions League season. Mera bought superstars from all TV transmissions 2010/11. Barcelona extended their lead as the most over Europe and the team around Olafur Stefansson, Mirza Dzomba, successful club in EHF Champions League history when won their Didier Dinart et al. paid justified Mera’s expenses when they beat seventh title, beating Ciudad Real in the Final. Spanish rival San Antonio in the final.

2011/12 2006/07 Final: THW Kiel vs BM Atletico Madrid 26:21 Final: SG Flensburg- Handewitt vs THW Kiel 28:28 / 27:29 (55:57) The German powerhouse sensationally lost in their first home match The EHF Champions League, through the efforts of the 2005 of the season against Montpellier, but no other team was able to founded EHF Marketing GmbH, became a unified look. Since 2006, overcome THW Kiel throughout the remaining of the season. Gíslason TV spectators across Europe know they are watching a men’s EHF led his team to the third trophy in the club’s history becoming the first Champions League match when they see the distinct blue lagoon coach who won with two different teams. Defending champions from and black supplied by flooring specialists Gerfloor in addition to the Barcelona were eliminated in the quarter-finals by AG København, but season’s individual yellow and blue handball supplied by adidas. On the Danish side was stopped in the semi-final by Atlético Madrid, who the sport side of things, Kiel won their first EHF Champions League made it to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 for the fourth time in a row. title, beating arch rival Flensburg-Handewitt.

2012/13 2007/08 Final: FC Barcelona vs HSV Hamburg 29:30 AET Final: BM Ciudad Real vs THW Kiel 27:29 / 31:25 (58:54) HSV Hamburg go into the new season as the defending champion. For In the 2007/08 season a second Group Phase with four groups of four the first time the extra-time had to decide the winner. In 20 years of teams each replaced the Last 16-matches and the quarter-finals. EHF Champions League history there have only been two champions, The first teams of each group qualified for the semi-finals and in the Montpellier in 2003 and Celje in 2004, who neither came from final 2006 champion Ciudad Real faced 2007 champion THW Kiel. The Spain nor from Germany. The All-Stars team of the 20 years were Spanish side prevailed and could win their second EHF Champions announced: Goalkeeper Tomas Svensson (SWE), Left Wing Stefan League trophy. Kretzschmar (GER), Left Back Filip Jícha (CZE), Line Player Andrei Xepkin (ESP), Centre Back Jackson Richardson (FRA), Right Back 2008/09 (Oláfur Stefansson), Right Wing Mirza Džomba (CRO), Best defender Final: THW Kiel vs BM Ciudad Real 39:34 / 27:33 (66:67) Didier Dinart (FRA) THW Kiel and BM Ciudad Real faced each other in the final for the second year in a row and even though Kiel had won the first leg of the 2013/14 final by five goals, it was Ciudad Real that won the EHF Champions Final: SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel 30:28 League for a second consecutive time. Kiel were still in the lead For the third year in a row a team from Northern Germany prevailed by 20:16 after 39 minutes but with a series of 10:3 goals within 11 as SG Flensburg-Handewitt took both of their opponents at the minutes Ciudad Real turned the match in their favour. VELUX EHF FINAL4 by surprise. In the semi-final the “Vranjes boys” eliminated giants of FC Barcelona after a penalty-shoot-out thriller 2009/10 and made the Cinderrella story perfect by beating their neighbours Final: FC Barcelona Borges vs HW Kiel 34:36 from Kiel 30:28 in the final. In the 2009/10 season the number of participating teams in the first

125 EHF Champions League Season’s Top Scorers

Season Player Club Goals 1993/94 Uroš Šerbec Celje Pivovarna Laško/SLO 76 1994/95 Nenad Peruničić Bidasoa Irun/ESP 82 1995/96 Carlos Resende ABC Braga/POR 80 1996/97 Carlos Resende ABC Braga/POR 82 1997/98 József Éles MKB Veszprém KC/HUN 84 1998/99 Zlatko Saračević RK Zagreb/CRO 90 1999/00 Zlatko Saračević RK Zagreb/CRO 92 2000/01 Yuriy Kostetskiy ABC Braga/POR 81 2001/02 Nenad Peruničić SC Magdeburg 122 2002/03 Mirza Džomba FOTEX KC Veszprém/HUN 67 2003/04 Siarhei Rutenka Celje Pivovarna Laško/SLO 103 2004/05 Siarhei Rutenka Celje Pivovarna Laško/SLO 85 2005/06 Kiril Lazarov MKB Veszprém/HUN 85 2006/07 Nikola Karabatic THW Kiel/GER 89 2007/08 Kiril Lazarov MKB Veszprém/HUN 96 Ólafur Stefánsson BM Ciudad Real/ESP 96 2008/09 Filip Jícha THW Kiel/GER 99 2009/10 Filip Jícha THW Kiel/GER 119 2010/11 Uwe Gensheimer Rhein-Neckar Löwen/GER 118 2011/12 Mikkel Hansen AG København/DEN 98 2012/13 HSV Hamburg/GER 101 2013/14 Momir Ilic MKB-MVM Veszprem/HUN 103

126 Top Scorers 2013/14

1 Ilic Momir (SRB) MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN) 103 2 Vugrinec Renato (MKD) HC Metalurg (MKD) 95 3 Vujin Marko (SRB) THW Kiel (GER) 85 4 Lazarov Kiril (MKD) FC Barcelona (ESP) 80 5 Marguc Gasper (SLO) Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO) 79 6 Eggert Magnussen Anders (DEN) SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) 78 7 Gensheimer Uwe (GER) Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER) 77 8 Rutenka Siarhei (BLR) FC Barcelona (ESP) 73 9 Dibirov Timur (RUS) HC Vardar - Skopje (MKD) 72 Karabatic Nikola (FRA) FC Barcelona (ESP) 72 Skube Stas (SLO) RK Gorenje Velenje (SLO) 72 12 Glandorf Holger (GER) SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) 71 Jicha Filip (CZE) THW Kiel (GER) 71 14 Karacic Igor (CRO) HC Vardar - Skopje (MKD) 69 Nenadic Petar (SRB) Orlen Wisla Plock (POL) 69 16 Sulic Renato (CRO) MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN) 68 17 Persson Magnus (SWE) HK DROTT Halmstad (SWE) 67 18 Rocas Comas Albert (ESP) KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN) 64 19 Tomas Gonzalez Victor (ESP) FC Barcelona (ESP) 61 20 Onufryienko Sergiy (UKR) HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR) 60

127 Men’s EHF Champions League 1993-2014 All-time club standings

# TR Name of the club MP W D L GF:FA GD P NP % G 1 1 FC Barcelona ESP 212 156 15 41 6526:5422 1104 327:97 (17) 77,12 B 2 2 THW Kiel GER 204 146 13 45 6371:5488 883 305:103 (17) 74,75 A 3 3 MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 186 123 7 56 5364:4808 556 253:119 (18) 68,01 C 4 4 BM Atletico Madrid ESP 144 111 5 28 4502:3803 699 227:61 (10) 78,82 5 5 HC Zagreb CRO 194 96 22 76 5170:4988 182 214:174 (20) 55,15 A 6 6 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 164 95 9 60 4705:4378 327 199:129 (16) 60,67 C 7 7 Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 142 85 8 49 4097:3825 272 178:106 (14) 62,68 C 8 8 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 118 76 9 33 3592:3259 333 161:75 (9) 68,22 B 9 9 HSV Hamburg GER 98 68 9 21 3088:2670 418 145:51 (7) 73,98 10 10 Portland San Antonio ESP 100 64 6 30 2929:2594 335 134:66 (9) 67,00 11 11 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 116 59 14 43 3575:3375 200 132:100 (12) 56,90 C 12 12 Reale Ademar Leon ESP 100 50 6 44 2875:2817 58 106:94 (10) 53,00 13 13 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 92 45 7 40 2650:2616 34 97:87 (10) 52,72 B 14 14 Pick Szeged HUN 104 42 8 54 2826:2881 -55 92:116 (11) 44,23 D 15 15 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 74 38 6 30 2129:2074 55 82:66 (7) 55,41 D 16 16 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 58 34 10 14 1805:1634 171 78:38 (4) 67,24 C 17 17 Chambery Savoie Handball FRA 74 29 3 42 2028:2133 -105 61:87 (8) 41,22 18 18 RK Gorenje Velenje SLO 62 26 1 35 1779:1775 4 53:71 (6) 42,74 19 19 HC Metalurg MKD 52 24 4 24 1316:1339 -23 52:52 (5) 50,00 A 20 20 SC Magdeburg GER 40 24 3 13 1166:1077 89 51:29 (4) 63,75 21 26 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 52 17 4 31 1519:1575 -56 38:66 (6) 36,54 D 22 29 HC Vardar MKD 54 13 8 33 1375:1584 –209 34:74 (7) 31,48 C 23 32 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 54 15 1 38 1400:1585 –185 31:77 (7) 28,70 B 24 36 PSG Handball FRA 28 12 2 14 772:792 –20 26:30 (3) 46,43 A 25 48 Aalborg Handball DEN 22 6 2 14 628:664 -36 14:30 (2) 31,82 D 26 58 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 12 4 1 7 333:367 -34 9:15 (1) 37,50 D 27 61 Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 10 3 2 5 292:320 -28 8:12 (1) 40,00 A 28 77 HC Meshkov Brest BLR 24 3 0 21 608:738 -130 6:42 (4) 12,50 A 29 91 Alingsas HK SWE 10 2 0 8 251:302 -51 4:16 (1) 20,00 B 30 94 Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 10 1 1 8 237:268 -31 3:17 (1) 15,00 D Besiktas JK TUR 0 0 0 0 0:0 0 0:0 (0) 0,00 B

^ = Excluding Qualifying matches The club name is the last used name in VELUX EHF Champions League competition TR – total ranking MP – matches played W – wins D – draws L – losses GF:GA – goals for:goals against P – points NP – number of participations % = winning percentage All stats in this guide are provided by Roy Knoppert G - group

128 2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase Media Guide by

EHF Media & Communications, 24/09/2014

Contributors: Björn Pazen, Peter Bruun, Bence Martha, Zoran Milosavljevic, Kevin Domas, Magda Pluszewska, Bruno Pinevic, Sergey Nikolaev,

Francisco Miranda, Igor Grachev, Amina Idrizi, Nejc Adnik, Eren Cetin, Roy Knoppert

129 For further information please contact: Vladislav Brindzak EHF Media & Communications +43 1 80151 161 [email protected] Twitter: @ehfmedia

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