SG Flensburg- Handewitt, GER

Home , 2018 Mediterranean Games, Adam Morawski, Albin Lagergren, Alexander Petersson, Andreas Palicka, Andy Schmid

OFFICIAL PROGRAMME VELUX EHF Champions League 2018/2019

Title sponsor

Premium sponsor

Regional premium sponsors

Partners

Charity partner

2 TEAMWORK, FAIRNESS & RESPECT

Nord Stream 2 is a European project that contributes to a secure energy supply for all European countries. Our excellence is the result of efﬁ cient cooperation among a large team of experts from more than 20 countries. Respect for the environment and team spirit are at the core of our values, fuelling our delivery of a sustainable solution to help the EU meet future energy needs and achieve climate goals. powered by Proud supporter of the VELUX EHF Champions League

©EHF/Walch www.nord-stream2.com 3 Table of contents

Table of contents Foreword 6 Media contacts 7 Map of participating clubs 8-9 Playing system diagram 10-11 Official informations 13 List of TV stations 15 MOTW - increasing engagement 16 VELUX EHF FINAL4 countdown/anniversary 18-19 VELUX EHF FINAL4 facts & figures 20 Important regulations 23 Facts & Figures 24-27 GROUP A Preview 30-31 Head-to-heads in the EC 32-35 HC Vadar 36-41 PGE Vive Kielce 42-47 Barça Lassa 48-53 HC Meshkov Brest 54-59 Telekom Veszprém HC 60-65 Montpellier HB 66-71 IFK Kristianstad 72-77 Rhein-Neckar Löwen 78-83 GROUP B Preview 84-85 Head-to-heads in the EC 86-89 Paris Saint-Germain Handball 90-95 MOL-Pick Szeged 96-101 SG Flensburg-Handewitt 102-107 Skjern Handbold 108-113

4 Table of contents

HC PPD Zagreb 114-119 HC Motor Zaporozhye 120-125 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 126-131 HBC Nantes 132-137 GROUP C Preview 138-139 Head-to-heads in the EC 140-141 HC Metalurg 142-147 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg 148-153 Sporting CP 154-159 Besiktas Mogaz HT 160-165 Chekhovskie Medvedi 166-171 Tatran Presov 172-177 GROUP D Preview 178-179 Head-to-heads in the EC 180 Orlen Wisla Plock 182-187 Abanca Ademar Leon 188-193 Elverum Handball 194-199 Wacker Thun 200-205 Dinamo Bucuresti 206-211 Riihimäen Cocks 212-217 HISTORY 20017/18 Top scorers 218 All-stars team 2017/18 219 Past winners 221 Timeline 222-223 Summary 224-227 All-time stats 228 All-time club standings 229

5 Foreword

Foreword

Dear handball friends,

Welcome to a new season of the VELUX EHF Champions League and to the latest edition of the competition’s media guide. With extensive background information, key contacts and historical statistics in addition to team and player profiles, this is your essential guide to the 2018/19 group phase. Further updates and additional media information packs for each ‘Match of the Week’ will also be published throughout the season and will be available for download via the EHF Media Portal.

Last season we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Europe’s premier club handball competition and 2018/19 marks another milestone in the competition’s history with the 10th edition of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 to be played in the LANXESS arena. There is a long road ahead of us, but the event promises to be something very special and we are already looking forward to welcoming media colleagues from around the world to Cologne on 1/2 June 2019.

We finished the 2017/18 season on a real high, with Montpellier HB returning to the throne in stunning fashion after 15 long years of waiting. Their success underlines the strengths of the competition’s playing format, with just about any team capable of picking up that coveted trophy regardless of which group they start the competition in.

Standing in Montpellier’s way this season in Group A is a formidable line-up of teams including the eight-time champions from Barça Lassa, the 2017 winners HC Vardar and the 2016 trophy holders PGE Vive Kielce. In Group B, the challenge is no less daunting with two previous winners of the EHF Champions League SG Flensburg-Handewitt and Celje Pivovarna Lasko competing alongside last season’s runners-up HBC Nantes and semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain Handball as well as the brand new Hungarian champions MOL-PICK Szeged.

Everything is wide open in Groups C/D as all of the 12 teams including eight national champions have a good chance of reaching the knock-out stages and following Montpellier’s example from the previous season. While Tatran Presov from Slovakia and Wacker Thun from Switzerland return to the VELUX EHF Champions League after some years, there is also a first for the competition with the addition of the Finnish champions Riihimäen Cocks to Europe’s elite.

We pride ourselves at the EHF and EHF Marketing on our positive and cooperative relationship with our colleagues from the press and media and we are sure that this will continue to develop in the future. Should you require any information, help or assistance during the course of the season, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at the EHF Office in Vienna, and we will be more than happy to assist you with any questions you might have.

We look forward to working with you during the 2018/19 season!

EHF Media & Communications Team

6 Media contacts

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]

Clubs media contacts

Group A Group B

HC Vardar (MKD) PGE Vive Kielce (POL) Paris Saint-Germain MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN) Biljana Crvenkoska Magda Pluszewska Handball (FRA) Levente Juhasz +38971247214 +48 604 692 276 Matthieu Brelle-Andrade +36 70 543 0979 [email protected] m.pluszewska@ +33 6 52 53 74 13 levente.juhasz@pickhandball. kielcehandball.pl [email protected] hu

Barça Lassa (ESP) HC Meshkov Brest (BLR) SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) Skjern Handbold (DEN) Pau Campana Aleksandr Kulbaka Isabel Hofmann Henning Kjaergaard Christensen +34 683 567251 +375 162 55 01 40 +49 4611609625 +45 20 669374 [email protected] [email protected] i.hofmann [email protected] sg-flensburg-handewitt.de

Montpellier HB (FRA) HC PPD Zagreb (CRO) Telekom Veszprém HC (HUN) Suzy De Monte Goran Roknić HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR) Zsolt Sevinger +33 499 610 358 +385 95 9999 334 Yuriy Chorny +36 305024547 s.demonte@ glasnogovornik@ +380 50 5946878 [email protected] montpellierhandball.com rk‐zagreb.hr [email protected]

IFK Kristianstad (SWE) Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER) RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO) HBC Nantes (FRA) Sebastian Rosenberg Christopher Monz Miha Pantelic Kevin Morin +46 768 506651 +491744288849 +386 51 427 590 +33 664865046 sebastian.rosenberg@ monz@ [email protected] [email protected] ifkkristianstad.se rhein-neckar-loewen.de

Group C Group D

HC Metalurg (MKD) Bjerringbro-Silkeborg (DEN) Orlen Wisła Płock (POL) Abanca Ademar Leon (ESP) Zorica B. Molkoska Anne Kildegaard Tomasz Bauman Pablo Castro Alvarez +389 78 576785 +45 8668 0560 +48 882 975 087 +34 699 948 179 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Sporting CP (POR) Besiktas Mogaz (TUR) Elverum Handball (NOR) Wacker Thun (SUI) Andre Leitao Berk Karahan Kalle Bjørkman Marc Santschi +351 914665 572 +90 551 7075858 +47 904 77605 +41 79 310 25 12 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) Tatran Presov (SVK) Dinamo Bucuresti (ROU) Riihimäen Cocks (FIN) Olga Belysheva Richard Fech Alexandru Enciu Jari Viita +7 909 6391 839 +421 903 662 215 +40 754 929 106 +358 500 480744 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

7 SEASON 2018/19 SG Flensburg- Handewitt, GER

Elverum Groups A+B teams NOR

Groups C+D teams Bjerringbro- Silkeborg, DEN

Skjern Handbold, DEN

VELUX EHF FINAL4 Cologne, GER

Rhein-Neckar Löwen, GER

Paris Saint-Germain Handball, FRA

HBC Nantes FRA

Abanca Ademar Leon, ESP

Sporting Lisbon, POR

Montpellier Handball, FRA

Barca Wacker RK Celje Pivovarna Lassa, ESP Thun, SUI Lasko, SLO IFK Kristianstad SWE powered by Orlen Wisla Plock, POL

Riihimäen HC Meshkov Cocks, FIN Brest, BLR

PGE Vive Kielce, POL

Chekhovskie Medvedi, RUS

Tatran Presov, SVK

HC Motor Zaporozhye, UKR

Telekom Veszprém HC, HUN

MOL-Pick Szeged, HUN

Dinamo Bucuresti, ROU

Besiktas Mogaz, TUR

HC Vardar MKD HC PPD HC Metalurg Zagreb, CRO MKD Last 16 FINAL4 Group Phase Quarter-ﬁnals

A1 B1 Place 1 directly to Quarter-ﬁnals A2 B2 Place 2 - 6 to Last 16 A3 B3

A4 B4

A5 B5

A6 B6 M1 K1 A2

A7 B7 M2 K2 B2 6 M6 A1 4 winners winners FINAL A8 B8 M3 B6 A3 M5 B1 WINNER Group A&B (draw) 2 winners M4 A6 B3 M4 M1 C1 D1 K1 C2 D1 M5 B5 A4 M3 M2 Semi-ﬁnals C2 D2 (draw) K2 D2 C1 M6 A5 B4 (no draw) 3rd place C3 D3 match KO Matches (no draw) (no draw) C4 D4

C5 D5

C6 D6

Group C & D (draw)

Season 2018/19

A4 B4

A5 B5

A6 B6 M1 K1 A2

C5 D5

C6 D6

Group C & D (draw)

Season 2018/19

Group phase Last 16 Quarter-ﬁnals FINAL4 R1 12.-16.09.2018 R9 21.-25.11.2018 R2 19.-23.09.2018 R10 28.11.-02.12.2018 1st leg 1st leg 01.-02.06.2019 R3 26.-30.09.2018 R11 06.-10.02.2019 Group A&B only 20.-24.03.2019 24.-28.04.2019 R4 03.-07.10.2018 R12 13.-17.02.2019 Group A&B only R5 10.-14.10.2018 R13 20.-24.02.2019 Group A&B and 2nd leg 2nd leg R6 03.-04.11.2018 KO Group C&D 27.-31.03.2019 01.-05.05.2019 R7 07.-11.11.2018 R14 27.02.-02.03.2019 Group A&B and R8 14.-18.11.2018 KO Group C&D VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2018/19 Qualification Tournament Group Phase Last 16 Quarter-finals FINAL4 12.-16.09.2018 (1); 19.-23.09.2018 (2); 26.-30.09.18 (3); 03.-07.10.18 (4) 20.-24.03.2019 24.-28.04.2019 01./02.06.2019 10.-14.10.2018 (5); 03.-04.11.2018 (6) first leg first leg tournament 07.-11.11.2018 (7); 14.-18.11.2018 (8) 21.-25.11.2018 (9); 28.11.-2.12.2018 (10) 27.-31.03.2019 01.-05.05.2019 played in 06.-10.02.19 (11-A/B); 13.-17.02.19 (12-A/B) second leg second leg semi-finals and 20.-24.02.2019 (13); 27.2.-03.03.19 (14)

DRAWS: 29 June 2018 in Vienna/AUT no draw no draw 07 May 2019 Group A and B (16 teams) 12 teams 8 teams 4 teams 2 groups with 8 teams

1 FRA 1 Paris Saint-Germain HB 2 MKD 1 HC Vardar 3 POL 1 PGE Vive Kielce 4 HUN 1 MOL-Pick Szeged 5 GER 1 SG Flensburg-Handewitt 6 ESP 1 Barça Lassa 7 DEN 1 Skjern Handbold 8 BLR 1 HC Meshkov Brest 9 CRO 1 HC PPD Zagreb 10 HUN 2 Telekom Veszprem HC 11 UKR 1 HC Motor Zaporozhye 12 FRA 2 Montpellier Handball 13 SWE 1 IFK Kristianstad 14 SLO 1 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 15 GER 2 Rhein Neckar Löwen 16 FRA 3 HBC Nantes Group C and D (12 teams) 2 groups with 6 teams 17 MKD 2 HC Metalurg 18 POL 2 Orlen Wisla Plock 19 ESP 2 Abanca Ademar Leon 20 DEN 2 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg 21 POR 1 Sporting CP KO matches from C D Group and qualify for the Last 16 22 NOR 1 Elverum Handball 16 Last League Champions EHF VELUX of Winners 6 23 TUR 1 Besiktas Mogaz Quarter-finals League Champions EHF VELUX of Winners 4

24 SUI 1 Wacker Thun 1st placed team of qualify B Group and A directly for the quarter-finals; no matches no

25 RUS 1 Chekhovskie medvedi 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th 6th and placed well team as B and A of Group winners as of 26 ROU 1 Dinamo Bucuresti 27 SVK 1 Tatran Presov 28 FIN 1 Riihimäen Cocks

1st and 2nd placed teams of CL Group Phase Group C and D play Group KO matches. Winners of these matches qualify for L16

status: 19.06.2018 Media information

MEDIA INFORMATION

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 subject to approval by EHF Marketing GmbH – please contact Miguel Mateo Marcellán ([email protected]).

Media portal

All media representatives are invited to register for In addition an extended version will be used adding the EHF media portal on http://members.ehf.eu. also the goalkeepers’ stats. The European Handball Federation’s media portal is a one-stop-shop for media representatives offering EHF live on social media all the EHF’s media news such as press releases, The EHF’s social media channels will provide a very event flash quotes directly after matches, press different view of the chase for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 conference highlights, draw reactions and downloads in Cologne. The social media feed with the behind the of all relevant information including, but not limited scenes look will be provided on four channels - EHF to, media guides and event logos. Furthermore Champions League Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter photographs that are free for editorial use will be and YouTube account. available for download. Online match reports For further information or assistance, please From the opening matches of the season, the complete do not hesitate to contact the EHF Media and team line-up is available online at eurohandball.com Communications Department and we will be happy to and available to download as a PDF document. The help you with any information you may require. online solution introduced already in the 2015/16 season sees the EHF match delegate complete the All matches of the season live on ehfTV final team line-up immediately after the technical Handball fans across Europe will not miss a single meeting. This development means that team line-ups match in the new season of both elite European club are available for commentators and reporters hours competitions. All matches starting from the VELUX EHF before each match throws-off. A short time after each Champions League Qualification and the Women’s EHF match, a completed match report will also be available Champions League Qualification are to be broadcast online with details such as goal scorers and number of live on ehfTV.com and the videos of all matches will be spectators. also on demand. Furthermore, like in the past season fully produced highlights magazine - “Rewind - the Online information handball show” will feature stories and highlights from all men´s top matches will be played out on Monday www.ehfCL.com 7:00 / 8:00 GMT after each playing round. Apart from www.ehfTV.com selected matches of other European Cup competitions www.ehfFINAL4.com in the new season there will also be a renewed Regulations of the VELUX EHF Champions League focus on coverage of top league competitions, with all matches from both the SEHA League and Spain’s @ehfcl @ehf Asobal. ehf.champions.league Live ticker The EHF Live Ticker will track the scores of all matches. @ehfcl Every goal, missed shot and yellow card will be documented and live statistics made available online. /ehfTV

13 14 Broadcasting

Broadcasting TV partners

The matches of the upcoming season will be shown live or delayed almost all over the world. Over 40 TV stations will broadcast matches live or delayed. Only in Europe fans will be able to watch matches in 30 countries, but also the handball TV audience in America (USA, Canada, Argentina), Asia and Africa (countries of Middle East and North Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Macau) can look forward to a television coverage. See the list of TV stations and countries below.

TV Partners broadcasting the VELUX EHF Champions League 2018/19 (as of 6 September 2018)

• ARG - DeporTV • MKD – Arenasport

• AUT – Sky Sport • MNE – Arenasport

• BIH – Arenasport • NOR – NENT Group

• BLR – Belarus 5 • POL – NC+ and Eleven Sports

• CAN – beIN Sports • POR – Sport TV, Sporting TV (Including Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde) • CRO – HRT and Arenasport • ROU – Digi Sport, Telekom Sports • CZE – SportTV • RUS – Match TV • DEN – DR and TV3 Denmark • SLO – Sport TV • ESP – RTVE, TV3 Catalunya • SRB – Arenasport • FIN – YLE, TV2 • SUI – MySports • FRA –beIN Sports (including Monaco, Andorra, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Madagascar and French • SVK – Sport TV overseas territories) • SWE - NENT Group • GER – Sky Sport • TUR – Dsmart • GEO – Silknet • UKR – Xsport • GRE – OTE Sports • USA – beIN Sports (Including US territories and • HUN – Sport TV possessions)

• ISL – Sport TV • Worldwide - ehfTV.com (geo-restrictions could apply) • ISR – Sport1

• KOS (Kosovo) - RTV21

• MAC (Macau) - TDM

• MENA Region – beIN Sports (23 terrritories in total)

15 MOTW goes far and wide in opening three rounds

MOTW goes far and wide in opening three rounds

The VELUX EHF Champions League is one of the most attractive Round 1 sporting competitions in Europe and during a season over 200 matches of top handball are broadcast live to handball fans Telekom Veszprém vs PGE Vive Kielce from around the world on ehfTV.com. This season, the EHF Saturday 15 September at 18:00 hrs local time Marketing GmbH will bring a greater focus and also a new approach to the MATCH OF THE WEEK (MOTW). It is impossible to look beyond this clash on the opening weekend, a clash of two heavyweights in a period of transition The MOTW will not only receive more attention in terms of and hoping to perform better than their quarter-final presence TV commentary, branding, half-time games and the sale of last season. merchandise in the hall. To bring Europe’s premier handball competition to a whole new level, ties and engagement with Two of this summer’s biggest transfer coups will be on show fans through our various social media channels will increase as (Arpad Sterbik for Veszprém and Luca Cindric for Kielce) and special content will be produced for every MOTW. the Veszprém Arena is certain to be bouncing as both of these sides want to have a bright start to the new campaign. Everyone can therefore look forward to extraordinary social media coverage with entertaining and most interesting behind-the-scenes content starring our very popular Faces Round 2 of Champions League Markus Floth and Hannah Jackson. Together with our mobile reporters, Markus and Hannah will HC Meshkov Brest vs Montpellier HB make sure that handball fans get remarkable insights to their Saturday 22 September at 19:30 hrs local time favourite players and all the happenings around the MOTW. Belarus welcomes the defending champions in Round 2. After The aim of this is to make games during the whole season progressing from Group D all the way to gold last season, more accessible for handball fans and to create an arc of Montpellier are certain to be Match of the Week regulars suspense towards the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne. EHF this season, but their first appearance is a very tricky trip to Marketing will pick one match per round as the MOTW, as it Meshkov Brest. has been custom in past seasons. The most interesting game in terms of fan’s expectations, the value of the tie and the Brest has proven to be a stumbling block for many big sides entertainment will be selected. Whether well-known clubs over the years and the home side has lofty ambitions of their compete against each other or less experienced clubs fight to own this season after solidifying their status as a top flight get into the next round - we are sure that all the games will be club. captivating and thrilling.

Match of the Week set for opening three rounds Round 3

Three arenas known for their fantastic atmosphere will play IFK Kristianstad vs Barça Lassa host to Match of the Week in the first three rounds of the Saturday 29 September at 19:30 hrs local time VELUX EHF Champions League. The sea of orange in Kristianstad is always a welcome sight at Tom O’Brannagain and Chris O’Reilly will be back to guide Match of the Week and the visit of Barça Lassa in Round 3 is you through the highlight matches on ehfTV.com with English the perfect opportunity to see what the Swedish champions language commentary. Here are the first three destinations of are made of this season. the 2018/19 season: Two sides with attractive styles of handball will provide us with 60 minutes of entertainment, during which we will see how Barcelona’s newcomers have settled in and which young Kristianstad players will make a name for themselves with the handball world’s eyes watching?

16 ULTIMATE Completely controlled bounce. Extreme durability. Optimal roundness. Perfect grip and soft feel. Official match ball of the VELUX EHF Champions League.

select-sport.com 17 VELUX EHF FINAL4 countdown

VELUX EHF FINAL4 counts down to its 10th edition

The VELUX EHF FINAL4 is the culmination of the To little surprise the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2018 was the European club handball season. The two-day event season’s highlight in European handball as nearly sees the best four men’s teams in Europe playing 20,000 spectators in the LANXESS arena and millions to decide the ultimate winner of the VELUX EHF of fans at home watched four unforgettable handball Champions League. games, unique entertainment shows and Montpellier’s Cinderella story come true. In the 2018/19 season, this tournament is going to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Introduced in the Tickets for the 2019 edition of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2009/10 season and to be played until at least 2020 went on sale on the opening day of the VELUX EHF in the LANXESS arena, Cologne, the decision to create FINAL4 2018. In the time of this guide’s publication, a new format for the final phase of the VELUX EHF eight months before the participating teams are Champions League was seen as crucial for the growth known, only a very limited number of tickets remain. of handball across Europe. The aim was to create The success of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 is also thanks a flagship event, one that could compete on the to the commitment of a great number of volunteers international sports market and make the Europe’s who have been active on the weekend of the event. leading club competition even more attractive to fans, The application procedure for next edition has already partners and sponsors. started and applications are invited also in the area of media. The success of all seven editions of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 up to date showed that this format has Full information at: www.ehfFINAL4.com been the right strategy. It has set new standards in organisation and entertainment; it is not just four Media Accreditation games played over two days but a true entertainment event. The accreditation procedure of media representatives for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 will start in March 2019.

Numbers from nine years of magic in Cologne

Fascinating facts and figures from the previous nine editions

13 goals by Juanin Garcia in a single match, 65 in total 1 player defended the title in the nine editions of the by Kiril Lazarov, six participations of Kiel and Barcelona VELUX EHF FINAL4: Ivan Cupic in 2017 with Vardar each and seven different winners in the past seven after winning the trophy with Kielce in 2016 years – ahead of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne heads for its tenth anniversary at the end of the 1 coach only was part of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2018/19 season, there are many records and numbers tournaments with two different teams: Talant to reflect on and celebrate. Dujshebaev - 2010-2012 with Ciudad Real/Atletico Madrid and 2016 with Kielce 0 1 club, Montpellier in 2018, made it all the way from clubs managed to defend the title in nine Groups C/D to the top of the podium editions of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 1 time - in 2018 - three clubs from the same country qualified for a VELUX EHF FINAL4: Montpellier, Nantes 0 players or clubs have been part of all nine editions and Paris from France from 2010 to 2018

18 VELUX EHF FINAL4 facts and figures

1 non-European player was awarded MVP of a VELUX 3 times clubs from the same country duelled in the EHF FINAL4 so far: Montpellier’s Diego Simonet from final: Barcelona vs Ciudad Real in 2011, Flensburg vs Argentina in 2018 Kiel in 2014 and Montpellier vs Nantes in 2018

1 goalkeeper was awarded MVP at the VELUX EHF 3 Spanish coaches have won the VELUX EHF FINAL4 so FINAL4 so far: Arpad Serbik (Vardar) in 2017 far: besides Pascual, it was Talant Dujshebaev (2016 with Kielce) and Raul Gonzalez (2017 with Vardar) VELUX EHF FINAL4 final needed to be decided by a penalty shootout: The 2016 edition of Kielce vs 4 matches so far needed to go beyond 60 minutes to Veszprem (39:38) find a winner, two of them even went to a penalty shootout: First Hamburg beat Barcelona in the 2013 final 30:29 after extra-time, followed by the 2014 semi 2 shoot-out of Flensburg vs Barcelona (40:39). In 2016, 2 players have won the VELUX EHF FINAL4 first Veszprem beat Kiel after extra-time 31:28, before with two different clubs: besides Ivan Cupic, losing to Kielce 39:38 after penalties in the final it is German Tobias Reichmann (THW Kiel 2010, 2012 and Kielce 2016) 4 times a German side won the VELUX EHF FINAL4

2 coaches have won twice: Alfred Gislason (Kiel 2010, 4 2012) and Xavi Pascual (Barcelona 2011, 2015) 4 years a German team failed to reach the final, 2015 to 2018. In the past two 2 VELUX EHF FINAL debutants were the 2018 finalists: years no German side has even reached Montpellier and Nantes Cologne 2 times the defending champions returned to Cologne: Kiel in 2013 and Vardar in 2018 4 straight times, from 2014 until 2017 - Veszprem were part of the VELUX EHF FINAL4, as the only team 2 sons of CL winning fathers rose the trophy in with such a series so far. But the Hungarian record Cologne: Alex Dujshebaev with Vardar in 2017 and champions never won the trophy Melvyn Richardson with Montpellier in 2018. Jackson Richardson was a champion with Portland San Antonio in 2001

Most goals in one game 13 goals Player’s name Goals Date

Juan Garcia (FC Barcelona Borges) 13 (30.05.2010 vs THW Kiel, 34:36) Filip Jicha (THW Kiel) 11 (30.05.2010 vs FC Barcelona Borges, 36:34) Filip Jicha (THW Kiel) 11 (26.05.2012 vs Füchse Berlin, 25:24) Kiril Lazarov (BM Atletico Madrid) 11 (26.05.2012 vs AG Kobenhavn, 25:23) Domagoj Duvnjak (HSV Hamburg) 11 (01.06.2013 vs THW Kiel, 39:33) Siarhei Rutenka (FC Barcelona) 11 (01.06.2014 vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, 26:25)

Juanin Garcia FC Barcelona, Borges

19 VELUX EHF FINAL4 facts and figures

Most matches played 14 14 14 14

Joan Canellas Momir Ilic Aron Palmarsson Chema Rodriguez (Ciudad Real, Atletico, (Kiel, Veszprém) (Kiel, Veszprém) (Ciudad Real, Atletico, Kiel, Vardar) Veszprém)

4 Montpellier players were the first EHF Champions 7 different clubs won the trophy in Cologne: THW League winners from their countries in 2018: Nikola Kiel (2010 and 2012) and FC Barcelona (2011, 2015) Portner (Switzerland), Diego Simonet (Argentina), each twice, Hamburg, Flensburg, Kielce, Vardar and Jonas Truchanovicius (Lithuania) and Ashem Mamdouh Montpellier each once (Egypt). +8 - the biggest win at the FINAL4 history was recorded 5 goals is the biggest winning margin in a final: In 2012, in the premier edition in 2010 as Ciudad Real beat Kiel beat Madrid 26:21, in 2015 Barcelona defeated Chekhovskie Medvedi 36:28 in the third place game Veszprem 28:23 and in 2018 Montpellier were 32:27 winners against Nantes 10 5 different nations are represented by the nine for the tenth straight time the four best winners so far (Germany, Spain, Poland, FYR clubs of the continent will descend upon Macedonia and France) the LANXESS Arena in Cologne on 1/2 June 2019 5 different German clubs had qualified for VELUX EHF FINAL4 events: Kiel (six times), Hamburg (two), Rhein- Neckar Löwen, Flensburg and Berlin (one each) 15 years after their first triumph in 2003, coach Patrice Canayer and left wing Michael Guigou lifted the trophy again with Montpellier HB in 2018

6 21 goals at one tournament is the high score - again times each, THW Kiel and FC Barcelona were it was Juanin Garcia in 2010, who had netted in eight part of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 - but only times in the semi-final against Chekhovskie Medvedi. clashed once in the final, in 2010, won by Mikkel Hansen follows with 20 in 2016 Kiel

7 times Dominik Klein was part of the VELUX EHF 36 FINAL4, six times with Kiel, once with Nantes. The matches had been played at the nine VELUX 2018 final against Montpellier was his seventh EHF FINAL4 editions so far Champions League final since 2007, including three victories (2007, 2010, 2012, all with Kiel)

20 VELUX EHF FINAL4 facts and figures

Most goals scored by one team

41 goals

Date Match Final score

31.05.2014 Semi-final: FC Barcelona-SG vs Flensburg-Handewitt 39:41 a7m 01.06.2013 Semi-final: THW Kiel vs HSV Hamburg 33:39 29.05.2016 Final: KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs MVM Veszprém 39:38 a7m

47 goals was the lowest score of any VELUX EHF 251 goals were scored at the 2010 edition to top this FINAL4 match - and the spectators of the final day in ranking ahead of 245 goals in 2016. The lowest overall 2012 even saw this low number twice in a row: First score was 191 goals in 2012 in the placement match Berlin vs Kobenhavn (21:26), then in the final Kiel vs Atletico Madrid (26:21). The 2017 final between Vardar and Paris (24:23) was the third match with the same number of goals. 2,068 goals in total were scored in the 36 VELUX 80 goals were scored in the record-breaking 2014 EHF FINAL4 matches so far semi-final between Flensburg and Barcelona (41:39 after extra-time and penalties) 693,000 spectators in total attended the 36 matches of 229.77 goals were scored on average at each of the all editions of the FINAL4, which were all officially sold nine tournaments, which means an average of 57.44 out at 19,250 fans per match

All-time topscorers

Player’s name MP G 65 goals

Kiril Lazarov (Ciudad Real, Atletico, FC Barcelona, Nantes) 12 65 Kiril Lazarov Filip Jicha (Kiel, Barcelona) 12 56 Ciudad Real Momir Ilic (Kiel, Veszprém) 14 56 Atletico Madrid Laszlo Nagy (Barcelona, Veszprém) 12 51 FC Barcelona Nantes Mikkel Hansen (Barcelona, Kobenhavn, Paris) 10 48 Aron Palmarsson (Kiel, Veszprém) 14 48 Siarhei Rutenka (Barcelona) 10 47 Juanin Garcia (Barcelona) 8 44 Ivan Cupic (Rhein-Neckar, Kielce, Vardar) 12 41 Victor Tomas Gonzalez (Barcelona) 12 40 Nikola Karabatic (Barcelona, Paris) 10 38

21 Available at salminghandball.com

20 nations, six former champions and one debutant

FACTS AND FIGURES: Important numbers prior to the new season

While Finnish side Cocks have their maiden voyage in the VELUX EHF Champions League, Zagreb have their 2 25th anniversary in this competition. 20 nations are coaches led two different teams to CL titles: represented by the 28 group phase participants in the Alfred Gislason (SC Magdeburg in 2002, THW 2018/19 season. Kiel in 2010 and 2012) and Talant Dujshebaev (Ciudad Real in 2006, 2008, 2009, and Kielce Here are the most important Facts and Figures of the in 2016). upcoming group phase and beyond:

4 former or current IHF World Handball Players of the Year are part of the CL this season: Arpad Sterbik 0 (2005/Veszprém), Nikola Karabatic (2007, 2014, 2016/ for the first time under the current playing PSG), Thierry Omeyer (2008/PSG) and Mikkel Hansen system, no qualification tournaments are (2011, 2015/PSG). Compared to last season, three are carried out. missing: Daniel Narcisse (PSG) and Slawomir Szmal have retired, Domagoj Duvnjak (Kiel) is not part of the 0 not a single team has successfully defended the competition. trophy since the implementation of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2010. 4 times has Thierry Omeyer won the CL (Montpellier 2003, Kiel 2007, 2010, 2012), the most for any active 1 club is debutant in the VELUX EHF Champions League player. Andrej Xepkin is the all-time record holder with Group Phase: Finnish champions Cocks. titles (six with Barcelona, one with Kiel).

1 coach - Patrice Canayer - has won the CL twice with 5 former or current top scorers of the CL are still the same club (Montpellier) but with a 15-year gap on court in the 2018/19 season: Uwe Gensheimer between the two titles. Also, he was the first ever (2010/11 - 118 goals, Rhein Neckar Löwen, 2016/17 French coach to win the CL. - 115 goals for PSG, 2017/18 - 92 goals for PSG), Momir Ilic (2014/15 - 114 goals, 2013/14 - 103 goals 1 player only won the title two years in a row since for Veszprém), Mikkel Hansen (2011/12 - 98 goals for 2010: Ivan Cupic (2016 with Kielce and 2017 with AG København, 2015/16 - 141 goals for PSG), Nikola Vardar). Karabatic (2006/07 - 89 goals for Kiel, now PSG).

1 player is the record three-time CL top scorer: Uwe 6 countries are represented by the 25 EHF Champions Gensheimer (PSG: 2010/11, 2016/17, 2017/18). Eight League winners so far: Spain (14 titles), Germany players were top scorer twice: Perunicic, Resende, (6), France (2), FYR Macedonia, Poland and Slovenia Sarazevic, Rutenka, Lazarov, Jicha, Hansen and Ilic. (each 1).

1 person won the CL as a player and a coach, Talant 6 former or current CL winners, with a total of 13 Dujshebaev: as player with Santander (ESP) in 1994, trophies, are part of the 2018/19 group phase: Vardar, and as coach with Ciudad Real (ESP) in 2006, 2008 and Kielce, Barcelona, Flensburg, Montpellier and Celje. 2009 and with Kielce (POL) in 2016. 8 different Spanish coaches steered their teams to 2 German teams (Rhein-Neckar Löwen and SG an overall of 16 CL trophies: Valero Rivera (5), Talant Flensburg-Handewitt) are part of the CL this season; in Dujshebaev (4), Xavi Pascual (2), Javier Cuesta, the past decade usually three or even four Bundesliga Julian Ruiz, Francisco Equisoain, Francesc Espar, Raul sides were competing. Gonzalez (each 1).

24 20 nations, 6 former champions and one debutant

14 times Spanish teams have won the CL - Barcelona 25 CL participations in 26 years make RK Zagreb the (8), Ciudad Real (3), Santander, Irun and Portland record holders, ahead of Veszprém and Celje (24 (each 1). participations each).

15 years ago, THW Kiel missed qualification for the CL 56.40 goals were scored in average in the 204 CL for the last time. Since then, the three-time CL winners matches last season, compared to 55.58 in 2016/17 reached at least the quarter-final each year. This and 57.03 in 2015/16. season, they compete in the EHF Cup. 92 goals were scored by Uwe Gensheimer (PSG) to 18 is the maximum and 16 the minimum number of become top scorer of the 2017/18 season matches teams have to play to get to the VELUX EHF FINAL4, depending on whether they skip the Last 16 or 200 matches will be carried out in the 2018/19 season have to go through the play-offs. 11,506 goals were scored in the previous season. In the 20 different nations (two more than in the previous 2016/17 season the total was 11,560 season) are represented by the 28 group phase participants: France have three teams, Germany, Spain, 19,250 fans, the capacity crowd, are expected again for Denmark, Hungary, FYR Macedonia and Poland two VELUX EHF FINAL4, staged for the 10th time in LANXESS each. Finland make their debut in the group phase. arena in Cologne.

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

Riihimäen Cocks 30,11 MOL-Pick Szeged 195,15 Telekom Veszprém HC 99,00 Dinamo Bucuresti 28,56 Telekom Veszprém HC 193,80 MOL-Pick Szeged 97,38 Telekom Veszprém HC 28,30 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg 193,27 Orlen Wisla Plock 96,64 HC Motor Zaporozhye 27,88 SG Flensburg-Handewitt 193,15 Elverum Handball 95,95 PGE Vive Kielce 27,54 HC PPD Zagreb 192,90 Riihimäen Cocks 94,50 Besiktas Mogaz 27,30 HC Meshkov Brest 192,44 HC Vardar 93,65 TATRAN Presov 27,03 Orlen Wisla Plock 192,18 SG Flensburg-Handewitt 93,40 Sporting CP 27,02 TATRAN Presov 192,00 IFK Kristianstad 93,32 HC Meshkov Brest 26,81 Barça Lassa 191,91 Dinamo Bucuresti 93,06 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg 26,71 Montpellier HB 191,90 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg 93,00 HC Vardar 26.70 26,70 HC Vardar 191,90 PGE Vive Kielce 93,00 Skjern Handbold 26,51 HC Motor Zaporozhye 191,90 Barça Lassa 92,59 SG Flensburg-Handewitt 26,37 Rhein-Neckar Löwen 191,83 Rhein-Neckar Löwen 92,59 Orlen Wisla Plock 26,33 Dinamo Bucuresti 191,75 Skjern Handbold 92,42 HBC Nantes 25,98 Elverum Handball 191,75 Montpellier HB 91,95 Montpellier HB 25,87 Chekhovskie Medvedi 191,60 HC Motor Zaporozhye 91,95 MOL-Pick Szeged 25,32 Paris Saint-Germain HB 191,56 TATRAN Presov 91,86 Abanca Ademar Leon 25,18 HBC Nantes 191,30 Besiktas Mogaz 91,79 Paris Saint-Germain HB 24,98 PGE Vive Kielce 191,11 HC PPD Zagreb 91,71 Wacker Thun 24,81 Besiktas Mogaz 191,11 Paris Saint-Germain HB 91,56 Rhein-Neckar Löwen 24,79 IFK Kristianstad 191,04 HBC Nantes 91,22 HC PPD Zagreb 24,49 Riihimäen Cocks 190,89 HC Meshkov Brest 91,04 Barça Lassa 24,17 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 190,79 Sporting CP 88,75 Chekhovskie Medvedi 23,17 Sporting CP 190,04 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 88,42 IFK Kristianstad 22,92 Skjern Handbold 189,38 Chekhovskie Medvedi 88,05 Elverum Handball 22,77 HC Metalurg 188,85 Wacker Thun 87,96 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 21,94 Wacker Thun 188,26 Abanca Ademar Leon 87,00 HC Metalurg 20,53 Abanca Ademar Leon 187,55 HC Metalurg 85,65

CL average 25,52 CL average 191,51 CL average 92,16

25 Facts and figures - max and min

Facts and figures - max and min

Youngest

Stefan Dodic HC Metalurg SRB 15,5 Nik Cirovic RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 16,5 Gökay Bilim Besiktas Mogaz TUR 16,7 Milosz Walach PGE Vive Kielce POL 16,8 Filip Rakita RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 16,8 Marcell Lörincz MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 16,9 Salvador Salvador Sporting CP POR 17,1 Jernej Mlakar RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 17,2 Tim Cokan RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 17,3 Andrej Petkovski HC Vardar MKD 17,3 Age: 15 ½ Bruno Bajusz MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 17,3 Barnabas Marczika MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 17,3 Stefan Dodic Tadej Kljun RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 17,4 Rune Bergmann Lovschall Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN 17,4 HC Metalurg Anze Blagotinsek RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 17,4

Shortest

Tadej Matijasic HC Metalurg SLO 173,0 Mice Shilegov HC Metalurg MKD 175,0 David Mandic HC PPD Zagreb CRO 175,0 Gonzalo Perez Arce Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 175,0 Rene Rasmussen Skjern Handbold DEN 176,0 Jaime Fernandez Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 176,0 Oleksandr Kyrylenko Riihimäen Cocks UKR 177,0 Nuno Reis Sporting CP POR 177,0 Martin Popovski HC Vardar MKD 177,0 Andrei Novoselov Riihimäen Cocks RUS 177,0 173 cm Juanin Garcia Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 177,0 Mattes Meyer Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 178,0 Tadej Matijasic Rodrigo Perez Arce Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 178,0 Luca Linder Wacker Thun SUI 178,0 HC Metalurg Ivan Cupic HC Vardar CRO 178,0

Lightest

Filip Rakita RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 67,0 Artem Kozakevych HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 68,0 Andrei Yurynok HC Meshkov Brest BLR 70,0 Artsem Karalek PGE Vive Kielce BLR 70,0 Gonzalo Perez Arce Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 70,0 Mario Lopez Alvarez Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 72,0 Stian Mogen Elverum Handball NOR 72,0 Jaime Fernandez Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 72,0 Janja Vojvodic HC Vardar SRB 72,0 Theophile Causse Montpellier HB FRA 73,0 67 kg Nuno Reis Sporting CP POR 73,0 Igor Soroka HC Motor Zaporozhye RUS 73,0 Filip Rakita Timur Dibirov HC Vardar RUS 74,0 Goncalo Gracio Sporting CP POR 74,0 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko David Mandic HC PPD Zagreb CRO 74,0

26 Facts and figures - max and min

Oldest

Maros Kolpak TATRAN Presov SVK 47,5 Alexandr Radcenko TATRAN Presov CZE 45,2 Thierry Omeyer Paris Saint-Germain HB FRA 41,9 Juanin Garcia Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 41,0 Michael V. Knudsen Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN 40,0 Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson Rhein-Neckar Löwen ISL 39,1 Gonzalo Carou Marcel Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 39,1 Renato Sulic Orlen Wisla Plock CRO 38,9 Arpad Sterbik Telekom Veszprém HC ESP 38,8 Uros Zorman PGE Vive Kielce SLO 38,7 Age: 47 ½ Marcin Wichary Orlen Wisla Plock POL 38,6 Alexander Petersson Rhein-Neckar Löwen ISL 38,2 Maros Kolpak Jesper Brian Nöddesbo Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN 37,9 Ivan Nikcevic Sporting CP SRB 37,6 TATRAN Presov Raul Entrerrios Barça Lassa ESP 37,6

Tallest

Dainis Kristopans HC Vardar LAT 215,0 Tomasz Gebala Orlen Wisla Plock POL 212,0 Nikolaj Markussen Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN 211,0 Mateusz Piechowski Orlen Wisla Plock POL 210,0 Kristian Krag Örsted Elverum Handball DEN 210,0 Josip Vekic HC PPD Zagreb CRO 210,0 Michal Kasal TATRAN Presov CZE 209,0 Pavel Darafeyeu HC Meshkov Brest BLR 208,0 Bence Banhidi MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 207,0 Laszlo Nagy Telekom Veszprém HC HUN 207,0 215 cm Evgeny Dzemin Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 207,0 Matej Asanin Sporting CP CRO 206,0 Dainis Kristopans Robin Dourte Paris Saint-Germain HB FRA 206,0 Kamil Syprzak Barça Lassa POL 206,0 HC Vardar Richard Bodo MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 205,0

Heaviest

Dainis Kristopans HC Vardar LAT 135,0 Bence Banhidi MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 126,0 Kristian Krag Örsted Elverum Handball DEN 125,0 Blaz Blagotinsek Telekom Veszprém HC SLO 122,0 Andreas Nilsson Telekom Veszprém HC SWE 121,0 Tomasz Gebala Orlen Wisla Plock POL 120,0 Kamil Syprzak Barça Lassa POL 120,0 Kristian Beciri RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko CRO 120,0 Emil Nielsen Skjern Handbold DEN 120,0 Arpad Sterbik Telekom Veszprém HC ESP 119,0 135 kg Matej Gaber MOL-Pick Szeged SLO 119,0 Robin Dourte Paris Saint-Germain HB FRA 118,0 Dainis Kristopans Ludvig Jurmala Aström IFK Kristianstad SWE 118,0 Rogerio Ferreira Moraes HC Vardar BRA 118,0 HC Vardar Richard Bodo MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 118,0

27 Player s list by countries

PLAYERS LIST by countries

FRA: ROU: 65 11 ESP: SVK: 50 10 DEN: BIH: 49 8 CRO: CZE: 45 7 SLO: FIN: 45 6 RUS: BRA: 37 5 SWE: MNE: 35 4 MKD: TUN: 27 4 NOR: LT U : 26 3 GER: NED: 25 2 SUI: EGY: 24 2 BLR: IRI: 24 2 HUN: CUB: 22 2 POL: MDA: 21 1 SRB: ARG: 20 1 POR: GEO: 15 1 TUR: I TA : 13 1 UKR: LAT : 12 1 ISL: 11

Group A preview

A TRUE GROUP OF DEATH

It could sound like a cliché, but every top competition must provide its fans with the so-called “group of death.” It’s not like for the VELUX EHF Champions League to disappoint, therefore there are only few who will not count down the days for the start of a star-studded group which boasts the current title holders, Montpellier, a hugely ambitious Rhein-Neckar Löwen, last year’s semifinalists, HC Vardar, and Barca Lassa, the most decorated team in the competition’s history, who are gunning for their ninth title.

A longshot to win the title before the throw off of the competition, Montpellier flew under the radar last season and their approach worked wonders. The French side won Group C, eliminated Ademar Leon in the subsequent play-off game, and ran riot against Barca Lassa and Flensburg-Handewitt, all the way to the VELUX EHF FINAL 4 in Cologne. This time, their antics will not be repeated, as the path to the business end of the competition is harder. The title holders are to play once again against their Spanish rivals, whom they eliminated by the smallest of margins (56:55 agg.) in the Last 16 phase, but will also face tough challenges against Vardar, Löwen or Telekom Veszprem. Their core has remained more or less the same, with only one high-profile player who left the club, Ludovic Fabregas, who will meet his team when Barcelona host Montpellier in the fourth matchday.

One of their earliest exits in the VELUX EHF Champions League in the past two decades has shown that not even powerhouses like Barca Lassa are unbeatable in certain situations. The Spanish side did not have the best preseason one year ago and that is exactly what they are looking to strengthen this time around. Having Aron Palmarsson from day 1 of the season will surely help the Catalan side this time around, as their newfound motivation to come back to the top can boost their challenge.

Another wounded beast is Telekom Veszprem, yet one more powerhouse who saw their ambitions cut short in the 2017/18 season. Likewise Barcelona, the Hungarian team had a season to forget, being eliminated in the Last 16 phase of the European premium competition by Skjern. Moreover, their 17-year title winning streak in Hungary has been snapped by archrivals MOL-Pick Szeged, leaving Veszprem’s fans and coach Ljubomir Vranjes dumbfounded. Veteran Arpad Sterbik will reinforce the goalkeeper area, while Kentin Mahe will bring much needed flair and creativity to a team that desperately needed it. Another disappointing season will surely not be tolerated in Veszprem.

A schedule conflict saw Rhein-Neckar Löwen’s title hopes go up in smoke last season, but the Lions are eager to bounce back. Kim Ekdahl du Rietz came back after a sabbatical only to leave for PSG, while the German side will rely once again on the Swedish pair of goalkeepers of Mikael Appelgren and Andreas Palicka, but also on the veteran Andy Schmid.

30 Group A preview

It looks like the battle for the top spot will feature at least three of the aforementioned four teams, but the quality is so outrageous, that anyone could surprise.

While Vardar may have been a constant threat for the top teams, qualifying between the top eight teams for the past five seasons in a row, including winning the competition in the 2016/17 season, it looks like the Macedonian side is currently in a rebuild mode. Star playmaker Luka Cindric bolted for PGE Vive Kielce, one of Vardar’s opponents in the group. Roberto Garcia Parrondo has been promoted from the defunct Vardar women’s team to replace another Spanish coach, Raul Gonzalez, as his departure prompted a mass Spanish exodus, with Arpad Sterbik, Joan Canellas and Jorge Maqueda opting to leave Skopje. There is still talent in Vardar’s squad, but their depth and overall quality looks subpar of their standards right now.

A turbulent summer saw PGE Vive Kielce nearly conclude their dream of winning the VELUX EHF Champions League, yet players and staff accepted pay cuts in order to fight for achieving the objective. The Polish side added serious power in bringing Uladislau Kulesh from SKA Minsk, but it will be delightful to see Luka Cindric adapt to his new role. As Manuel Strlek departs for Veszprem, Kielce lose a steady and critical left wing, as they will experience, as Karol Bielecki, Slawomir Szmal and Uros Zorman retire from handball.

There seems to be an obvious gap in talent and experience between these six sides and the other two in the group, Meshkov Brest and IFK Kristianstad. However, trips to Belarus can be excruciating, with teams of the likes of Vardar, Löwen, last year finalists HBC Nantes or PSG failing to win against Meshkov on their home court. On the other side, Kristianstad only managed to progress to the next phase last season, finishing 6th in a group that also featured Vardar, Barcelona, Nantes or Löwen, but they only managed nine wins in 42 games in the European premium competition in the last three seasons. The Swedish side will also have to cope with five high-profile players leaving, a tough ask in what their manager says it will be their toughes challenge up to date.

Adrian Costeiu

31 Group A preaview

Group A head-to-heads Historic encounters of the Group A opponents in the EC

HC Vardar vs PGE Vive Kielce 2-0-4 (169:163) 4:8 11.04.2015 HC Vardar vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 20:22 (11:11) 19.04.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 33:31 (16:14) 24.10.2015 HC Vardar vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 34:24 (18:14) 28.11.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 23:20 (10:6) 12.11.2016 HC Vardar vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 40:34 (18:18) 04.12.2016 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 27:24 (15:12)

HC Vardar vs Barça Lassa 2-1-10 (324:398) 5:21 18.10.2003 FC Barcelona vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, EHF Champions League – Group B 41:19 (19:8) 16.11.2003 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje vs FC Barcelona, EHF Champions League – Group B 27:35 (16:14) 09.10.2004 FC Barcelona vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, EHF Champions League – Group A 31:22 (16:12) 06.11.2004 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje vs FC Barcelona, EHF Champions League – Group A 12:26 (8:15) 11.11.2009 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje vs FC Barcelona Borges, EHF Champions League – Group D 28:35 (17:16) 21.11.2009 FC Barcelona Borges vs HC Vardar PRO – Skopje, EHF Champions League – Group D 35:28 (15:13) 21.09.2013 HC Vardar – Skopje vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 29:29 (15:19) 30.11.2013 FC Barcelona vs HC Vardar – Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 30:23 (14:11) 14.11.2015 FC Barcelona Lassa vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 31:30 (16:13) 22.11.2015 HC Vardar vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:27 (15:12) 03.06.2017 HC Vardar vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 26:25 (13:12) 14.10.2017 HC Vardar vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 27:24 (16:12) 10.02.2018 FC Barcelona Lassa vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 29:28 (15:14) HC Vardar vs HC Meshkov Brest 1-0-1 (57:57) 2:2 01.10.2016 HC Vardar vs HC Meshkov Brest, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 31:27 (13:13) 04.03.2017 HC Meshkov Brest vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:26 (15:13)

HC Vardar vs Telekom Veszprém HC 0-1-5 (149:169) 1:11 10.11.2001 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje vs Fotex KC Veszprém, EHF Champions League – Group D 24:27 (11:10) 08.12.2001 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, EHF Champions League – Group D 27:22 (14:10) 15.11.2014 HC Vardar vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 23:24 (11:13) 22.11.2014 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 32:24 (16:10) 23.04.2016 HC Vardar vs MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 26:29 (9:12) 30.04.2016 MVM Veszprém vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 30:30 (12:14)

HC Vardar vs Montpellier HB 3-1-1 (155:139) 7:3 19.10.2014 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 34:34 (19:17) 14.02.2015 HC Vardar vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 30:26 (18:13) 20.09.2015 Montpellier HB vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:30 (12:9) 05.03.2016 HC Vardar vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 34:26 (17:17) 26.05.2018 HC Vardar vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 27:28 (11:14)

HC Vardar vs IFK Kristianstad 6-0-0 (185:151) 12:0 04.10.2015 IFK Kristianstad vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:30 (13:15) 20.02.2016 HC Vardar vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 38:36 (21:19) 25.09.2016 IFK Kristianstad vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 23:28 (12:15) 12.03.2017 HC Vardar vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:29 (17:13) 04.11.2017 IFK Kristianstad vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 23:26 (10:15) 02.12.2017 HC Vardar vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 31:15 (14:8)

32 Group A preview

HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 5-1-2 (225:203) 11:5 12.10.2014 HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 28:25 (13:13) 21.02.2015 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 28:35 (13:20) 10.10.2015 HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:19 (11:10) 11.02.2016 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 28:27 (14:15) 17.11.2016 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 27:33 (16:17) 26.11.2016 HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 26:29 (15:15) 18.11.2017 HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:26 (17:13 26.11.2017 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 21:21 11:11)

PGE Vive Kielce vs Barça Lassa 1-2-3 (168:183) 4:8 20.11.2010 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:33 (11:18) 27.11.2010 FC Barcelona Borges vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 28:28 (15:12) 01.06.2013 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs FC Barcelona Intersport, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 23:28 (10:13) 30.05.2015 FC Barcelona vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 33:28 (16:14) 17.10.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:30 (14:17) 05.12.2015 FC Barcelona Lassa vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 31:33 (19:16)

PGE Vive Kielce vs HC Meshkov Brest 5-0-1 (187:165) 10:2 19.03.2016 HC Meshkov Brest vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 28:32 (14:12) 26.03.2016 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Meshkov Brest, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 33:30 (14:14) 24.09.2016 HC Meshkov Brest vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 24:29 (14:11) 11.03.2017 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Meshkov Brest, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 35:27 (15:16) 16.09.2017 HC Meshkov Brest vs PGE Vive Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 28:25 (15:11) 03.03.2018 PGE Vive Kielce vs HC Meshkov Brest, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 33:28 (20:17) PGE Vive Kielce vs Telekom Veszprém HC 2-1-6 (255:288) 5:13 18.10.2003 Fotex KC Veszprém vs KS ‘Vive’ Kielce, EHF Champions League – Group G 31:24 (21:12) 15.11.2003 KS ‘Vive’ Kielce vs Fotex KC Veszprém, EHF Champions League – Group G 30:41 (19:19) 17.10.2009 MKB Veszprém KC vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, EHF Champions League – Group B 33:26 (16:11) 06.03.2010 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs MKB Veszprém KC, EHF Champions League – Group B 29:32 (14:14) 02.10.2011 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:29 (10:17) 11.02.2012 MKB Veszprém KC vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 21:24 (13:12) 29.05.2016 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF FINAL4 – Final 39:38 (13:17, 29:29, 35:35) 15.10.2017 PGE Vive Kielce vs Telekom Veszprém HC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:32 (16:15) 02.12.2017 Telekom Veszprém HC vs PGE Vive Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 31:26 (15:15) PGE Vive Kielce vs Montpellier HB 3-0-3 (176:169) 6:6 15.03.2015 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champi-ons League – Last 16 25:29 (13:16) 21.03.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champi-ons League – Last 16 31:33 (14:15) 26.09.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:23 (12:11) 28.02.2016 Montpellier HB vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 27:32 (16:17) 26.03.2017 Montpellier HB vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 33:28 (14:16) 02.04.2017 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 26:28 (15:11) PGE Vive Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 5-3-5 (386:369) 13:13 08.10.2009 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, EHF Champions League – Group B 29:29 (17:15) 13.02.2010 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, EHF Champions League – Group B 32:35 (19:15) 17.10.2010 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 23:23 (12:12) 27.02.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 29:27 (11:13) 04.09.2011 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Gr. W 32:30 (13:11) 22.03.2014 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 32:28 (17:13) 31.03.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 27:23 (16:14) 30.09.2015 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:32 (19:15) 20.02.2016 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 28:27 (12:10) 23.10.2016 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 26:34 (15:16) 09.02.2017 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 28:25 (16:13) 24.03.2018 PGE Vive Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 41:17 (21:8) 01.04.2018 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs PGE Vive Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 30:36 (18:16)

33 Group A preview

PGE Vive Kielce vs IFK Kristianstad 2-1-1 (133:119) 5:3 10.10.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 35:27 (20:12) 11.02.2016 IFK Kristianstad vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 35:35 (17:19) 01.10.2016 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 38:28 (18:13) 04.03.2017 IFK Kristianstad vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 29:25 (15:13)

Barça Lassa vs HC Meshkov Brest No previous encounters in European competitions

Barça Lassa vs Telekom Veszprém HC 13-1-5 (543:501) 27:11 13.04.1986 VAEV Epitök SC vs FC Barcelona, Cup Winners’ Cup – Semi-final 27:25 (13:12) 19.04.1986 FC Barcelona vs VAEV Epitök SC, Cup Winners’ Cup – Semi-final 29:19 (13:10) 21.02.1998 Fotex KC Veszprém vs FC Barcelona, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 33:28 (19:13) 01.03.1998 FC Barcelona vs Fotex KC Veszprém, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 32:27 (13:15) 31.01.1999 Fotex KC Veszprém vs FC Barcelona, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 29:29 (14:15) 07.02.1999 FC Barcelona vs Fotex KC Veszprém, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 29:24 (16:11) 14.11.1999 Fotex KC Veszprém vs FC Barcelona, EHF Champions League – Group D 23:31 (13:16) 04.12.1999 FC Barcelona vs Fotex KC Veszprém, EHF Champions League – Group D 25:21 (13:13) 13.12.2003 FC Barcelona vs Fotex KC Veszprém, EHF Champions League – Last 16 33:29 (18:15) 20.12.2003 Fotex KC Veszprém vs FC Barcelona, EHF Champions League – Last 16 31:26 (16:14) 25.04.2010 FC Barcelona Borges vs MKB Veszprém KC, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 33:27 (17:15) 01.05.2010 MKB Veszprém KC vs FC Barcelona Borges, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 33:34 (19:15) 27.03.2011 FC Barcelona Borges vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 28:21 (14:13) 02.04.2011 MKB Veszprém KC vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 30:26 (15:8) 01.06.2014 FC Barcelona vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Place 3/4 26:25 (9:10) 31.05.2015 FC Barcelona vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Final 28:23 (14:10) 22.10.2016 FC Barcelona Lassa vs Telekom Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:23 (16:11) 11.02.2017 Telekom Veszprém vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 22:25 (14:13) 04.06.2017 Telekom Veszprém vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Place 3/4 34:30 (18:17) Barça Lassa vs Montpellier HB 6-1-3 (290:249) 13:7 11.11.2000 Montpellier HB vs FC Barcelona, EHF Champions League – Group B 25:25 (11:13) 10.12.2000 FC Barcelona vs Montpellier HB, EHF Champions League – Group B 24:17 (13:8) 03.12.2006 Montpellier HB vs FC Barcelona-Cifec, EHF Champions League – Last 16 28:25 (13:10) 09.12.2006 FC Barcelona-Cifec vs Montpellier HB, EHF Champions League – Last 16 29:23 (15:9) 18.03.2012 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs FC Barcelona Intersport, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 30:28 (17:11) 25.03.2012 FC Barcelona Intersport vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Cham-pions League – Last 16 36:20 (17:8) 10.10.2015 FC Barcelona Lassa vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 37:27 (19:12) 14.02.2016 Montpellier HB vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 23:31 (11:15) 25.03.2018 Montpellier HB vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 28:25 (13:13) 31.03.2018 FC Barcelona Lassa vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 30:28 (15:14) Barça Lassa vs IFK Kristianstad 4-0-0 (122:106) 8:0 26.09.2015 FC Barcelona Lassa vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 34:32 (17:16) 25.02.2016 IFK Kristianstad vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 24:31 (12:19) 23.09.2017 FC Barcelona Lassa vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 31:29 (15:12) 24.02.2018 IFK Kristianstad vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 21:26 (8:11)

Barça Lassa vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 3-3-3 (264:258) 9:9 25.09.2010 FC Barcelona Borges vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:31 (13:14) 20.02.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 38:38 (22:17) 28.05.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 28:30 (12:12) 20.04.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 38:31 (22:14) 26.04.2014 FC Barcelona vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 31:24 15:11) 20.09.2015 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 22:21 (10:9) 05.03.2016 FC Barcelona Lassa vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 26:20 (11:10) 17.09.2017 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Lassa, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 31:31 (12:18) 12.11.2017 FC Barcelona Lassa vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:26 (13:13)

34 Group A preview

HC Meshkov Brest vs Telekom Veszprém HC 0-0-2 (48:63) 0:4 30.09.2017 HC Meshkov Brest vs Telekom Veszprém HC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 26:29 (12:14) 17.02.2018 Telekom Veszprém HC vs HC Meshkov Brest, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 34:22 (20:11) HC Meshkov Brest vs Montpellier HB No previous encounters in European competitions

HC Meshkov Brest vs IFK Kristianstad 1-1-0 (61:56) 3:1 12.11.2016 HC Meshkov Brest vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:27 (17:13) 30.11.2016 IFK Kristianstad vs HC Meshkov Brest, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 29:29 (15:17)

HC Meshkov Brest vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 1-0-1 (54:53) 2:2 08.10.2016 HC Meshkov Brest vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:28 (17:12) 22.02.2017 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs HC Meshkov Brest, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:24 (11:12) Telekom Veszprém HC vs Montpellier HB 8-0-4 (314:283) 16:8 08.11.1998 Montpellier HB vs Fotex KC Veszprém, EHF Champions League – Group A 21:17 (12:10) 03.01.1999 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Montpellier HB, EHF Champions League – Group A 26:17 (9:8) 26.02.2006 Montpellier HB vs MKB Veszprém KC, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 23:21 (11:10) 04.03.2006 MKB Veszprém KC vs Montpellier HB, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 27:22 (14:11) 22.02.2009 Montpellier HB vs MKB Veszprém KC, EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 3 24:30 (11:14) 07.03.2009 MKB Veszprém KC vs Montpellier HB, 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) 12.10.2014 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 30:29 (14:11) 22.02.2015 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 20:34 (9:14) 22.04.2017 Telekom Veszprém vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 26:23 (13:10) 30.04.2017 Montpellier HB vs Telekom Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 25:30 (15:11)

Telekom Veszprém HC vs IFK Kristianstad No previous encounters in European competitions Telekom Veszprém HC vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 4-2-2 (235:232) 10:6 03.05.2008 MKB Veszprém KC vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, Cup Winners’ Cup – Final 37:32 (20:20) 10.05.2008 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs MKB Veszprém KC, Cup Winners’ Cup – Final 28:28 (14:14) 04.10.2009 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs MKB Veszprém KC, EHF Champions League – Group B 32:29 (17:14) 21.02.2010 MKB Veszprém KC vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, EHF Champions League – Group B 34:30 (17:12) 29.09.2013 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:29 (17:14) 09.02.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 25:25 (12:13) 04.10.2014 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 27:24 (10:11) 06.12.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 32:25 (18:10) Montpellier HB vs IFK Kristianstad 2-0-0 (60:55) 4:0 17.10.2015 Montpellier HB vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:26 (13:14) 05.12.2015 IFK Kristianstad vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 29:30 (15:15) Montpellier HB vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 1-0-5 (157:185) 2:10 24.04.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 27:29 (12:09) 30.04.2011 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 26:35 (17:15) 27.09.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 35:24 (18:11) 29.11.2014 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 29:33 (14:18) 15.11.2015 Montpellier HB vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 28:30 (15:16) 18.11.2015 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:21 (16:10) IFK Kristianstad vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 1-0-5 (161:186) 2:10 22.10.2015 IFK Kristianstad vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:29 (20:12) 26.11.2015 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 29:20 (15:10) 12.10.2016 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:29 (17:13) 19.02.2017 IFK Kristianstad vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 29:31 (16:15) 07.10.2017 IFK Kristianstad vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 22:35 (12:18) 18.02.2018 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs IFK Kristianstad, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 32:29 (16:14)

35 HC Vardar

GROUP A HC Vardar

In 2017, HC Vardar claimed their historic first title in the VELUX EHF Champions League. Last season, even though they did not repeat the result, they travelled to Cologne to play their second consecutive FINAL4. Now, with plenty of changes in the playing roster and a new head coach, the team from Skopje hope to maintain their position among the top handball clubs. Roberto Garcia Parrondo has succeeded Raul Gonzalez at the helm of the Club Address Macedonian champion. Before taking over as coach of Vardar, Parrondo was HC Vardar Gonzalez assistant in the Macedonian national squad and assistant coach for blvd. ASNOM num.1 Vardar’s women’s team. 1000 Skopje This season, Vardar faced many challenges after some significant changes to the FYR Macedonia roster and Parrondo will face some difficulty coping with the loses of Arpad Sterbik, Media contact Spanish back-court players Joan Canellas and Jorge Maqueda, Luka Cindric, Mijajlo Biljana Crvenkoska Marsenic and defence specialist Ilija Abutovic. +38971247214 Arpad Sterbik and Strahinja Milic both left the Macedonian champions ahead [email protected] of this season, which means Vardar have two options between the posts: Dejan Milosavljev and Daniel Gjorgjevski. www.rkvardar.com With two quarter-finals and two consecutive participations at the FINAL4 behind them, Vardar are again aiming high. On the way to the FINAL4, they will first face rkvardar strong opponents in Group A. @HCVardar “We are familiar with the qualities of our rivals in the group stage. Vardar’s best chance is to fight to be at the top of the group. We don’t underestimate any of the @rkvardar opponents and we are go-ing fight for first place,” says the team captain Stojanche Stoilov, who will miss the first part of the season due to an injury. Often compared to Ljubomir Vranjes, Stas Skube is considered one of Slovenia’s Kit colours best playmakers. With a height of 176 cm, Skube joins Vardar as Luka Cindric’s replacement and will have big responsibility on his shoulders, as he will be Light orchestrating his new team’s attacking play. Player shirt: white Player short: white GK shirt: red Past achievements Dark VELUX EHF Champions League Player shirt: black/red Participations (including 2018/19 season): 13 Player short: black Winners (1): 2016/17 GK shirt: green, black Semi-final (1): 2017/18 (4th at the FINAL4) Quarter-final (3): 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16 Last 32 (1): 1999/2000 Group Phase (6): 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2007/08, 2009/10

Playing hall Other Cup Winners’ Cup: Semi-finals 1998/99, Jane Sandanski 2004/05, 2010/11, Quarter-finals 2006/07 blvd. ASNOM num.1 1000 Skopje SEHA league: 4 titles (2012, 2014, 2017, 2018) FYR Macedonia Capacity: 5,000 Macedonian league: 12 titles (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2015-18) Macedonian cup: 13 titles

36 HC Vardar

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 31:15 (14:8) v IFK Kristianstad SWE (h), 02.12.2017 Biggest defeat 41:19 (19:8) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 18.10.2003 Longest winning run 8 matches (12.03.2017 – 01.10.2017) Longest unbeaten run 15 matches (12.03.2017 – 02.12.2017) Longest losing run 7 matches (12.10.2003 – 09.10.2004) Longest run without win 8 matches (12.10.2003 – 16.10.2004) MATCHES Longest winning run 8 matches (03.10.2009 – 20.02.2010) 8 Most goals 40 v KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 40:34W (h), 12.11.2016

GOALS Most goals opponent 41 v FC Barcelona ESP 41:19L (a), 18.10.2003 40 Most goals Most goals both teams 74 v IFK Kristianstad SWE 38:36W (h), 20.02.2016 74 v KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 40:34W (h), 12.11.2016 GOALS Fewest goals 12 v FC Barcelona ESP 12:26L (h), 06.11.2004 Most goals both teams 74 Fewest goals opponent 15 v IFK Kristianstad SWE 15:31W (h), 02.12.2017 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 Stage1994/95 2001/02 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 1 1 4 152:175 –23 3:9 4th Gr. D 2002/03 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 2 0 4 152:181 –29 4:8 4th Gr. D 2003/04 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 0 0 6 157:210 -53 0:12 4th Gr. B 2004/05 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 1 2 3 124:153 -29 4:8 3rd Gr. A 2007/08 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje MKD 6 2 1 3 161:180 -19 5:7 4th Gr. C 2009/10 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje MKD 10 1 1 8 253:316 -63 3:17 5th Gr. D 2013/14 HC Vardar – Skopje MKD 14 6 3 5 376:369 +7 15:13 1/4-finals 2014/15 HC Vardar MKD 14 8 1 5 421:396 +25 17:11 1/4-finals 2015/16 HC Vardar MKD 18 10 2 6 527:486 +41 22:14 1/4-finals 2016/17 HC Vardar MKD 18 14 0 4 523:477 +46 28:8 Winner 2017/18 HC Vardar MKD 18 10 3 5 501:454 +47 23:13 Fourth Place Total 122 55 14 53 3347:3397 –50 124:120

37 HC Vardar

Roberto Garcia Parrondo coach • former player of Ciudad Real, Valladolid, Ademar Leon, Atletico Madrid and two Hungarian teams, Pick Szeged and Budakalasz • as a player won the CL twice, in 2008 and 2009 • arrived in Skopje as the assistant coach of the Macedonian men’s national team • joined Vardar women’s team as Irina Dibirova’s assistant and reach the final of the CL last season • succeed Raul Gonzales at the helm of Vardar in the summer of 2018

EC trophies: CL 2008, 2009, Cup Winners’ Cup 2005, EHF Cup 2014(as player) EC trophies: CL 2017

@robertogparrondo

Newcomers: Left the club: Stas Skube (MOL-Pick Szeged/HUN) Joan Canellas (MOL-Pick Szeged/HUN) Sergei Gorbok (MOL-Pick Szeged/HUN) Jorge Maqueda (MOL-Pick Szeged/HUN) Dmitrii Kiselev (St. Petersburg/RUS) Luka Cindric (Kielce/POL) Dejan Milosavljev (HC Partizan/SRB) Mijajlo Marsenic (Füchse Berlin/GER) Gleb Kalarash (Magdeburg/GER) Arpad Sterbik (Veszprém/HUN) Ilija Abutovic (Rhein-Neckar Löwen/GER)

38 HC Vardar

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 34 Vuko Borozan MNE L e ft B a c k 09.04.1994 Cetinje, MNE 203 105 27 Ivan Cupic CRO R i g h t W i n g 27.03.1986 Metkovic, CRO 178 78 31 Timur Dibirov RUS L e ft W i n g 30.07.1983 Petrozavodsk, RUS 180 74 13 Rogerio Ferreira Moraes BRA L i n e P l a y e r 11.01.1994 Abaetetuba, BRA 204 118 16 Daniel Gjorgjeski MKD G o a l k e e p e r 03.12.1993 Gostivar, MKD 189 84 32 Sergei Gorbok RUS L e ft B a c k 04.12.1982 Minsk, BLR 196 98 21 Gleb Kalarash RUS L i n e P l a y e r 29.11.1990 Moscow, RUS 205 95 18 Igor Karacic CRO Centre Back 02.11.1988 Mostar, BIH 198 87 50 Dmitrii Kiselev RUS R i g h t B a c k 15.11.1994 Voronezhskaya obl., RUS 193 98 98 Marko Kizic MKD G o a l k e e p e r 22.01.2001 Skopje, MKD 190 89 10 Dainis Kristopans LAT R i g h t B a c k 27.09.1990 Ludza, LAT 215 135 96 Dejan Milosavljev SRB G o a l k e e p e r 16.03.1996 Panchevo, SRB 196 110 97 Marko Mishevski MKD L e ft B a c k 23.08.1999 Skopje, MKD 199 92 7 Vlado Nedanovski MKD L e ft W i n g 23.06.1985 Resen, MKD 187 93 99 Andrej Petkovski MKD G o a l k e e p e r 30.05.2001 Skopje, MKD 188 90 9 Martin Popovski MKD R i g h t W i n g 26.08.1994 Stip, MKD 177 75 33 Daniil Shishkarev RUS R i g h t W i n g 06.07.1988 Kustanay, KAZ 190 85 20 Stas Skube SLO Centre Back 15.11.1989 Novo Mesto, SLO 179 85 C 5 Stojanche Stoilov MKD L i n e P l a y e r 30.04.1987 Skopje, MKD 191 110 37 Janja Vojvodic SRB Centre Back 31.05.1995 Vrbas, SRB 180 72

39 HC Vardar

Dejan Milosavljev goalkeeper • started career ar RK Jugovic, just like Arpad Sterbik, whom is now replacing at Vardar • member of Serbian national team who signed with Vardar for three years • spent two seasons with Partizan and joined Lekhwiya in Qatar on loan

Timur Dibirov @timurdibirov31 left wing • in 2013 he joined Vardar as just the second club in his career • first was Chekhovskie Medvedi, with whom he reached the FINAL4 in 2010 • key player of the Russian national team; voted best left wing of at the 2013 WCh • fast breaks specialist and also key in defence; married to one of the greatest Russian players - Irina Poltoratskaya, who steered Vardar’s women’s team to the CL final in 2017 as coach EC trophies: CL 2017, Cup Winners' Cup 2006

Vuko Borozan left back • went through the youth ranks of RK Lovcen, which bred some of Montenegro’s finest • made senior debut in 2012 for Croatian side HRK Karlovac, before rising to acclaim at (then) Bundesliga outfit TuS N-Lübbecke • towering sharpshooter widely regarded among the finest Montenegrin talents ever; made his EURO debut in 2014, aged only 20 (the youngest Montenegro player) • as one of the first names on Lino Červar’s list, he spent the 2014/15 season at Vardar’s bitter rivals Metalurg; won the CL in his first season at Vardar EC trophies: CL 2017

Stas Skube centre back • made his first team debut in 2006, for his boyhood club RK Rrimo Trebnje aged 17, playing alongside his older brother, Sebastian • despite his height (176 cm), he is one of Slovenia’s best playmakers • won bronze with Slovenia at the under-21 WCh in 2009 • played in the CL 2013/14 Last 16 with Velenje, topping the club scorers’ list with 72 goals, and in his first season with Szeged (2016/17) he scored 52 times

40 HC Vardar

Igor Karacic @igorkaracicc centre back • voted in the SEHA League All-star team in 2012/13 • a speedy and tough player, excelling in one-on-one situations • won the CL with Vardar in 2017 • born in Mostar, he plays for the Croatian national team, while his brother Ivan plays for Bosnia-Herzegovina

EC trophies: CL 2017 EURO: B 2016

Stojanche Stoilov @stoilov_89 line player • first choice on the line player position in the Macedonian national team • joined Vardar in 2010 from city rivals Metalurg (after a brief spell in with Odorheiu Secuiesc) - a step that saw his career spiralling upwards • played a brilliant tournament at the EURO 2012 when his team finished 5th • shares his playing time with Rogeiro Ferreira Moraes

EC trophies: CL 2017

Dainis Kristopans @dainiskristopans right back • born in small Latvian town, Ludza, and started his career at local club Latgols • moved to Tatran Presov at age 18 and stayed almost six years in Slovakia, winning the national league five times • left Tatran in February 2015 and spent a few months in Qatar before joining Brest • at 2.15 metres, he is the tallest player not only for Vardar but in the entire CL

Danil Shishkarev right wing • with his first club Zarja Kaspija Astrakhan he played in three different club competitions: EHF Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup and CL • the Russian national team player arrived in Skopje in 2014. • played for Chekovskie Medvedi between 2009 and 2014, winning numerous titles in Russia • has played more than 80 matches for the Russian national team

EC trophies: CL 2017

41 PGE Vive Kielce

GROUP A PGE Vive Kielce

This season Kielce write a real multi-layered story. A lot of questions were posed in the summer, and even more will be asked when the VELUX EHF Champions League finally begins. How serious are the reported financial problems? How to make up for the loss of Uros Zorman and Dean Bombac? How much time will the team need to get in sync with six new players? How will hot-headed handball icons Talant Dujshebaev and Uros Zorman get along? What can team captain Michal Jurecki do in his final season before leaving to Flensburg? Club Address PGE Vive Kielce “The club has some financial problems, controlled enough not to endanger ul. Robotnicza 5 participation in all the contests in the 2018/19 season and noticeable enough to 25-662 Kielce start worrying about the development in upcoming years,” the club’s board of Poland directors said in an official statement. The club received a lot of support from their fans and partners, and even acquired new sponsors. Players’ salaries got reduced Media contact by 25 percent, and only Dean Bombac left the club for Szeged. The others claim Magda Pluszewska +48 604 692 276 that the situation is not going to influence their engagement. “I’m very happy that [email protected] our team showed that we still want to play for Kielce, for the region and for the people who live here,” right back Krzysztof Lijewski says. Losing two such great players could mean a disaster for the club, especially as www.kielcehandball.pl one departure was unexpected. However, Kielce are able to fill the gap with an kielcehandball extremely talented and still young playmaker, Luka Cindrić, who has won the Champions League in 2017 already. “He has got a motor engine in his legs,” says @kielcehandball Lijewski with a laugh. “He is fast and able to end the most complicated court situations on his own.” @kielcehandball How will the coaching duo of Talant Dujshebaev and Uros Zorman cooperate? It is a huge change for Zorman, who gets another place in the team’s hierarchy. “Now he is our coach, not a teammate,” says team captain Michal Jurecki, “When we Kit colours drink a coffee somewhere in town, we are friends, but on the court our relation isn’t the same.” Light Player shirt: yellow Player short: blue Past achievements GK shirt: blue VELUX EHF Champions League Dark Participations (including 2018/19 season): 16 Player shirt: blue Winners (1): 2015/16 Player short: blue Semi-final (2): 2012/13, 2014/15 (third ranked in GK shirt: green VELUX F4) Quarter-final (1): 2017/18 Last 16 (6): 1993/94, 1994/95, 2009/10, 2011/12, 2013/14, 2016/17 Last 32 (2): 1996/97, 1998/99 Playing hall Group Matches (3): 1999/2000, 2003/04, 2010/11 Hala M.O.S.I.R – Legionów ul. Boczna 15A Other 25-093 Kielce EHF Cup: Quarter-finals 1997/98, 2005/06 Poland Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-finals 1995/96 Capacity: 4,000 Polish league: 15 titles (1993, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012-18) Polish cup: 15 titles

42 PGE Vive Kielce

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 41:17 (21:8) v Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER (h), 24.03.2018 Biggest defeat 30:41 (19:19) v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN (h), 15.11.2003 Longest winning run 11 matches (25.09.2014 – 15.03.2015) Longest unbeaten run 18 matches (15.11.2015 – 15.10.2016) Longest losing run 5 matches (13.02.2010 – 27.03.2010) 5 matches (19.02.2011 – 09.10.2011) MATCHES Longest run without win 6 matches (26.09.2010 – 27.11.2010) 18 Longest unbeaten run

GOALS Most goals 41 v Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 41:17 (h), 24.03.2018 41 Most goals Most goals opponent 41 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 30:41L (h), 15.11.2003 Most goals both teams 77 v MVM Veszprém HUN 39:38Wa7m (a), 29.05.2016 GOALS Fewest goals 21 v HC Bosna BH Gas BIH 25:21L (a), 27.02.2010 Most goals opponent 41 21 v HC Metalurg MKD 21:20W (h), 24.11.2012 Fewest goals opponent 17 v Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 41:17 (h), 24.03.2018 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 Stage1994/95 1999/00 KS Iskra-Lider Market POL 6 3 0 3 173:186 –13 6:6 3rd Gr. B 2003/04 KS ‘Vive’ Kielce POL 6 2 1 3 159:177 -18 5:7 3rd Gr. G 2009/10 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 12 5 1 6 345:344 +1 11:13 Last 16 2010/11 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 10 1 2 7 276:300 -24 4:16 6th Gr. A 2011/12 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 12 6 1 5 345:336 +9 13:11 Last 16 2012/13 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 16 14 0 2 469:400 +69 28:4 Third Place 2013/14 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 12 7 1 4 362:331 +31 15:9 Last 16 2014/15 KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 16 14 0 2 483:439 +44 28:4 Third Place 2015/16 KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 20 14 4 2 614:577 +37 32:8 Winner 2016/17 KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 16 9 0 7 469:451 +18 18:14 Last 16 2017/18 PGE Vive Kielce POL 18 8 3 7 555:524 +31 19:17 1/4-finals Total 144 83 13 48 4250:4065 +185 179:109

43 PGE Vive Kielce

Talant Dujshebaev coach • most awarded person in the club; won many trophies during his playing career with three different national teams: CIS, Russia, Spain • voted twice as the IHF World Player of the Year, in 1994 and in 1996 • has a successful coaching career spanning well over a decade, which saw him win the CL four times • joined Kielce halfway through 2013/14, replacing Bogdan Wenta • changed the playing style of Kielce placing emphasis on the aggressive defence

EC Trophies: CL 1994 (as player), 2006, 2008, 2009, 2016 (as coach), EHF Cup 1993, Cup Winners’ Cup 2002, 2003 OG: G 1992, B 1996, 2000, WCh: G 1993, EURO: S 1996, 1998, B 2000

Newcomers: Left the club: Luka Cindric (HC Vardar/MKD) Tomasz Strzabala (MMTS Kwidzyn, coach/POL) Vladimir Cupara (Abanca Ademar Leon/ESP) Mateusz Kus (Motor Zaporozhye/UKR) Angel Fernandez Perez (Naturhause La Rioja/ESP) Slawomir Szmal (retired) Arciom Karalok (Saint-Raphael Var Handball/FRA) Karol Bielecki (retired) Uladzislau Kulesh (SKA Minsk/BLR) Manuel Strlek (Telekom Veszprém) Arkadiusz Moryto (Zaglebie Lubin/POL) Darko Djukic (HC Meshkov Brest)

44 PGE Vive Kielce

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 13 Julen Aguinagalde ESP L i n e P l a y e r 08.12.1982 Irun, ESP 195 110 9 Bartlomiej Bis POL L i n e P l a y e r 25.03.1997 Kielce, POL 190 95 25 Luka Cindric CRO Centre Back 05.07.1993 Ogulin, CRO 182 90 16 Vladimir Cupara SRB G o a l k e e p e r 19.02.1994 Belgrade, SRB 198 105 10 Alex Dujshebaev ESP R i g h t B a c k 17.12.1992 Santander, ESP 187 88 32 Angel Fernandez ESP L e ft W i n g 16.09.1988 Santander, ESP 193 88 16 Filip Ivic CRO G o a l k e e p e r 30.08.1992 Zagreb, CRO 195 95 15 Mateusz Jachlewski POL L e ft W i n g 27.12.1984 Gdynia, POL 185 88 18 Blaz Janc SLO R i g h t W i n g 20.11.1996 Brezice, SLO 185 85 C 5 Michal Jurecki POL L e ft B a c k 27.10.1984 Koscian, POL 198 110 20 Mariusz Jurkiewicz POL Centre Back 03.02.1982 Lubin, POL 199 103 50 Artsem Karalek BLR L i n e P l a y e r 20.02.1996 Grodno, BLR 187 70 22 Uladzislau Kulesh BLR L e ft B a c k 28.05.1996 Gomel, BLR 189 84 19 Krzysztof Lijewski POL R i g h t B a c k 07.07.1983 Ostrów Wielkopolski, POL 198 94 24 Marko Mamic CRO Back 06.03.1994 Zagreb, CRO 201 96 Arkadiusz Moryto POL R i g h t W i n g 31.08.1997 Krakow, POL 181 87 12 Milosz Walach POL G o a l k e e p e r 23.11.2001 Kielce, POL 188 90 23 Uros Zorman SLO Centre Back 09.01.1980 Kranj, SLO 189 96

45 PGE Vive Kielce

Filip Ivic @filipivic16 goalkeeper • spent entire career in native Zagreb before coming to Kielce in 2016 • was part of the Croatian national junior team which won the European title • was second best goalkeeper at WCh 2015 in Qatar with save percentage of 37 • got injured twice in the 2017/18 season (knee and elbow) and missed many Kielce matches as well as the EHF EURO in his home country

WCh: B 2013

Mateusz Jachlewski left wing • longest-serving player in the current squad after joining Kielce in 2006 • runs summer handball camps for kids together with Michal Jurecki • nicknamed ‘Siwy’ (grey-haired) since his younger years, referring to his dyed blond hair

EC trophies: CL 2016 WCh: S 2007

Michal Jurecki @michal_jurecki left back • Kielce’s powerful left back returned to Poland in 2010 after a three-season stint in Germany and spells at HSV Hamburg and TuS N-Lübbecke • All-star Team Left back of the EHF EURO 2016 • after his 10th year in Kielce, leave for SG Flensburg-Handewitt in 2019 • since 2015/16 captain of the team

EC Trophies: CL: 2016 WCh: S 2007, B 2009, 2015

Luka Cindric @luka_cindric25 centre back • son of a handball coach, he played football until he was 15 as he turned down an offer from top club Dinamo Zagreb and started playing handball • earlier played for Ogulin (his hometown), Senj, Karlovac, Metalurg and Vardar • with Vardar he won the first CL trophy in the history of the club in 2017 • joined Kielce in 2018/2019 after the departures of Uros Zorman and Dean Bombac

EC trophies: CL: 2017 EURO: B 2016

46 PGE Vive Kielce

Julen Aguinagalde @julenaginagalde line player • All-star Team line player of WCh 2013 in Spain, EHF EURO 2014 in Denmark and EHF EURO 2016 in Poland • joined Kielce from Atlético Madrid in 2013 for his first foreign league experience • participated in FINAL4 five times between 2010 and 2016, and scored decisive penalty in shootout against Veszprém in 2016 • set up international camps for kids in the summer of 2018 with his brother, Gurutz EC trophies: CL: 2016 WCh: G 2013, B 2011, EURO: G 2018, S 2016, B 2014

Alex Dujshebaev @alexdujshebaev right back • son of coach Talant Dujshebaev, joined Kielce at the beginning of the 2017/18 season • had a four-year stay in Vardar, winning first CL trophy in club’s history in 2017 • best right back at the M20 EURO 2012 and Junior WCh 2013; best young player of t he CL in 2014/15 and the best right back of the CL in 2016/17 • his younger brother, Daniel, also signed a contract with Kielce in 2017, but he is on a loan with Celje for two years EC trophies: CL: 2016, Cup Winners’ Cup 2007 EURO: G 2018, S 2016, WCh: S 2007, B 2009, 2015 Krzysztof Lijewski right back • wanted to be a basketball player, but chose handball under the influence of his father and older brother, Marcin • joined Kielce in 2012 after seven years in Germany with Hamburg and RN Löwen • best right back of EHF EURO 2014 • extremely versatile player, clever in attack and vigilant in defence, famous for his no-look passes and surprising steals

EC trophies: CL 2016, Cup Winners’ Cup 2007 WCh: S 2007, B 2009, 2015 Blaz Janc @janc8 right wing • one of the biggest talents of Slovenian handball; top scorer for Slovenia at the Rio 2016 Olympics, with 28 goals in six matches • joined Kielce for 2017/18, replacing Tobias Reichmann, who returned to the Bundesliga after three successful years in Vive • playing his seventh season in the CL, after debuting at just 15 and scoring over 100 goals in the competition when he was still a teenager • best right back at M20 EHF EURO 2014 (alongside players two years older than him) WCh: B 2016

47 Barça Lassa

GROUP A Barça Lassa

Last season has not been a fantastic one by Barça’s own standards, irrespective of the Catalan club completing a domestic treble for the fifth year in a row. Barça have seen their 146-game unbeaten streak in the Liga ASOBAL snapped by Granollers, but the most painful moment was the loss against Montpellier in the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16. Montpellier went on to win the European premium competition, but Barça felt like they could have been in the French team’s shoes. A new challenge is looming, however, and there is no time for resentment. Club Address FC Barcelona Lassa “Of course, as every year, we want to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL 4 and win the Avda. Aristides Maillol, s/n competition,” Barça captain Victor Tomas says. “We need to fight hard to secure 08028 Barcelona the best possible position before the Last 16 draw.” Spain While Xavi Pascual has been in charge for the past nine seasons in Palau Blaugrana, the side from Barcelona have never exited the Champions League earlier than last Media contact season. There have been plenty of reasons for Barca’s demise last season, but the Pau Campana +34 683 567251 Spanish champions should have learnt what went wrong and fine-tuned the issues. [email protected] It will help having Aron Palmarsson from the start of the training camp, while future superstar Dika Mem extended his contract with the Spanish outfit until 2024. With the addition of Ludovic Fabregas and Casper Mortensen, Barça look www.fcbarcelona.cat stronger than last season, at least on paper. FCBHandbol Barça’s undoing last season was not the attack, which thrived even without Kiril @FCBHandbol Lazarov and Filip Jicha, but an underwhelming defence. The Spanish champions dozed off at times, which also happened in the games against Montpellier, which @FCBHandbol saw Barça out of contention in the Last 16 phase. The transfer of Gilberto Duarte is clearly a statement of intent in this direction, as Xavier Pascual pointed out the defensive versatility of the Portuguese player.

Kit colours

Light Past achievements Player shirt: light green Player short: light green VELUX EHF Champions League GK shirt: blue or yellow Participations (including 2018/19 season): 22 Winner (8): 1995/96, 1996/97, 1997/98, Dark 1998/99, 1999/00, 2004/05, 2010/11, 2014/15 Player shirt: blue and red Final (3): 2000/01, 2009/10, 2012/13 Player short: blue Semi-final (3): 2007/08, 2013/14, 2016/17 GK shirt: green or black Quarter-final (4): 2005/06, 2006/07, 2011/12, 2015/16 Last 16 (2): 2003/04, 2017/18 Playing hall Main Round (1): 2008/09 Palau Blaugrana Other Av. Aristides Maillol, s/n EHF Cup: Winners 2002/03, Runners-up 2001/02 08028 Barcelona Cup Winners‘ Cup: Winners 1993/94, 1994/95 Spain (IHF) European Champions Cup: 1990/91 Capacity: 7,250 IHF Super Globe: 2013, 2014, 2017 Spanish league: 25 titles (1969, 1973, 1980, 1982, 1986, 1988-92, 1996-2000, 2003, 2006, 2011-18) Spanish Cup winner: 22 titles Asobal Cup winner: 13 titles

48 Barça Lassa EHF Champions League club records 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) MATCHES 2 matches (16.10.2004 – 23.10.2004) Longest winning run 12 2 matches (11.12.2004 – 05.03.2005) 2 matches (15.03.2008 – 06.04.2008) GOALS 2 matches (23.11.2008 – 14.02.2009) 46 Most goals 2 matches (30.05.2010 – 25.09.2010) 2 matches (03.06.2017 – 04.06.2017) GOALS Longest run without win 3 matches (30.05.2010 – 03.10.2010) 11 Fewest goals opponent 3 matches (03.06.2017 – 17.09.2017) 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 41 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 39:41L (a), 31.05.2014 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 21 v Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 22:21L (a), 20.09.2015 Fewest goals opponent 11 v Aalborg Handball DEN 11:31W (a), 15.03.2015 Fewest goals both teams 38 v Elgorriaga Bidasoa ESP 23:15W (h), 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 Stage1994/95 1995/96 FC Barcelona ESP 8 5 2 1 213:173 +40 12:4 Winner 1996/97 FC Barcelona ESP 12 10 1 1 358:264 +94 21:3 Winner 1997/98 FC Barcelona ESP 12 9 1 2 358:284 +74 19:5 Winner 1998/99 FC Barcelona ESP 12 8 3 1 357:289 +68 19:5 Winner 1999/00 FC Barcelona ESP 12 10 0 2 345:271 +74 20:4 Winner 2000/01 FC Barcelona ESP 12 8 2 2 316:281 +35 18:6 Runner-up 2003/04 FC Barcelona ESP 8 5 1 2 262:212 +50 11:5 Last 16 2004/05 FC Barcelona Cifec ESP 14 8 0 6 400:360 +40 16:12 Winner 2005/06 FC Barcelona-Cifec ESP 10 9 0 1 293:244 +49 18:2 1/4-finals 2006/07 FC Barcelona-Cifec ESP 10 8 0 2 314:263 +51 16:4 1/4-finals 2007/08 FC Barcelona ESP 14 11 0 3 475:407 +68 22:6 1/2-finals 2008/09 FC Barcelona Borges ESP 10 6 0 4 307:275 +32 12:8 3rd MR Gr. 4 2009/10 FC Barcelona Borges ESP 16 13 1 2 545:461 +84 27:5 Runner-up 2010/11 FC Barcelona Borges ESP 16 10 3 3 501:451 +50 23:9 Winner 2011/12 FC Barcelona Intersport ESP 14 11 0 3 459:357 +102 22:6 1/4-finals 2012/13 FC Barcelona Intersport ESP 16 13 0 3 488:404 +84 26:6 Runner-up 2013/14 FC Barcelona ESP 16 12 1 3 535:426 +109 25:7 Third Place 2014/15 FC Barcelona ESP 16 14 1 1 527:408 +119 29:3 Winner 2015/16 FC Barcelona Lassa ESP 16 12 1 3 480:431 +49 25:7 1/4-finals 2016/17 FC Barcelona Lassa ESP 18 13 1 4 517:460 +57 27:9 Fourth Place 2017/18 FC Barcelona Lassa ESP 16 10 2 4 463:433 +30 22:10 Last 16 Total 278 205 20 53 8513:7154 +1359 430:126

49 Xavi Pascual coach

• played for Barça and other Spanish clubs, before becoming goalkeeper coach at the record CL winners in 2005 • in 2009 he succeded Manolo Cadenas at Barça’s helm • in 2016-18 he lso had a contract with the Romanian national team • in a historic season 2014/15 season won all the titles with Barça emulating Valero Rivera’s (7 out of 7) success in 1999/00

EC trophies: CL 2011, 2015

Newcomers: Left the club: Ludovic Fabregas (Montpellier/FRA) Viran Morros (PSG) Thiagus Petrus (SC Pick Szeged/HUN) Valero Rivera (HBC Nantes) Casper Mortensen (TSV Hannover-Burgdorf/GER) Borko Ristovski (Benfica) Kevin Möller (SG Flensburg-Handewitt/GER) Alexis Borges (tbc) Gilberto Duarte (Orlen Wisla Plock/POL) Wael Jallouz (Füchse Berlin)

50 Barça Lassa

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 11 Lasse Bredekjaer Andersson DEN L e ft B a c k 11.03.1994 København, DEN 195 96 13 Aitor Arino ESP L e ft W i n g 05.10.1992 Penarth, GBR 187 80 Oriol Blanco ESP R i g h t W i n g 09.03.1999 Mark Daniel Bodor ROU 23.02.2000 43 Iosif Andrei Buzle ROU 03.05.1999 Timisoara, ROU Eduardo Calle Redondo ESP 03.05.2000 Mamadou Diocou ESP 10.03.2000 23 Jure Dolenec SLO R i g h t B a c k 06.12.1988 Kranj, SLO 190 90 5 Gilberto Duarte POR L e ft B a c k 06.07.1990 Portimao, POR 197 96 9 Raul Entrerrios ESP Centre Back 12.02.1981 Gijon, ESP 195 92 David Estepa Ruiz ESP 23.04.1999 27 Ludovic Fabregas FRA L i n e P l a y e r 01.07.1996 Perpignan, FRA 198 100 36 Gerard Forns Galve ESP G o a l k e e p e r 26.12.1994 Sant Boi de Llobregat, ESP 185 82 41 Aleix Gomez ESP R i g h t W i n g 07.05.1997 Sabadell, ESP 183 79 14 Thiagus Petrus Goncalves BRA L e ft B a c k 25.01.1989 Juiz de Fora, BRA 199 100 28 Jannek Klein GER 25.03.1999 Rendsburg, GER 197 92 Juri Knorr GER 09.05.2000 32 Yanis Lenne FRA R i g h t W i n g 29.06.1996 Colmar, FRA 187 81 Adria Leon ESP 30.12.1993 24 Dika Mem FRA R i g h t B a c k 31.08.1997 Paris, FRA 194 90 16 Kevin Møller DEN G o a l k e e p e r 20.06.1989 Tondern, DEN 200 103 20 Casper Mortensen DEN L e ft W i n g 14.12.1989 København, DEN 190 88 19 Timothey N’guessan FRA L e ft B a c k 18.09.1992 Massy, FRA 196 105 Pau Oliveras ESP 11.12.1998 34 Aron Palmarsson ISL Centre Back 19.07.1990 Reykjavik, ISL 193 100 Alex Pascual ESP 13.02.2000 46 Jorge Perez ESP 17.09.2000 Barcelona, ESP 182 78 1 Gonzalo Perez de Vargas ESP G o a l k e e p e r 10.01.1991 Toledo, ESP 190 93 David Roca ESP 09.01.2000 188 77 10 Cedric Sorhaindo FRA L i n e P l a y e r 07.06.1984 La Trinite, ESP 192 110 Ramon Suarez-Pumariega ESP 20.12.1990 21 Kamil Syprzak POL L i n e P l a y e r 23.07.1991 Plock, POL 206 120 C 8 Victor Tomas ESP R i g h t W i n g 15.02.1985 Barcelona, ESP 178 85 Joaquim Vaillo ESP 15.10.1996

51 Barça Lassa

Gonzalo Perez de Vargas @perezdvargas goalkeeper • returned to Barça in 2014 after stints with Granollers and Tolouse to gain experience • voted best goalkeeper in CL and ASOBAL league in 2016/17; in 2016/17 he was the MVP of the ASOBAL league and in 2017/18 he was as well the best goalkeeper) • has represented Spain in all age categories; in national team he shares the goalkeeper position with PSG’s Rodrigo Corrales

EC trophies: CL 2011, 2015 EURO: G 2018, B 2014, S 2016

Casper Mortensen left wing • previously played for German and Danish teams in his career • going into his second CL season, after scoring 61 goals for BSV in 2012/13 • was top scorer in German Bundesliga, with 230 goals, in 2017/18 • his older brother, Andreas, was a football player

EURO: S 2014; WCh: S 2013; OS: G 2016

Raul Entrerrios @raulenterrios centre back @Raul_Entrerrios • one of the household names in Spanish handball • EHF EURO 2016 MVP and best centre back of the ASOBAL League in 2016/17 and 2017/18) • has played for three Spanish clubs (also for Leon and Valladolid); joined Barça in 2010 and has won the CL twice (2011 and 2015)

EC trophies: CL 2011, 2015, Cup Winner’s Cup 2005, 2009 OG: B 2008, EURO: G 2018, S 2006, 2016, B 2014, WCh: G 2015, B 2011 Aron Palmarsson centre back • before joining Veszprém in 2015, the versatile and tactically as well as technically skilled playmaker from Iceland was with Kiel for six years • left Veszprém early in the 2017/18 season after a complicated transfer saga • has one daughter with the famous Icelandic singer, Agusta Eva Erlendsdottir

EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012 EURO: B 2010

52 Barça Lassa @chiki_lf27 Ludovic Fabregas line player • still only 22, he is one of the key players of the golden French generation including Timothey N’guessan, Dika Mem and Yanis Lenne • out injured for three months in 2017/18 as he missed EHF EURO 2018 in Croatia, but back to his best to help Montpellier win the CL, scoring six goals in the final • CL All-star Team line player in 2016/17 • youth world champion in mountain biking before turning to handball at age 15 EC trophies: CL 2018 WCh: G 2017,; OS: S 2016

Cedric Sorhaindo @cesorhaindo line player • key player in defence for Barça and the French national team • arrived in Barcelona in 2010 as an unknown player and now is one of the best in the world in his position with a lot of experience • considers coach Xavi Pascual as a father and Barça as a club for life

EC trophies: CL 2011, 2015 EURO: G 2010, 2014, B 2018, WCh: G 2009, 2015, 2017, OG: G 2012, S 2016

Jure Dolenec @JDolenec11 right back • Slovenian international, joining Barça in the summer of 2017 from Montpellier • was named best right back of the French league in the 2016/17 season • replaced top scorer Kiril Lazarov, who went in the opposite way to France (Nantes) • very efficient player in small spaces and likes to shoot through the defence

WCh: B 2017

Victor Tomas right wing • team captain, one of the most beloved players for his courage and passion • best right wing of the EHF CL 2016/17 and also in ASOBAL League • joined Barça’s youth team in 1998 and has not played for any other club • has won 50 plus trophies with Barça, including 3 CL titles (2005, 2011 and 2015)

EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011, 2015, EHF Cup: 2003 OG: B 2008, EURO: S 2016, B 2014, WCh: G 2013

53 HC Meshkov Brest

GROUP A HC Meshkov Brest Consistency is the key word characterizing HC Meshkov Brest’s performances in the VELUX EHF Champions League in recent years as the Belarusian team reached the Last 16 for three straight seasons. However, the club’s ambitions go further, and Brest hope that new head coach Manolo Cadenas will use his vast experience to pave the way to new heights. Brest’s bosses dream of winning the VELUX EHF Champions League some day, and after playing in the Last 16 for three consecutive seasons, they see reaching Club Address the quarter-final as the next logical step towards the ultimate goal. It will be HC Meshkov Brest hard, given the level of opponents, but the Belarusian champions are certainly Leningradskaya 4 competitive on that level and making it beyond the Last 16 might be quite realistic. 224028 Brest “Our group is strong, and maybe some other teams have better chances as their Belarus squads are stronger. But there is no limit to opportunities. Why can’t we reach the Media contact quarter-final? We will try,” head coach Manolo Cadenas says. Aleksandr Kulbaka While the previous Brest head coach, Sergey Bebeshko, preferred a classic style of +375 162 55 01 40 handball, his successor has a modern approach, which implies fast and dynamic [email protected] play. The team’s style is changing, which has already been visible during preseason matches. However, a learning process is never smooth and it will take time for the bgk-meshkova.com players to adjust to the Spaniard’s requirements. Ever since his arrival at Brest in late 2013, the powerful Serbian line player Rastko bgkmeshkova Stojkovic has played a key role in the team and scored a lot of goals. But this bgk_meshkova summer, the 37-year-old veteran opted to continue his career at Israel’s Maccabi Rishon LeZion. Without him, the position of a line player will probably be less @meshkovbrest productive – Vid Poteko and Viachaslau Shumak are good defenders, but it will be hard for them to contribute as much in attack as Stojkovic did. The 29-year-old Croatian Ivan Pesic has become almost a veteran at Brest, Kit colours going into his sixth season with the club. During that period, the goalkeeper has improved a lot and become a key figure of the team. Despite the interest from Light Pick Szeged and Vardar, Pesic extended his contract with the Belarusian team until Player shirt: red 2022, and his dream is to win a big trophy with Meshkov. Player short: red GK shirt: yellow

Dark Player shirt: blue Past achievements Player short: blue VELUX EHF Champions League GK shirt: black Participations (including 2018/19 season): 10 Last 16 (3): 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18 Group Phase (5): 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2014/15 Qualification (1): 2008/09

Other Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2011/12 Playing hall EHF Cup: Last 16 2003/04 Sportshall Victoria Leningradskaya 4 Belarusian league: 10 titles (2004-08, 2014-18) 224028 Brest Belarusian cup: 11 titles Belarus Capacity: 3,500

54 HC Meshkov Brest

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 34:22 (15:14) v Vojvodina SRB (h), 19.09.2015 Biggest defeat 36:17 (16:8) v GOG Gudme DEN (a), 09.10.2004 Longest winning run 5 matches (24.10.2015 – 05.12.2015) Longest unbeaten run 7 matches (24.10.2015 - 05.03.2016) 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) MATCHES 10 matches (30.09.2006 – 10.11.2007) 10 Longest losing run Most goals 36 v RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 36:36D (a), 27.11.2016 GOALS Most goals opponent 39 v BM Ciudad Real ESP 39:29L (a), 11.11.2006 36 Most goals 39 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 39:31L (a), 28.09.2014 Most goals both teams 72 v RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 36:36D (a), 27.11.2016 GOALS Fewest goals 17 v GOG Gudme DEN 36:17L (a), 09.10.2004 Most goals both teams 72 17 v RK Gorenje Velenje SLO 27:17L (a), 30.10.2004 Fewest goals opponent 20 v TATRAN Presov SVK 20:30W (a), 26.09.2015 20 v Aalborg Handbold DEN 20:23W (a), 08.10.2017 Fewest goals both teams 42 v HC PPD Zagreb CRO 21:21D (h), 18.02.2017

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2004/05 Brestskiy HC Meshkovo BLR 6 1 0 5 143:184 -41 2:10 4th Gr. C 2005/06 Brest HC Meshkov BLR 6 1 0 5 165:183 -18 2:10 4th Gr. E 2006/07 Brest HC Meshkov BLR 6 0 0 6 146:189 –43 0:12 4th Gr. B 2007/08 HC Meshkov Brest BLR 6 1 0 5 154:182 -28 2:10 4th Gr. H 2014/15 HC Meshkov Brest BLR 10 2 2 6 267:293 –26 6:14 5th Gr. A 2015/16 HC Meshkov Brest BLR 14 9 1 4 437:383 +54 19:9 Last 16 2016/17 HC Meshkov Brest BLR 16 5 4 7 434:439 -5 14:18 Last 16 2017/18 HC Meshkov Brest BLR 16 4 3 9 426:466 –40 11:21 Last 16 Total 80 23 10 47 2172:2319 -147 56:104

55 HC Meshkov Brest

Manolo Cadenas coach • replaced Sergey Bebeshko as Brest’s head coach in June 2018, also works as national coach of Argentina since 2017 • between 2013 and 2016, he also combined jobs at a club (Wisla Plock) and a national team (Spain) • previously coached a number of Spanish clubs, including Valladolid, Ademar Leon, Barça and Granollers

EC trophies: Cup Winner’s Cup 1989, 1999, 2005 EHF EURO: B 2014, S 2016

Newcomers: Left the club: Aliaksandr Bachko (Cocks) Aleh Astrashapkin (Csurgói KK) Darko Djukic (PGE Vive Kielce) Dzmitry Nikulenkau (SKA Minsk) Sandro Obranovic (Chambery Savoie) Rastko Stojkovich (Maccabi Srugo Rishon Lezion) Sime Ivic (Orlen Wisla Plock) Rade Mijatovic (Ferencvarosi) Konstantn Igropulo (tbc) Rajko Prodanovic (tbc) Ljubo Vukic (tbc)

56 HC Meshkov Brest

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth HeightWeight 10 Aliaksandr Bachko BLR Centre Back 15.08.1989 Grandichi, BLR 189 90 24 Maksim Baranau BLR R i g h t W i n g 11.04.1988 Bobruysk, BLR 188 82 4 Yahor Budzeika BLR R i g h t B a c k 01.05.2000 Baranovichi, BLR 195 88 21 Vitali Charapenka BLR G o a l k e e p e r 27.01.1984 Brest, BLR 193 90 38 Pavel Darafeyeu BLR L e ft B a c k 28.01.1997 Brest, BLR 208 90 55 Petar Djordjic SRB L e ft B a c k 17.09.1990 Sabac, SRB 197 102 45 Darko Djukic SRB R i g h t W i n g 11.12.1994 Nis, SRB 191 78 28 Pavel Horak CZE L e ft B a c k 28.11.1982 Prerov, CZE 198 112 19 Sime Ivic CRO R i g h t B a c k 21.01.1993 Split, CRO 195 93 41 Uladzimir Korsak BLR G o a l k e e p e r 16.10.1996 Brest, BLR 195 92 7 Artsiom Kulak BLR Centre Back 23.02.1996 Brest, BLR 190 88 77 Valiantsin Kuran BLR Centre Back 12.02.1998 Brest, BLR 180 80 50 Mikita Lashchakou BLR L e ft B a c k 28.05.1996 Brest, BLR 196 90 12 Ivan Matskevich BLR G o a l k e e p e r 08.05.1991 Lepel, BLR 190 91 34 Sandro Obranovic CRO Centre Back 18.10.1992 Karlovac, CRO 195 98 1 Ivan Pesic CRO G o a l k e e p e r 17.03.1989 Rijeka, CRO 193 112 15 Vid Poteko SLO L i n e P l a y e r 05.04.1991 Celje, SLO 193 94 31 Simon Razgor SLO L e ft W i n g 18.09.1985 Celje, SLO 183 84 3 Dzianis Rutenka BLR R i g h t W i n g 14.02.1986 Minsk, BLR 187 85 42 Artsiom Selvasiuk BLR L i n e P l a y e r 08.12.1992 Brest, BLR 190 93 9 Alexsander Shkurinskiy RUS L e ft B a c k 11.04.1995 Krasnodar region, RUS 190 78 22 Viachaslau Shumak BLR L i n e P l a y e r 22.12.1988 Brest, BLR 204 116 C 88 Siarhei Shylovich BLR R i g h t B a c k 16.05.1986 Bobrujsk, BLR 198 95 5 Andrei Yashchanka BLR L e ft B a c k 07.01.1992 Gomel, BLR 194 85 14 Andrei Yurynok BLR L e ft W i n g 21.09.1996 Brest, BLR 179 70

57 HC Meshkov Brest

Ivan Pesic goalkeeper • was invited to Brest in 2013 by then coach, and fellow Croatian, Zeljko Babic • also played for RK Maribor Branik, HC Zagreb and Veszprém • had kidney removed after being stabbed in 2009 in tragic night club incident, in which teammate Marian Cozma was killed • practiced taekwondo successfully in his childhood, won several medals at junior level before focusing on handball

Andrey Yurynok left wing • born in Brest, but started career in Minsk (Vityaz, SKA) and joined Meshkov in 2016 • was a line player in his youth, but then coaches successfully put him on the left wing • best scorer of Belarus at EHF EURO 2018 with 24 goals • named the best young left wing of the world in 2017/18

Pavel Horak @plonka82 left back • 35-year-old Czech player, joined Brest from HC Erlangen in 2017 • started career at Banik Karvina, where he won the Czech league five times • since 2006, spent 11 seasons in Germany playing for Ahlener SG, Frisch Auf Göppingen, Füchse Berlin and HC Erlangen • won EHF Cup three times - with Göppingen 2011 and 2012, with Füchse in 2015

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2011, 2012, 2015

Aleksander Shkurinskiy left back • the Russian player joined Brest in 2017 from SKIF Krasnodar • turned down offers from French teams as well as Chekhovskie Medvedi • despite a number of injuries, had an impressive debut season at Brest and became one of the team’s key players • member of Russia’s national team since 2015

58 HC Meshkov Brest

Artsiom Kulak centre back • moved to Brest in 2015 from Vityaz Minsk • talented playmaker who is also a good scorer • has extended his contract with Brest until 2021 • as son of a musician, he learned playing the guitar at a specialized school

Vid Poteko @vpoteko line player • Slovenian joined Brest in the summer of 2017 • before that, spent all his career at Celje • won Slovenian league four times, and Belarusian league once • praised for his professional attitude and care about health and nutrition

WCh: B 2017

Siarhei Shylovich right back • moved to Brest from Poland’s Pogon Szczecin in February 2014 • previously played for three Minsk-based teams: Dinamo, SKA and Arkatron • won Challenge Cup 2013 with SKA Minsk • became Brest’s captain in the summer of 2018 following Dzmitry Nikulenkau’s departure to SKA Minsk

EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2013

Dzianis Rutenka right wing • younger brother of retired Siarhei Rutenka, the famous Belarusian left back • unlike his brother, Dzianis spent most of his career in his home country • a 10-time Belarusian champion, winning five titles with each Dinamo Minsk and Meshkov Brest • regular member of the Belarus national team

59 Telekom Veszprém HC

GROUP A Telekom Veszprém HC

Telekom Veszprém HC have to find their way back to success. The Hungarian side crashed out of the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16 against Skjern Håndbold, and later lost the final for the national league title to MOL-Pick Szeged. Coach Ljubomir Vranjes and his team are motivated to regain the domestic title and get to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 again. Despite the struggles of last year, Veszprém are still Veszprém, and they belong to Club Address the top teams of Europe. Maybe the pressure will be bigger but the team is eager Telekom Veszprém HC to fight themselves back to the top. 5 Külső Kádártai út “You always want to win the Champions League. It is the main target for every 8200 Veszprém club,” Vranjes says. “We played a good group phase but we played badly in Hungary the knockout stage. We are developing the team and to do so, you need the Media contact Champions League to have the best players.” Zsolt Sevinger Veszprém’s misery last season was a temporary period, which is over, Vranjes says. +36 305024547 “Veszprém’s attack and defence tactics are already in my mind,” the coach says. [email protected] “We combine three types of defensive formations, a closed and an opened six- wall defence, and a five-one open defence. It will depend on our opponent what formation we will play. I am optimistic and looking forward to the new season.” handballveszprem.hu Mate Lekai took on the playmaker’s role after Aron Palmarsson left the club early veszpremhandballteam in the pre-season last year. Lekai was the key to several wins in the Champions @mkbveszpremkc League, which gave Veszprém the second place in the group. For the Hungarian international, the reasons for his improvement are obvious: “I have more chances @handballveszprem to be on the court and get more playing time. I feel more confident as Ljubomir Vranjes trusts me.” After failing to reach, at least, the quarter-final for the first time since 2012, Veszprém know the only way is up in the new season. “We would like to qualify for Kit colours the FINAL4 and, of course, the dream is still to win the Champions League,” team Light captain László Nagy says Player shirt: white Player short: white Past achievements GK shirt: green VELUX EHF Champions League Dark Participations (including 2018/19 season): 24 Player shirt: red Final (3): 2001/02, 2014/15, 2015/16 Player short: red Semi-final (4): 2002/03, 2005/06, 2013/14, GK shirt: black 2016/17 Quarter-final (9): 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2012/13 Last 16 (4): 1993/94, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2017/18 Playing hall Group Phase (3): 1994/95, 1995/96, 2007/08 Veszprém Arena Other Külso Kadartai ut Cup Winners‘ Cup: Winners 2007/08, Runners-up 8200 Veszprém 1996/97 Hungary SEHA-league: 2 titles (2015, 2016) Capacity: 5,096 Hungarian league: 25 titles (1985, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008-17) Hungarian Cup winner: 27 times

60 Telekom Veszprém HC

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 38:17 (18:9) v HC Granitas Kaunas LTU (h), 06.11.2004 Biggest defeat 30:18 (16:8) 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) MATCHES Longest losing run 3 matches (16.01.1996 – 08.02.1996) 11 Longest winning run 3 matches (12.11.2017 – 26.11.2017) Longest run without win 4 matches (09.01.1999 – 31.10.1999) GOALS Most goals 46 Most goals 46 v MSK SIRS Povazska Bystrica SVK 46:26W (h), 07.10.2006

GOALS 46 v MSK SIRS Povazska Bystrica SVK 30:46W (a), 21.10.2006 77 Most goals both teams Most goals opponent 39 v THW Kiel GER 39:32L (a), 01.03.2007 39 v KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 39:38La7m (a), 29.05.2016 Most goals both teams 77 v KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 39:38La7m (a), 29.05.2016 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 Stage1994/95 1994/95 Fotex Veszprem HUN 6 2 2 2 131:147 –16 6:6 3rd Gr. A 1995/96 Fotex Veszprem HUN 6 3 0 3 147:144 +3 6:6 3rd Gr. A 1997/98 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 8 5 1 2 228:204 +24 11:5 1/4-finals 1998/99 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 8 3 1 4 200:188 +12 7:9 1/4-finals 1999/00 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 8 4 0 4 203:202 +1 8:8 1/4-finals 2001/02 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 12 9 0 3 310:267 +43 18:6 Runner-up 2002/03 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 10 8 0 2 276:238 +38 16:4 1/2-finals 2003/04 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 10 7 0 3 306:276 +30 14:6 1/4-finals 2004/05 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 10 7 0 3 317:259 +58 14:6 1/4-finals 2005/06 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 9 0 3 373:318 +55 18:6 1/2-finals 2006/07 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 10 7 0 3 338:288 +50 14:6 1/4-finals 2007/08 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 6 2 2 2 184:171 +13 6:6 3rd Gr. F 2008/09 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 8 0 4 351:320 +31 16:8 1/4-finals 2009/10 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 14 11 0 3 419:368 +51 22:6 1/4-finals 2010/11 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 9 0 3 373:338 +35 18:6 Last 16 2011/12 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 7 0 5 321:322 -1 14:10 Last 16 2012/13 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 14 11 0 3 410:348 +62 22:6 1/4-finals 2013/14 MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 16 11 1 4 477:410 +67 23:9 Fourth Place 2014/15 MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 16 13 1 2 480:423 +57 27:5 Runner-up 2015/16 MVM Veszprém HUN 20 15 2 3 600:539 +61 32:8 Runner-up 2016/17 Telekom Veszprém HUN 20 13 2 5 549:511 +38 28:12 Third Place 2017/18 Telekom Veszprém HC HUN 16 9 2 5 466:439 +27 20:12 Last 16 Total 258 173 14 71 7459:6720 +739 360:156

61 Telekom Veszprém HC

Ljubomir Vranjes coach • former Swedish national team player, was still on the players’ list of Flensburg before he joined Veszprém in 2017 • awarded IHF coach of the Year in 2014 • after winning the CL in the 2014/15 season he declined offers from PSG and the German national team • led Serbia to the EHF EURO 2014 in Denmark as a caretaker, but did not continue • creative photographer in his spare time and published his book of memoirs

EC trophies: CL 2014 (as coach), Cup Winners’ Cup 2012 (as coach) OG: S 2000, WCh: G 1999, EURO: G 1998, 2000 and 2002

@LVranjes

Newcomers: Left the club: Árpád Sterbik (HC Vardar/MKD) Cristian Ugalde (TSV Hannover-Burgdorf/GER) Borut Mackovsek (RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko/SLO) Gábor Ancsin (FTC, on loan/HUN) Kentin Mahé (SG Flensburg-Handewitt/GER) Mátyás Győri (Grundfos Tatabánya, on loan/HUN) Manuel Strlek (PGE Vive Kielce/POL) Mirko Alilovic (MOL-Pick Szeged/HUN) René Toft Hansen (THW Kiel/GER) Renato Sulic (Wisla Plock/POL) Timuzsin Schuch (FTC/HUN)

62 Telekom Veszprém HC

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 20 William Accambray FRA L e ft B a c k 08.04.1988 Cannes, FRA 194 110 31 Blaz Blagotinsek SLO L i n e P l a y e r 17.01.1994 Celje, SLO 203 122 45 Uros Borzas HUN L e ft B a c k 28.07.1999 Zenta, SRB 196 92 42 Aleksandar Djurdjevic SRB G o a l k e e p e r 20.07.1997 Pec, SRB 193 87 48 Borisz Dörnyei HUN R i g h t W i n g 23.07.1999 Veszprém, HUN 183 75 49 Bence Ernei HUN L e ft W i n g 29.09.1998 Veszprém, HUN 185 81 17 Dragan Gajic SLO R i g h t W i n g 21.07.1984 Celje, SLO 188 84 13 Momir Ilic SRB L e ft B a c k 22.12.1981 Arandjelovac, SRB 198 108 44 Moorchegani Iman Jamali HUN L e ft B a c k 11.10.1991 Esfahan, IRI 202 108 66 Mate Lekai HUN Centre Back 16.06.1988 Budapest, HUN 190 87 96 Patrik Ligetvari HUN L e ft B a c k 13.02.1996 Várpalota, HUN 203 115 51 Borut Mackovsek SLO L e ft B a c k 11.09.1992 Koper, SLO 203 101 35 Kentin Mahe FRA Centre Back 22.05.1991 Paris, FRA 186 93 2 Dejan Manaskov MKD L e ft W i n g 26.08.1992 Veles, FRA 181 84 24 Gasper Marguc SLO R i g h t W i n g 20.08.1990 Celje, SLO 180 84 16 Roland Mikler HUN G o a l k e e p e r 20.09.1984 Dunaujvaros, HUN 190 101 C 19 Laszlo Nagy HUN R i g h t B a c k 03.03.1981 Szeged, HUN 207 116 34 Petar Nenadic SRB Centre Back 28.06.1986 Belgrade, SRB 198 93 18 Andreas Nilsson SWE L i n e P l a y e r 12.04.1990 Trelleborg, SWE 197 121 1 Arpad Sterbik ESP G o a l k e e p e r 20.11.1979 Zenta, SRB 199 119 26 Manuel Strlek CRO L e ft W i n g 01.12.1988 Zagreb, CRO 182 84 47 Lev Szuharev HUN R i g h t B a c k 17.08.2000 Nyíregyháza, HUN 197 97 30 Mirsad Terzic BIH L e ft B a c k 12.07.1983 Priboj, BIH 196 105 9 Rene Toft Hansen DEN L i n e P l a y e r 01.11.1984 Rybjerg, DEN 200 104 15 Kent Robin Tönnesen NOR R i g h t B a c k 05.06.1991 Partille, SWE 194 104

63 Telekom Veszprém HC

Roland Mikler @miklerroland goalkeeper • All-star goalkeeper at Junior WCh 2005, where he led Hungary to bronze • Hungarian national team member is quick, compact and excellent at directing defence • as a teenager Mikler reached the semi-final of the EHF Cup over a decade ago, with Dunaferr in 2003, and won it with Szeged in 2014 • joined Veszprém in 2014 after the EHF Cup success with Szeged EC trophy: EHF Cup 2014

Arpad Sterbik goalkeeper • among world’s best goalkeepers, holds Hungarian, Serbian and Spanish citizenship • signed with Veszprém after 10 seasons spent in Barcelona, then moving from Spain in 2014 to Vardar where he spent three years • received dozens of international awards, including 2005 IHF World Handball Player of the Year, MVP of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2017 and best goalkeeper of the Spanish league five times

EC trophies: CL 2006, 2008, 2009, 2017 WCh: G 2013, B 1999, B 2001, B 2011; EURO: G 2018, S 2016

Momir Ilic left back • CL top scorer in 2013/14 and 2014/15, and became first player to score more than 100 goals in three consecutive CL seasons • won seven titles during his four years with Kiel before joining Veszprém in 2013 • MVP of the EURO 2012, having led Serbia to their first medal as an independent country • CL All-star team left back in 2013/14 and 2015/16 EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012 EURO: S 2012

Kentin Mahé @kentinmahe35 centre back • joined Veszprém in 2018 after spells with Flensburg, Hamburg, Gummersbach and Dormagen, where was coached by his father Pascal • Men’s 20 EURO 2010 MVP and top scorer (49 goals); 2015 EHF Cup Finals MVP • made debut for the French national team in 2010 and now one of their key players • reached the Cup Winners’ Cup final with Gummersbach in 2011/12 and EHF Cup final with HSV in 2014/15

OG: S 2016, WCh: G 2015, 2017, EURO: B 2018

64 Telekom Veszprém HC

Mate Lekai @lekaimate centre back • member of Hungarian national team, impressed at former clubs PLER and Szeged • returned to Hungary from Celje where he spent two seasons • had a lot of troubles with injuries during his first season with Celje, played whole secons half of league final with broken finger • CL top scorer for the club in 2017/18 with a career-best 75 goals

René Toft Hansen line player • EHF EURO 2012 All-Star team member • in the CL since 2007 with clubs KIF Kolding, AG Kobenhavn and Kiel • one brother (Henrik) plays for PSG, his other brother (Allan) for Mors-Thy, and his sister (Majbritt) for Aarhaus – all four are line players

OG: G 2016, WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014

Laszlo Nagy @laszlonagy19 right back • started his career as a basketball player and was close to a move to the USA at 13 • decided for handball and became one of the best right backs in the world • transferred from Szeged to Barcelona in 2006 and became the captain despite being a foreigner; captain of Veszprém since 2014 • All-Star right back of the 2013 WCh and the 2012/13 CL season

EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011, EHF Cup 2003

Gasper Marguc right wing • took part in the WCh in France in 2017, where Slovenia won bronze • came to Veszprém from Celje where he was playing since 2009 • played his best season so far in 2012/13 and became Slovenia’s top scorer in the CL, netting 72 times (10th overall) • played two amazing matches against THW Kiel in 2012/13, scoring a perfect 18 from 18 attempts against the legendary goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer

WCh: B 2017

65 Montpellier HB GROUP A Montpellier HB For the first time a team from Groups C/D made it all the way to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne last season. Montpellier HB went even one step further and lifted the trophy, for the second time after their 2003 title. Now starting in Group A, can Montpellier surprise everyone again? Since the introduction of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in the 2009/10 season, no team have won the title two years in a row. Montpellier are obviously proud of their achievement but experienced coach Patrice Canayer knows that repeating Club Address the feat will be hard. “Winning the trophy is so hard for a team that has been Montpellier HB ranked among the favourites. But we are ready to take on the task with all Centre Jean Paul Lacombe humility required,” the two-time Champions League winner says. “But, for a 1000 Av Val de Montferrand club like Montpellier, to qualify for the quarter-finals would already be a good 34090 Montpellier Cedex performance.” France Group A includes the last four winners of the Champions League (Barcelona, Kielce, Media contact Vardar and Montpellier) as well as the 2015 and 2016 finalists Veszprém alongside Suzy De Monte always dangerous German side Rhein-Neckar Löwen. +33 (0)6 87 73 58 42 After two seasons competing in Groups C and D, Montpellier might now have s.demonte@ to learn how to play the Europe’s powerhouses every weekend. “All eight teams montpellierhandball.com in the group are potential Champions League winners,” captain Michaël Guigou says. “It will be tough for everybody. Vardar lost some players but are still very montpellierhandball.com competitive, Barcelona will be eager to come back after losing against us in the MHB - Montpellier Handball Last 16 last season. It will be very hard for us but we can also enjoy the fact that some exciting games are ahead of us.” @mhbofficiel Ludovic Fabregas was a key player on both sides of the court last season. To replace him, coach Canayer picked Swedish line player Fredric Pettersson, who played the @mhbofficiel Men’s EHF EURO 2018 Final with his national team in January. Even though the loss of the French national team player is huge, Montpellier have proven in the past that they were able to effectively replace key players, like they did with Jure Kit colours Dolenec. Light Past achievements Player shirt: white VELUX EHF Champions League Player short: white Participations (including 2018/19 season): 21 GK shirt: light blue/yellow Winners (2): 2002/03, 2017/18 Semi-final (1): 2004/05 Dark Quarter-final (5): 2000/01, 2005/06, 2009/10, Player shirt: blue 2010/11, 2016/17 Player short: blue Last 16 (6): 1995/96, 2003/04, 2006/07, GK shirt: purple 2011/12, 2014/15, 2016/17 Main Round (2): 2007/08, 2008/09 Playing hall Group Phase (3): 1998/99, 1999/00, 2012/13 Sud de France Arena Montpellier Qualification (1): 2013/14 Rue de la Foire Other 34470 Pérols/Montpellier EHF Cup: Runners-up 2013/14, Quarter-final: France 1996/97 Capacity: 8,000 Last 16: 1993/94, 1994/95 Last 32: 1997/98 Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2001/02 French league: 14 titles (1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012) French cup: 13 titles Ligue’s cup: 10 titles

66 Montpellier HB

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 46:20 (26:9) 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 8 matches (15.10.2016 – 04.03.2017) 8 matches (16.09.2017 – 19.11.2017) Longest unbeaten run 11 matches (15.10.2016 – 02.04.2017) MATCHES Longest losing run 6 matches (14.02.2016 – 27.03.2016) Longest winning run 8 Longest run without win 6 matches (14.02.2016 – 27.03.2016)

GOALS Most goals 46 v AC PAOK GRE 46:20W (h), 04.10.2009 46 Most goals 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 GOALS Most goals both teams 78 v VfL Gummersbach GER 41:37W (h), 09.02.2008 Most goals both teams 78 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

EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 1998/99 Montpellier HB FRA 6 3 0 3 134:134 0 6:6 3rd Gr. A 1999/00 Montpellier HB FRA 6 3 0 3 139:148 -9 6:6 3rd Gr. A 2000/01 Montpellier HB FRA 8 4 1 3 193:193 0 9:7 1/4-finals 2002/03 Montpellier HB FRA 12 8 1 3 334:311 +23 17:7 Winner 2003/04 Montpellier HB FRA 8 6 0 2 216:199 +17 12:4 Last 16 2004/05 Montpellier HB FRA 12 9 0 3 375:328 +47 18:6 1/2-finals 2005/06 Montpellier HB FRA 10 6 0 4 282:272 +10 12:8 1/4-finals 2006/07 Montpellier HB FRA 8 5 1 2 224:198 +26 11:5 Last 16 2007/08 Montpellier HB FRA 12 7 0 5 358:348 +10 14:10 3rd MR Gr. 2 2008/09 Montpellier HB FRA 10 6 1 3 295:275 +20 13:7 4th MR Gr. 3 2009/10 Montpellier HB FRA 14 10 2 2 447:372 +75 22:6 1/4-finals 2010/11 Montpellier Agglom. HB FRA 14 10 0 4 442:379 +63 20:8 1/4-finals 2011/12 Montpellier Agglom. HB FRA 12 6 0 6 357:357 0 12:12 Last 16 2012/13 Montpellier Agglom. HB FRA 10 2 2 6 301:311 –10 6:14 5th Gr. A 2014/15 Montpellier Agglom. HB FRA 12 4 2 6 351:377 –26 10:14 Last 16 2015/16 Montpellier HB FRA 16 3 1 12 429:472 –43 7:25 Last 16 2016/17 Montpellier HB FRA 16 11 1 4 476:425 +51 23:9 1/4-finals 2017/18 Montpellier HB FRA 18 14 1 3 530:464 +66 29:7 Winner Total 204 117 13 74 5883:5563 +320 247:161

67 Montpellier HB

Patrice Canayer coach • has started in his 25th season as Montpellier head coach • winning the CL 2017/18 was the 41th trophy he won with the club • starting coaching career in 1994 with players like Nikola Karabatic, Thierry Omeyer, Jerome Fernandez and Didier Dinart on the team • played for Bordeaux and Racing Paris in his active career • named CL coach of the season in 2017/18

EC trophies: CL 2003, 2018

Newcomers: Left the club: Fredric Pettersson (Toulouse/FRA) Ludovic Fabregas (Barça Lassa)

68 Montpellier HB

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 33 Benjamin Afgour FRA L i n e P l a y e r 01.04.1991 Rethel, FRA 195 110 29 Arnaud Bingo FRA W i n g 12.10.1987 Lyon, FRA 190 80 24 Baptiste Bonnefond FRA L e ft B a c k 22.01.1993 Lyon, FRA 193 97 13 Julien Bos FRA R i g h t B a c k 18.08.1998 Pessac, FRA 188 82 6 Theophile Causse FRA R i g h t W i n g 12.10.1992 Port au Prince, FRA 180 73 25 Jean Loup Faustin FRA Centre Back 23.03.1995 Montpellier, FRA 185 85 1 Vincent Gerard FRA G o a l k e e p e r 16.12.1986 Woippy, FRA 189 104 10 Mathieu Grebille FRA L e ft W i n g 06.10.1991 Paris, FRA 198 98 C 14 Michael Guigou FRA Centre Back 28.01.1982 Apt, FRA 180 78 15 Antoine Jonnier FRA L i n e P l a y e r 18.08.1998 Libourne, FRA 23 Vid Kavticnik SLO R i g h t W i n g 24.05.1984 Gradec, SLO 190 85 89 Mohamed Mamdouh EGY L i n e P l a y e r 01.04.1989 Cairo, EGY 193 100 18 Fredric Pettersson SWE L i n e P l a y e r 11.02.1989 Jönköping, SWE 201 115 98 Rubens Pierre FRA G o a l k e e p e r 14.05.1999 St.Hon., FRA 203 107 28 Valentin Porte FRA R i g h t W i n g 07.09.1990 Versailles, FRA 190 92 16 Nikola Portner SUI G o a l k e e p e r 19.11.1993 Lyon, FRA 194 90 22 Melvyn Richardson FRA R i g h t B a c k 31.01.1997 Marseille, FRA 190 85 97 Maxime Savonne FRA G o a l k e e p e r 11.01.1997 Nimes , FRA 195 85 4 Diego Simonet ARG Centre Back 26.12.1989 Buenos Aires, ARG 189 89 39 Mohamed Soussi TUN L e ft B a c k 17.01.1993 Nabeul, TUN 195 98 7 Jonas Truchanovicius LTU L e ft B a c k 24.06.1993 Siauliai, LTU 203 96 Giorgi Tskhovrebadze GEO R i g h t B a c k 19.02.2001 GEO 5 Kyllian Villeminot FRA Centre Back 20.05.1998 Lyon , FRA 189 82

69 Montpellier HB

Vincent Gerard goalkeeper • formed in Montpellier, he moved to Istres, Dunkerque, but returned in 2015 • will leave the club after the 2018/19 season to join Paris Saint-Germain • his exuberant celebrations have made of him a fan favourite • best goalkeeper of the WCh 2017 • France No. 1 goalkeeper after Thierry Omeyer’s international retirement

EC trophies: CL 2018 OG: S 2016, WCh: G 2017, EURO B 2018

Michael Guigou left wing / centre back • player with the longest Montpellier history, currently in his 19th season with the club • has developed from a goal scorer to a playmaker in recent years as he is able to play as centre back as well • only player from CL-winning squad in 2003 who is still with the team • has suffered from various injuries in recent seasons

EC trophies: CL 2003, 2018, OG : G 2008-12, S 2016, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2018 WCh: G 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017, B 2005

Jonas Truchanovicius left back • one of very few Lithuanian players to have appeared in the CL, and the first win it • arrived in 2016 and quickly adapted to Montpellier’s demanding style of play • at his best on left back position but can also play centre back • proved his potential in 2017/18 with outstanding performances against Barça and Flensburg-Handewitt

EC trophies: CL 2018

Diego Simonet @chinosimonet centre back • played an instrumental role in Montpellier’s race to the CL 2017/18 title, becoming MVP of the FINAL4 • his two brothers, Sebastian and Pablo, are also professional handball players. Sebastian will also play in the CL this season, with Leon • suffered a knee injury which left him on the side line for eight months in 2016/17 • has been elected Argentinian Handball Player of the Year four times

EC trophies: CL 2018

70 Montpellier HB

Fredric Pettersson line player • arrived in Montpellier in 2018, after playing for two seasons in Toulouse • impressive offensive player, who was the second best scorer at Toulouse • played CL before, with Swedish side IFK Kristianstad in 2015 and 2016 • part of upcoming strong Swedish generation, alongside Hampus Wanne, Mattias Zachrisson and Jesper Nielsen EURO: S 2018

Valentin Porte @valhand28 right back • arrived in Montpellier in 2016, reached the CL Quarter-finals in his debut season and won the CL in his second year • played on the right wing until 2014 when then national team coach Claude Onesta placed him on the back court, with great success • rose to prominence during EHF EURO 2014, scoring 16 goals in semi-final and final • golf aficionado, having learned a lot from his teammates, like Barça goalkeeper Gonzalo Perez de Vargas

EC trophies: CL 2018 OG: S 2016; WCh: G 2015, 2017; EURO: G 2014, B 2018

Vid Kavticnik @vidko right back • one of few Montpellier players who also won CL with another club - Kiel in 2007 • former right wing, evolved into a right back who can also play in the middle of the attack if needed • only player remaining from the Slovenian era at Montpellier, when he played with the likes of Dragan Gajic and Jure Dolenec

EC trophies: CL 2007, 2018 WCh: B 2017, EURO: S 2004

Melvyn Richardson @melvyn_richardson right back • son of Jackson Richardson, who won CL in 2001 with Portland San Antonio, 17 years before Melvyn would repeat the feat with Montpellier • at his best on the back court but also able to play on the wing, from where he once scored nine times in a French league game in 2017/18 • played for the first time with the French team in June 2017

EC trophies: CL 2018

71 IFK Kristianstad

GROUP A IFK Kristianstad A strong finish to the group phase last season earned IFK Kristianstad a berth for the Last 16 for the first time. Having won the Swedish championship for the fourth time in a row, and entering the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase for the fourth time, Kristianstad are trying to pull another surprise this year. But the team from former ‘Bengan Boy’ Ola Lindgren will have to compensate for several key players who have left. “It will be the toughest group phase so far. Vardar, Veszprém, Rhein-Neckar Löwen, Club Address Montpellier, Barcelona and Brest are all on the highest level,” team manager and IFK Kristianstad former player Jesper Larsson says. “We will certainly try to surprise, but it is going Västra Storgatan 69 to be hard. Our chance is to do something different, that the other teams not do… 29154 Kristanstad We have to get our seven new players into how we play and think, and that can Sweden take some time.”

Media contact At home, in their Kristianstad Arena, they have always been a strong force. Larsson Sebastian Rosenberg hopes the team will now also earn points regularly in away matches. “We are +46 768 506651 aiming to take some points away as well,” he says. “We have been close for a sebastian.rosenberg@ifkkris- number of times, but this year it is about time for a couple of (big) points.” tianstad.se Each year, Kristianstad have to close gaps in their team from important players who www.ifkkristianstad.se have left for bigger clubs in bigger leagues. This season is no exception as they have to try to replace players like right back Albin Lagergren, right wing Tim Sørensen IFKKristianstad and playmaker Gunnar Steinn Jonsson, all internationals in their respective countries. @IFKKristianstad “Once again we try to build a new team with hungry players who like to run,” team @ifk1899 manager Larsson says. “We are optimistic about the season and it is going to be great to welcome clubs of that dignity again. The fans will surely come and again make it into an extraordinary happening.” Kit colours The 23-year-old Spaniard Marc Canellas has joined IFK this summer from Light Granollers. He is the younger brother of Joan Canellas, and he will have to step Player shirt: orange out of his sibling’s shadow to help Kristianstad being successful in the Champions Player short: white League again. Like Joan at Szeged, Marc Canellas is a playmaker, and his main tasks GK shirt: red/yellow/ will be to organise Kristianstad’s attacking play and tie their new backcourt line black/white together.

Dark Past achievements Player shirt: black Player short: black VELUX EHF Champions League GK shirt: red/yellow/ Participations (including 2018/19 season): 4 black/white Last 16 (1): 2017/18 Group Phase (3): 2015/16, 2016/17

Other EHF Cup: Group Phase 2013/14

Swedish league: 8 titles (1941, 1948, 1952, Playing hall 1953, 2015-18) Kristianstad Arena Västra Storgatan 69 S-29154 Kristianstad Sweden Capacity: 4,800

72 IFK Kristianstad

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 21:30 (13:11) v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN (a), 06.03.2016 Biggest defeat 31:15 (14:8) v HC Vardar MKD MKD (a), 07.12.2017 Longest winning run 1 match (16.09.2015) 1 match (22.10.2015) 1 match (06.03.2016)

MATCH 1 match (08.10.2016) 1 Longest winning run 1 match (11.02.2017) 1 match (04.03.2017) GOALS 1 match (11.11.2017) 36 Most goals 1 match (26.11.2017) 1 match (04.03.2018) GOALS Longest unbeaten run 3 matches (11.11.2017 – 26.11.2017) 74 Most goals both teams Longest losing run 5 matches (23.09.2017 – 04.11.2017) Longest run without win 7 matches (14.11.2015 – 25.02.2016) 7 matches (12.03.2017 – 04.11.2017) Most goals 36 v HC Vardar MKD 38:36L (a), 20.02.2016 Most goals opponent 38 v HC Vardar MKD 38:36L (a), 20.02.2016 38 v KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 38:28L (a), 01.10.2016 Most goals both teams 74 v HC Vardar MKD 38:36L (a), 20.02.2016 Fewest goals 15 v HC Vardar MKD 31:15L (a), 07.12.2017 Fewest goals opponent 21 v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 21:30W (a), 06.03.2016 Fewest goals both teams 46 v HC Vardar MKD 31:15L (a), 07.12.2017

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2015/16 IFK Kristianstad SWE 14 3 1 10 409:437 –28 7:21 7th Gr. B 2016/17 IFK Kristianstad SWE 14 3 2 9 381:411 –30 8:20 8th Gr. B 2017/18 IFK Kristianstad SWE 16 3 2 11 401:468 –67 8:24 Last 16 Total 44 9 5 30 1191:1316 –125 23:65

73 IFK Kristianstad

Ola Lindgren coach • head coach in Kristianstad since 2012, celebrated his greatest triumph by leading them to their first Swedish title in 62 years in 2014/15 • before returning home was coach at HSG Nordhorn and Rhein-Neckar Löwen • apart from being head coach in Kristianstad, was in charge of the Sweden national team, together with Staffan Olsson, from 2008 to 2016 • was a great line player in his days on court, winning two World Championships and four European titles, among other medals, during the golden age of Swedish handball • with 376 matches for Sweden, he has the second most caps in the national team

OG: S 1992, 1996, 2000, WCh: G 1990, 1999, S 1997, 2001, B 1993, 1995, EURO: G 1994, 1998, 2000

Newcomers: Left the club: Alfred Ehn (IFK Skövde/SWE) Albin Lagergren (SC Magdeburg/GER) Marc Canellas Reixach (Granollers/ESP) Tim Sörensen (Göppingen/GER) Teitur Einarsson (Selfoss/ICE) Gunnar Steinn Jonsson (Ribe/Esbjerg/DEN) Anton Halén (Göppingen/GER) Mario Lipovac (Ystad/SWE) Adam Nyfjäll (Sönderjyske/DEN) Inge Aas Eriksen (Fyllingen/NOR) Emil Hansson (Ystad/SWE) Ludvig Jurmala (Tyresö/SWE)

74 IFK Kristianstad

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 5 Arnar Freyr Arnarsson ISL L i n e P l a y e r 14.03.1996 Reykjavik, ISL 200 114 12 Gustaf Banke SWE G o a l k e e p e r 07.01.1999 Kristianstad, SWE 191 100 39 William Bengtsson SWE L e ft B a c k 20.06.2000 Kristianstad, SWE 195 96 37 Zoran Bozic SWE Centre Back 03.04.2001 Kristianstad, SWE 188 78 14 Marc Cañellas ESP Centre Back 21.07.1995 St. Maria de Palaut., ESP 191 88 26 Valter Chrintz SWE R i g h t W i n g 26.04.2000 Kristianstad, SWE 185 84 40 Christian Cosmo SWE Centre Back 25.05.1998 Kristianstad, SWE 182 83 21 Alfred Ehn SWE L e ft W i n g 22.10.1994 Lidköping, SWE 188 88 24 Teitur Örn Einarsson ISL R i g h t B a c k 23.09.1998 Selfoss, ISL 190 90 17 Helge Freiman SWE Centre Back 26.02.1992 Lidingö, SWE 188 94 13 Olafur Andres Gudmundsson ISL L e ft B a c k 13.05.1990 Hafnarfjarðar, ISL 193 94 C 30 Anton Halen SWE R i g h t W i n g 28.11.1990 Helgum, SWE 192 90 14 Viktor Hallen SWE L e ft W i n g 01.02.1994 Kungsholmen, SWE 189 86 2 Emil Hansson SWE Centre Back 07.05.1995 Ystad, SWE 198 98 6 Philip Henningsson SWE L e ft B a c k 14.06.1995 Hörby, SWE 196 104 25 Ludvig Jurmala SWE L i n e P l a y e r 29.12.1999 Tyreso, SWE 196 118 16 Richard Carl Johan Kappelin SWE G o a l k e e p e r 30.09.1983 Irsta, SWE 191 98 11 Johannes Larsson SWE R i g h t W i n g 09.08.1991 Kristianstad, SWE 183 76 1 Leo Larsson SWE G o a l k e e p e r 16.10.1990 Ystad, SWE 188 92 35 Evon Mohlin SWE L e ft B a c k 30.11.2000 Kristianstad, SWE 199 89 9 Stig Tore Moen Nilsen NOR R i g h t B a c k 09.08.1994 Alta, NOR 193 91 38 Marten Nilsson SWE L i n e P l a y e r 04.05.1998 Kristianstad, SWE 188 102 4 Adam Nyfjäll SWE L i n e P l a y e r 29.07.1992 Lysekil, SWE 196 101 20 Anton Persson SWE L e ft W i n g 05.06.1998 Kristianstad, SWE 183 85 3 Hugo Svensson SWE L e ft B a c k 12.06.2000 Kristianstad, SWE 193 94

75 IFK Kristianstad

Richard Kappelin goalkeeper • returned to Sweden in 2017 from Spanish Logronos, where he arrived ahead of the 2015/16 season from French Selestat Alsace Handball • also has previous CL experience from another Spanish club, Aragon as well as from Danish Aalborg • has been a bit around in his career, which also took him to Al Gharafa in Qatar for six months before he joined Aalborg in 2013 • represented the Swedish league clubs IK Sävehof and Alingsas HK before • has not played any senior internationals, won the Junior WCh with Sweden in 2003

Alfred Ehn left wing • joined IFK from another traditional Swedish club, IFK Skövde • was signed as a back-up for long-term injured Viktor Hallen • made his debut in Sweden’s national league team last season • a fast and flexible wing, who is good on fast breaks and capable of covering both the wing and left back in defence

Philip Henningson @philiphenningsson6 left back • playing his fourth season in Kristianstad after joining from second tier club IFK Ystad in 2015 • had his breakthrough in CL Group Phase in the 2016/17 season • only 21 years old, and expected to have a great future in handball • mainly characterised by his shot and his physical strength

EURO: S 2018

Marc Canellas centre back • joined IFK in the summer of 2018 from Spanish Fraikin BM. Granollers • signed as replacement for Icelandic international Gunnar Stein Jonsson, who has left for Danish Ribe Esbjerg • a tall and versatile playmaker with plenty of international experience

76 IFK Kristianstad

Arnar Freyr Arnarsson line player • joined in the summer of 2016 from Icelandic league club Fram Reykjavik • on a three-year contract with Kristianstad, his first foreign adventure • at two metres and 110 kg, he has the size and physical strength to make an impact on the line, where he is always easy to find for his back court players • part of the Icelandic team for the EHF EURO 2018 in Croatia

Adam Nyfjäll line player • arrived at IFK from Danish league club Sønderjyske in the summer of 2018 • moved abroad at the age of 18 for a career in Norwegian handball and later in Denmark • seen as a supplement for Arnar Freyr Arnarsson on the line and in the centre of the defence • physically strong with an outspoken winner mentality

Teitur Örn Einarsson right back • arrived from Icelandic club UMF Selfoss in the summer of 2018 as replacement for Swedish international Albin Lagergren • started his sports career in javelin • an explosive back with a strong shot, and has a lot of potential at just 19 years of age

Anton Halen right wing • joined IFK on a three-year contract from Göppingen in the summer of 2018 • was signed as replacement for Danish international Tim Sörensen • missed a lot of last season due to injury, but arrived completely fit at IFK • is good on fast breaks and has a rich variety of shots from his position at right wing

77 Rhein-Neckar Löwen

GROUP A Rhein-Neckar Löwen

The previous national and international season was like a roller coaster ride for Rhein-Neckar Löwen: First, they were eliminated in the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16 for the fourth time in a row, then took the German Cup for the first time ever and finally let the Bundesliga trophy slip from their hands in the last four rounds of competition. In the new season – the last with Dane Nikolaj Jacobsen as coach – Löwen want more stability and hope to “survive” at least one more stage Club Address of the Champions League. Rhein-Neckar Löwen In the previous four seasons, Rhein-Neckar Löwen always failed in the Last 16 – Mollstraße 49a against Szeged, Zagreb, Kiel and, in the last season, Kielce. “ 68165 Mannheim Germany However, this season, it is even harder to make it to the Last 16, as Löwen will face the Champions League winners from 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, as well as Media contact three-time finalists Veszprém in the group phase. The squad seems to be strong Christopher Monz enough to take on these opponents, but you never know the injury situation and +491744288849 the burden from the Bundesliga. [email protected] “We are definitely not the favourites in our group, as teams such as Veszprém and Barcelona do not play in such strong domestic competitions – they are supposed to rhein-neckar-loewen.de have more power when it counts,” says team captain Andy Schmid.

rnloewen As Hendrik Pekeler left for Kiel, Kristian Bliznac ended his career and Kim Ekdahl du Rietz joined Paris, Löwen’s Spanish defence boss Gedeon Guardiola will have @RNLoewen some new neighbours in the new middle block. Physically, Serbian Ilija Abutovic (Champions League winner with Vardar in 2017) is the new Pekeler, but new Swede @rnloewen Jesper Nielsen is also expected to play a core role in defence. Both new arrivals are experienced enough to understand Löwen’s defensive system quickly. Therefore, the middle block might even be stronger than last season. Kit colours Welcome back to where it all started – this is the situation for Steffen Fäth. The EHF EURO 2016 champion and Olympic bronze medallist’s first professional contract Light was with Rhein-Neckar Löwen at the age of 18. After only one year, he left for Player shirt: yellow Gummersbach, then played for Wetzlar and Berlin, and now arrives in Mannheim Player short: blue GK shirt: red/blue as EHF Cup winner to play the first Champions League season in his career.

Dark Past achievements Player shirt: blue Player short: blue VELUX EHF Champions League GK shirt: red/white Participations (including 2018/19 season): 10 Semi-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11 (4th at the FINAL4) Quarter-final (2): 2009/10, 2013/14 Last 16 (4): 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17 Qualification (1): 2011/12

Other Playing hall EHF Cup: Winners 2012/13, Semi-finals 2011/12, SAP Arena Quarter-finals 2006/07 An der Arena 1 Cup Winners’ Cup: Runners-up 2007/08 68163 Mannheim Germany German league: 2 titles (2016, 2017) Capacity: 13,200 German cup: 1 title

78 Rhein-Neckar Löwen

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 40:25 (19:10) v Chambery Savoie HB FRA (h), 08.03.2009 Biggest defeat 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 41:17 (21:8) v PGE Vive Kielce POL (a), 24.03.2018 Longest winning run 5 matches (12.10.2013 – 28.11.2013)

MATCHES Longest unbeaten run 8 matches (30.04.2009 – 13.02.2010) 5 Longest winning run 8 matches (12.10.2013 – 20.02.2014) Longest losing run 3 matches (21.02.2015 - 22.03.2015) GOALS Longest run without win 5 matches (12.11.2017 – 11.02.2018) 40 Most goals Most goals 40 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 40:25W (h), 08.03.2009 GOALS 76 Most goals both teams Most goals opponent 41 v PGE Vive Kielce POL 41:17L (a), 24.03.2018 Most goals both teams 76 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 38:38D (h), 20.02.2011 Fewest goals 17 v PGE Vive Kielce POL 41:17L (a), 24.03.2018 Fewest goals opponent 17 v St. Petersburg HC RUS 31:17W (h), 17.10.2013 Fewest goals both teams 42 v HC Vardar MKD 21:21D (h), 26.11.2017

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2008/09 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 14 9 2 3 447:392 +55 20:8 1/2-finals 2009/10 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 14 9 2 3 450:408 +42 20:8 1/4-finals 2010/11 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 16 7 4 5 486:465 +21 18:14 Fourth Place 2013/14 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 14 9 2 3 422:369 +53 20:8 1/4-finals 2014/15 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 12 6 0 6 361:347 +14 12:12 Last 16 2015/16 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 16 9 1 6 422:407 +15 19:13 Last 16 2016/17 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 16 9 1 6 441:446 -5 19:13 Last 16 2017/18 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 16 6 5 5 463:468 -5 17:15 Last 16 Total 118 64 17 37 3492:3302 +190 145:91

79 Rhein-Neckar Löwen

Nikolaj Jacobsen coach • joined Löwen in 2014 to replace Gudmundur Gudmundsson • coached Viborg, Bjerringbro (both as an assistant) and Aalborg in the past, leading Aalborg to a surprising title and the CL in 2013 • won six league titles and seven cup titles in Denmark and Germany during his playing career • made history by steering Löwen to their first ever Bundesliga championship and successfully defended the title in 2016/17 • will leave the club after the 2018/19 season to focus only on his job as Danish national team coach

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2002, 2004 (as player)

@zaubermaus55555

Newcomers: Left the club: Jannik Kohlbacher (HSG Wetzlar/GER) Kristian Bliznac (retired) Steffen Fäth (Füchse Berlin/GER) Momir Rnic (tbd) Ilija Abutovic (HC Vardar/MKD) Harald Reinkind (THW Kiel/GER) Vladan Lipovina (TV Hüttenberg/GER) Hendrik Pekeler (THW Kiel/GER) Jesper Nielsen (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA) Kim Ekdahl Du Rietz (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA) Rafael Baena (Bergischer HC/GER) Klaus Gärtner (coach Alpla Hard/AUT)

80 Rhein-Neckar Löwen

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 20 Ilija Abutovic SRB L e ft B a c k 02.08.1988 Vrbas, SRB 202 100 16 Can Adanir GER G o a l k e e p e r 20.05.1999 Aschaffenburg, GER 192 95 1 Mikael Appelgren SWE G o a l k e e p e r 06.09.1989 Uddevalla, SWE 191 100 15 Leon Bolius GER L e ft W i n g 13.06.1995 10 Luca Braun GER R i g h t B a c k 22.06.1999 Dieburg, GER 198 94 23 Steffen Fäth GER L e ft B a c k 04.04.1990 Frankfurt a.M., GER 194 90 77 Tim Ganz GER R i g h t W i n g 03.06.1997 Kehl, GER 185 85 99 Niklas Gierse GER G o a l k e e p e r 15.01.2000 24 Patrick Groetzki GER R i g h t W i n g 04.07.1989 Pforzheim, GER 189 84 30 Gedeon Guardiola ESP L i n e P l a y e r 01.10.1984 Petrer, ESP 200 103 97 Rico Keller GER Centre Back 30.07.1997 Heidelberg, GER 192 87 98 Maximilian Kessler GER L e ft W i n g 23.04.1998 Heidelberg, GER 194 85 34 Pascal Kirchenbauer GER Centre Back 29.02.1996 Heidelberg, GER 187 90 80 Jannik Kohlbacher GER L i n e P l a y e r 19.07.1995 Bensheim, GER 193 105 5 Vladan Lipovina MNE R i g h t B a c k 07.03.1993 Cetinje, MNE 198 94 35 Yessine Meddeb GER R i g h t B a c k 30.05.2000 185 95 22 Mads Mensah Larsen DEN Centre Back 12.08.1991 Holbæk, DEN 188 109 33 Mattes Meyer GER R i g h t W i n g 04.11.1999 Karlsruhe, GER 178 82 36 Jesper Nielsen SWE L i n e P l a y e r 30.09.1989 Norrköping, SWE 200 118 12 Andreas Palicka SWE G o a l k e e p e r 10.07.1986 N Nöbbelöv, SWE 189 88 32 Alexander Petersson ISL R i g h t B a c k 02.07.1980 Riga, LAT 188 89 14 Bogdan Radivojevic SRB R i g h t W i n g 02.03.1993 Belgrade, SRB 192 80 13 Lars Röller GER L i n e P l a y e r 24.01.1999 Ludwigshafen, GER 203 110 C 2 Andre Schmid SUI Centre Back 30.08.1983 Horgen, SUI 190 86 29 Martin Schmiedt SVK L e ft W i n g 26.10.2000 Kosice, SVK 186 79 6 Jannis Schneibel GER Centre Back 06.07.2000 Ludwigshafen, GER 188 77 9 Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson ISL L e ft W i n g 08.08.1979 Reykjavik, ISL 187 82 28 Filip Taleski MKD L e ft B a c k 28.03.1996 Krusevo, MKD 200 86 17 Jerry Tollbring SWE L e ft W i n g 13.09.1995 Norrtälje, SWE 182 82 21 Sebastian Trost GER Centre Back 02.01.1998 Schwetzingen, GER 192 95 11 Lukas Wichmann GER L i n e P l a y e r 20.03.2000 GER 200 115

81 Rhein-Neckar Löwen

Mikael Appelgren goalkeeper • awarded best goalkeeper of the Swedish league 2011/12, when he played for Skövde • then transferred to German club Melsungen, where he made it twice to the German cup final tournament and played in the group phase of the EHF Cup • was signed by Löwen in 2015 to become the successor of Niklas Landin • named best Bundesliga goalkeeper in the 2017/18 season

EURO: S 2018

Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson @gudjonvalur9 left wing • returned to the club in 2016 after two seasons with Barça • also played for Tusem Essen, VfL Gummersbach, AG København and THW Kiel • all-time top scorer of the Icelandic national team, reached 500 CL goals in 2015/16 • his fifth trip to VELUX EHF FINAL4 brought him the CL title, with Barcelona in 2015

EC trophies: CL 2015, EHF Cup 2005 OG: S 2008, EURO B 2010

Steffen Fäth left back • was M18 EHF EURO champion and under-21 world champion • after playing for Wallau, Löwen and Gummersbach, he settled at Wetzlar in 2010 • after six years and becoming national team player, he joined Füchse Berlin in 2016 • returned to Löwen to replace Kim Ekdahl du Rietz • can either play on left back or centre back

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2010, 2018 EHF EURO: G2016, OG B 2016

Andre Schmid @andyschmid2 centre back • eight-time Swiss Player of the Year, and five straight seasons (2014-2018) named best player in the German Bundesliga • played for both Zürich clubs Grasshoppers and ZMC Amicitia until 2009, joined Löwen after one season with Bjerringbro-Silkeborg • key in attack – both as playmaker and as shooter • team captain since Uwe Gensheimer's departure to PSG in 2016

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013

82 Rhein-Neckar Löwen

Mads Mensah Larsen centre back • started international career at AG København, made it to FINAL4 in 2012 • became Danish champion with Aalborg when Nikolaj Jacobsen was their coach • followed Jacobsen to Löwen when the coach joined the club in 2014 • was M20 EHF EURO champion with Denmark • his father is from Ghana, his mother from Denmark

OG: S 2016, WCh: S 2013, EURO: S 2014

Gedeon Guardiola Villaplana @gedeonguardiola line player • defence boss of Löwen as the successor of Oliver ‘The Rogg’ Roggisch • arrived in Mannheim in 2012 with twin brother Isaias, who moved to Aalborg in 2014 • played at Logrono and San Antonio before he joined Löwen • was a karateka in his younger days • when he scores for Löwen, fans in the whole arena shout ‘Ole!’

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 WCh: G 2013, EURO: B 2014, S 2016, G 2018

Alexander Petersson right back • born in Riga, Latvia, later became Icelandic citizen • made it to Germany in 2003, played for Düsseldorf, Großwallstadt, Flensburg and Berlin, before joining Löwen in 2012; has scored more than 1,500 Bundesliga goals • is supposed to share right back position with new arrival Vladan Lipovina • was an All-star Team member at the WCh 2011

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 OS: S 2008, EURO B 2010

Patrick Groetzki @patrickgroetzki24 right wing @patrickgroetzki • born in Pforzheim, only a few kilometres away from Mannheim • came to Löwen straight after his youth career and became part of Germany’s younger age category national teams • MVP and silver medallist of M20 EHF EURO 2008, won Junior WCh 2009 • key player for national team, missed EHF EURO 2016 due to a broken leg

OG: S 2012 EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 OG: B 2016

83 Group B preview

Group B preview

FINALISTS NANTES GO FROM HUNTERS TO HUNTED

There is no surprise effect anymore for the French side after their stunning last season, as they will face the likes of Paris SG and Flensburg-Handewitt in the 2018/19 campaign

Just a few months after their semi-final in Cologne, HBC Nantes and Paris Saint- Germain, two of the three French clubs at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2018, will meet again in Europe’s top flight. Both teams have been drawn into VELUX EHF Champions League Group B.

For the first time seeded in Groups A/B, Nantes did a lot better than expected as they became one of the surprise packages of the season. They remained undefeated at home while beating former champions Barça Lassa and HC Vardar, and they grabbed useful points away as well.

Their third-place finish in the group and subsequent run to the final has warned future opponents. They will keep a close eye on Nantes from the start, so the surprise effect from last season might not be working anymore.

PSG START NEW TITLE QUEST WITH NEW COACH

For Paris, a similar surprise effect has never been really present. They made it to Cologne for the third season in a row, but they left the German city empty- handed just as many times. The semi-final defeat against Nantes was a huge disappointment, but they will start another attempt with a former Champions League winner on the bench, coach Raul Gonzales.

Nantes are not the only known opponents for Paris, as they will meet SG Flensburg-Handewitt for the fourth straight season. The German side have done well against PSG over the last couple of seasons, so their encounter will definitely be one of the highlights of the group.

Flensburg-Handewitt are in a period of transition following the departure of key players like Mattias Andersson and Thomas Mogensen, though some notable names are replacing them.

After they finished first of their group last season, Paris are arguably the biggest favourites to gain the direct ticket to the quarter-finals again, while Nantes and Flensburg could be the main contenders for second and third place.

BATTLE FOR LAST 16 TICKETS COULD BECOME VERY TIGHT

Otherwise, Group B looks pretty open, and the battle for the other three Last 16 tickers could become very tight. Among the eight teams in the group, five have reached the quarter-finals in the last two seasons: Flensburg, Paris and Nantes, but

84 Group B preview

also Hungarian side Pick Szeged and surprise Danish newcomers Skjern Håndbold last season, after defeating Telekom Veszprém in the Last 16.

Pick Szeged underwent some major changes this summer. The arrival of Joan Canellas, Jorge Maqueda, Mirko Alilovic and Dean Bombac makes it one of the teams to look out for. If coach Juan Carlos Pastor can make all these players work flawlessly together on the court, Szeged will be a serious threat to many opponents this season.

Skjern are dealing with fewer changes, but the Danish side must overcome the loss of their top goal scorer Markus Olsson, who moved to France.

Joining fellow former Bundesliga legends Anders Eggert and Bjarte Myrhol, centre back Thomas Mogensen will now also wear the Skjern jersey after coming home from a decade at Flensburg-Handewitt. Eggert and Mogensen won the Champions League with Flensburg in 2014, and they will be looking forward to playing their former team in the group phase.

If PSG, Nantes, Flensburg, Szeged and Skjern live up to their billing and advance from this group, there is just one more ticket to the Last 16 available.

Motor Zaporozhye might be a good bet, despite their first appearance in the Groups A/B section. But they qualified for the Last 16 in 2015/16, and were knocked out in the play-offs by Montpellier the following year and by another strong opponent, Skjern, last season.

The only Ukrainian side in the competition is a tough nut to crack. They were the only team in the past two seasons to hand Nantes a home defeat.

Motor will face fierce competition for a knockout phase ticket, with Zagreb and Celje also in the mix. The Croatian team suffered a blow last season when they lost their final group match to IFK Kristianstad and missed out on the Last 16 for the first time since 2015.

Celje are in the middle of a rebuilding process but remain a force to be reckoned with, especially in their home arena.

The Slovenian side finished seventh last season and failed to make it past the group phase for the fourth straight season. Still, they impressed with a win in Kiel, another one at home against Kielce, and with breath-taking encounters against Veszprém and PSG.

The 2004 champions might have a very young squad, but they can never be ruled out.

Kevin Domas

85 Group B preview

Group B head-to-heads Historic encounters of the Group B opponents in the EC

Paris Saint-Germain HB vs MOL-Pick Szeged 1-1-0 (60:57) 3:1 23.04.2017 MOL-Pick Szeged vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 27:30 (14:16) 29.04.2017 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 30:30 (16:17) Paris Saint-Germain HB vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 5-0-3 (243:248) 10:6 15.10.2005 SG Flensburg Handewitt vs Paris Handball, EHF Champions League – Group H 37:24 (17:13) 13.11.2005 Paris Handball vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, EHF Champions League – Group H 33:31 (16:16) 19.09.2015 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 39:32 (21:16) 06.03.2016 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 35:32 (16:16) 16.10.2016 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 27:22 (13:11) 18.02.2017 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 33:34 (18:15) 30.09.2017 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 33:29 (13:14) 17.02.2018 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 29:21 (19:10)

Paris Saint-Germain HB vs Skjern Handbold No previous encounters in European competitions

Paris Saint-Germain HB vs HC PPD Zagreb 4-1-1 (170:145) 9:3 05.10.2014 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs HC PPD Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 27:22 (11:9) 09.12.2014 HC PPD Zagreb vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 25:24 (14:13) 11.10.2015 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs HC PPD Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 34:23 ((18:8) 10.02.2016 HC PPD Zagreb vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 23:25 (10:15) 23.04.2016 HC PPD Zagreb vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 20:28 (13:16) 01.05.2016 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs HC PPD Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 32:32 (16:13)

Paris Saint-Germain HB vs HC Motor Zaporozhye No previous encounters in European competitions

Paris Saint-Germain HB vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 4-0-2 (169:167) 8:4 09.11.1996 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs PSG Asnières Hand-Ball, EHF Champions League – Group D 31:22 (11:10) 11.01.1997 PSG Asnières Hand-Ball vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Group D 20:26 (11:13) 18.10.2015 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Cham-pions League – Group A 30:32 (15:16) 06.12.2015 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Cham-pions League – Group A 32:27 (17:12) 08.10.2017 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:27 (18:14) 11.02.2018 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 26:31 (13:17) Paris Saint-Germain HB vs HBC Nantes 1-1-1 (89:85) 3:3 25.03.2017 HBC Nantes vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 26:26 (15:14) 01.04.2017 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs HBC Nantes, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 35:27 (15:13) 26.05.2018 HBC Nantes vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 32:28 (17:14) MOL-Pick Szeged vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 0-0-2 (46:60) 0:4 26.03.2011 Pick Szeged vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 26:27 (12:9) 03.04.2011 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 33:20 (18:8) MOL-Pick Szeged vs Skjern Handbold No previous encounters in European competitions

86 Group B preview

MOL-Pick Szeged vs HC PPD Zagreb 4-2-6 (321:318) 10:14 23.11.1996 SC Pick Szeged vs Badel Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Group B 22:22 (12:13) 18.01.1997 Badel Zagreb vs SC Pick Szeged, EHF Champions League – Group B 29:29 (17:13) 08.11.2003 SC Pick Szeged vs RK Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Group E 27:26 (15:12) 30.11.2003 RK Zagreb vs SC Pick Szeged, EHF Champions League – Group E 26:25 (15:13) 18.10.2008 Pick Szeged vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Group H 30:36 (14:15) 22.11.2008 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs Pick Szeged, EHF Champions League – Group H 29:25 (14:14) 29.09.2012 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 30:27 (15:8) 01.12.2012 Pick Szeged vs HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 26:24 (16:10) 01.10.2016 HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 24:26 (12:12) 04.03.2017 MOL-Pick Szeged vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 26:21 (14:12) 23.09.2017 HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 23:28 (12:17) 24.02.2018 MOL-Pick Szeged vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:28 (11:15)

MOL-Pick Szeged vs HC Motor Zaporozhye 2-0-0 (56:51) 4:0 28.09.2014 MOL-Pick Szeged vs HC Motor Zaporozhye, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 27:26 (13:11) 26.11.2014 HC Motor Zaporozhye vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 25:29 (12:16)

MOL-Pick Szeged vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 3-1-2 (151:145) 7:5 04.12.2004 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SC Pick Szeged, EHF Champions League – Last 16 23:23 (11:10) 12.12.2004 SC Pick Szeged vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Last 16 20:21 (12:9) 10.02.2008 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Pick Szeged, EHF Champions League – Main Round-Group 4 35:30 (18:13) 08.03.2008 Pick Szeged vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Main Round-Group 4 20:19 (8:7) 12.11.2016 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:31 (15:16) 03.12.2016 MOL-Pick Szeged vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 27:22 (15:10)

MOL-Pick Szeged vs HBC Nantes 1-0-3 (107:121) 2:6 09.02.2014 Pick Szeged vs HBC Nantes, EHF Cup – Group C 28:27 (18:13) 23.03.2014 HBC Nantes vs Pick Szeged, EHF Cup – Group C 31:23 (15:10) 17.09.2017 HBC Nantes vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:26 (18:15) 11.11.2017 MOL-Pick Szeged vs HBC Nantes, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:33 (15:17)

SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Skjern Handbold No previous encounters in European competitions

SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC PPD Zagreb 9-0-3 (344:319) 18:6 15.02.2004 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs RK Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 30:27 (17:15) 22.02.2004 RK Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 26:28 (13:12) 04.12.2005 RK Zagreb vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, EHF Champions League – Last 16 25:23 (11:8) 10.12.2005 SG Flensburg Handewitt vs RK Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Last 16 28:24 (14:12) 28.09.2006 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs RK Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Group D 35:28 (14:12) 05.11.2006 RK Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Champions League – Group D 21:23 (11:13) 24.02.2008 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Champions League – Main Round Gr 3 29:25 (12:15) 16.03.2008 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Main Round Gr 3 36:29 (16:15) 21.11.2010 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 32:29 (19:15) 28.11.2010 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 31:26 (14:12) 11.11.2015 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC PPD Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 28:27 (12:13) 21.11.2015 HC PPD Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 23:30 (10:15)

87 Group B preview

SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC Motor Zaporozhye 1-0-1 (62:66) 2:2 17.03.2012 HC ‘Motor-ZNTU-ZAS’ vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final 30:39 (16:20) 24.03.2012 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC ‘Motor-ZNTU-ZAS’, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final 27:32 (15:16)

SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 9-1-4 (428:402) 19:9 08.11.2003 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Group F 29:29 (14:14) 30.11.2003 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Champions League – Group F 29:28 (12:17) 18.04.2004 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Champions League – Final 34:28 (17:13) 24.04.2004 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Final 30:28 (15:15) 02.12.2006 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Champions League – Last 16 41:31 (21:14) 08.12.2006 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Last 16 36:26 (20:12) 27.03.2010 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Cup – Quarter-final 33:29 (15:12) 03.04.2010 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Cup – Quarter-final 32:35 (16:15) 23.03.2014 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 26:25 (13:12) 29.03.2014 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 30:27 (15:14) 11.10.2015 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:20 (13:10) 20.02.2016 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:30 (15:12) 01.11.2017 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 33:28 (16:15) 26.11.2017 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 27:30 (14:16)

SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HBC Nantes No previous encounters in European competitions

Skjern Handbold vs HC PPD Zagreb 0-0-2 (43:55) 0:4 30.10.1999 Skjern Handball vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Group C 24:33 (14:14) 28.11.1999 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Skjern Handball, EHF Champions League – Group C 22:19 (11:13)

Skjern Handbold vs HC Motor Zaporozhye 1-1-2 (125:125) 3:5 04.10.2015 HC Motor Zaporozhye vs Skjern Handbold, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 31:26 (15:13) 06.12.2015 Skjern Handbold vs HC Motor Zaporozhye, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 36:36 (17:19) 24.02.2018 HC Motor Zaporozhye vs Skjern Handbold, VELUX EHF Champions League – Elimination Round C+D 32:30 (19:14) 04.03.2018 Skjern Handbold vs HC Motor Zaporozhye, VELUX EHF Champions League – Elimination Round C+D 33:26 (20:15)

Skjern Handbold vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko No previous encounters in European competitions

Skjern Handbold vs HBC Nantes 0-1-1 (54:60) 1:3 22.04.2018 HBC Nantes vs Skjern Handbold, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 33:27 (18:12) 29.04.2018 Skjern Handbold vs HBC Nantes, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 27:27 (12:15)

88 Group B preview

HC PPD Zagreb vs HC Motor Zaporozhye 1-0-1 (63:58) 2:2 26.09.2013 HC Motor Zaporozhye vs HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 31:30 (18:15) 08.02.2014 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs HC Motor Zaporozhye, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 33:27 (16:16)

HC PPD Zagreb vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 10-1-7 (431:405) 21:15 27.09.1992 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs RK Zagreb, Champions Cup – Qualification Round 2 18:17 (6:9) 03.10.1992 RK Zagreb vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, Champions Cup – Qualification Round 2 26:17 (13:7) 11.11.1995 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Croatia Banka Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 3 25:21 (11:9) 18.11.1995 Croatia Banka Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 3 25:20 (14:11) 04.01.1998 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Group A 26:21 (13:8) 31.01.1998 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Group A 26:22 (14:10) 22.03.1998 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Semi-final 27:20 (14:10) 28.03.1998 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Semi-final 25:24 (10:10) 26.11.2000 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Group A 29:26 (12:12) 16.12.2000 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Group A 22:22 (12:11) 21.02.2009 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, EHF Champions League – Main Round Gr 2 22:25 (11:16) 07.03.2009 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Champions League – Main Round Gr 2 31:18 (14:6) 21.09.2013 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champi-ons League – Group A 24:21 (13:10) 30.11.2013 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champi-ons League – Group A 26:20 (14:11) 26.09.2015 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC PPD Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 20:21 (10:9) 27.02.2016 HC PPD Zagreb vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 24:23 (8:9) 24.09.2016 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC PPD Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:28 (14:13) 09.03.2017 HC PPD Zagreb vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 23:21 (14:10) HC PPD Zagreb vs HBC Nantes 1-0-1 (50:50) 2:2 19.11.2017 HBC Nantes vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 28:27 (13:12) 17.02.2018 HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs HBC Nantes, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 23:22 (12:8)

HC Motor Zaporozhye vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 0-0-2 (56:62) 0:4 17.10.2013 HC Motor Zaporozhye vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 29:32 (14:11) 15.02.2014 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Motor Zaporozhye, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:27 (19:15)

HC Motor Zaporozhye vs HBC Nantes 1-1-0 (60:58) 3:1 22.09.2016 HC Motor Zaporozhye vs HBC Nantes, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 26:26 (15:16) 19.11.2016 HBC Nantes vs HC Motor Zaporozhye, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 32:34 (19:16)

RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HBC Nantes No previous encounters in European competitions

89 Paris Saint-Germain Handball

GROUP B Paris Saint- Germain Handball

They made the trip to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in each of the past three seasons, but star-studded Paris Saint-Germain have yet to lift the trophy. After losing the final to Vardar in 2017, they stumbled over Nantes in the semi-final in 2018. Former THW Kiel coach Noka Serdarusic led Paris for three seasons. After reaching the summit with Vardar in 2017, Raul Gonzalez has now taken over. With so many stars on the team, will this change make any difference on the court? Club Address Gonzalez is a young coach, who was successful at Vardar with a team that Paris Saint-Germain Handball contained a lot of well-known players, too. The first competitive matches might 82 avenue Georges Lafont give an idea of any changes to PSG’s game. 75016 Paris France According to Martini, “our goal is to try to repeat our great performances of the 2017/18 season in the group phase and the quarter-final, where we were the Media contact best team with 13 wins in total. And we will compete to participate in our fourth Matthieu Brelle-Andrade consecutive FINAL4, a huge performance only Veszprém and Kiel were able to +33 6 52 53 74 13 achieve.” [email protected] PSG avoid other European powerhouses, such as Kielce, Veszprém or Barça Lassa, in the group phase. But Group B will not be a walk in the park for PSG, as they will www.psg.fr have to travel to Flensburg, a place they’ve only succeeded once. And Nantes are their opponents again. PSGHand “A team like Szeged is even stronger this year and I remember the outstanding @psghand atmosphere in their arena. With Skjern, who beat Veszprem in the Last 16, Zagreb and Zaporozhye, it is very far from easy in this group,” Martini says. @psghandofficiel After an eight-month break between June 2017 and March 2018, the Swedish left back Kim Ekdahl-Du Rietz rejoined German side Rhein-Neckar Löwen, and he proved he hadn’t lost one bit of his handball skills. Paris picked him as the player Kit colours who should be able to make a difference on both sides of the court. Powerful and experienced, he will be the X factor for Paris this season. Light Player shirt: white Player short: white GK shirt: green Past achievements Dark VELUX EHF Champions League Player shirt: blue Participations (including 2018/19 season): 8 Player short: blue Runners-up (1): 2016/17 GK shirt: green Semi-final (2): 2015/16, 2017/18 (3rd) Quarter-final (2): 2013/14, 2014/15 Last 16 (1): 2005/06 Club Phase (1): 1996/97

Other Playing hall EHF Cup: Quarter-finals 2006/07, Last 16 Stade Pierre de Coubertin 2003/04 82, Avenue Georges Lafont 75016 Paris French league: 5 titles (2013, 2015-18) France French cup: 4 titles Capacity: 3,500 League Cup: 2 titles Trophee des Champions: 3 titles

90 Paris Saint-Germain Handball

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 42:24 (22:10) v THW Kiel GER (h), 12.03.2017 Biggest defeat 44:28 (22:12) v THW Kiel GER (a), 10.12.2005 Longest winning run 9 matches (08.10.2017 – 17.02.2018) Longest unbeaten run 10 matches (11.02.2017 – 03.06.2017) Longest losing run 4 matches (23.11.1996 – 18.01.1997) MATCHES Longest run without win 4 matches (23.11.1996 – 18.01.1997) Longest winning run 9 Most goals 42 v THW Kiel GER 42:24W (h), 12.03.2017 Most goals opponent 44 v THW Kiel GER 44:28L (a), 10.12.2005 GOALS Most goals Most goals both teams 72 v THW Kiel GER 44:28L (a), 10.12.2005 42 Fewest goals 20 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 20:26L (h), 11.01.1997

GOALS 20 v Caja Cantabria Santander ESP 26:20L (a), 18.01.1997 72 Most goals both teams 20 v MVM Veszprém HUN 28:20L (a), 28.11.2015 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 Stage1994/95 1996/97 PSG Asnières FRA 6 1 0 5 131:161 –30 2:10 4th Gr. D 2005/06 Paris Handball FRA 8 4 1 3 212:229 -17 9:7 Last 16 2013/14 PSG Handball FRA 14 7 1 6 429:402 +27 15:13 1/4-finals 2014/15 Paris Saint-Germain Handball FRA 14 8 1 5 395:367 +28 17:11 1/4-finals 2015/16 Paris Saint-Germain Handball FRA 18 14 1 3 557:496 +61 29:7 Third Place 2016/17 Paris Saint-Germain Handball FRA 20 15 2 3 622:543 +79 32:8 Runner-up 2017/18 Paris Saint-Germain Handball FRA 18 14 1 3 550:498 +52 29:7 Third Place Total: 98 63 7 28 2896:2696 +200 133:63

91 Paris Saint-Germain Handball

Raul Gonzalez Gutierrez coach

• replacing Noka Serdarusic, who led PSG since 2015 • former stalwart of BM Valladolid and a member of the Spanish national team • started his coaching carrier at Atletico Madrid and Ciudad Real, working in a team with Talant Dujshebaev • moved to Vardar in 2013/14, won the CL in 2017, and joined PSG in the summer of 2018 • successor of Lino Cervar at the helm of the Macedonian national team • voted as best coach in the CL 2016/17 All-star Team

EC trophies: CL 2017

Newcomers: Left the club: Henrik Toft Hansen (SG Flensburg-Handewitt/GER) Henrik Mollgaard (Aalborg/DEN) Viran Morros (FC Barcelona/ESP) Jesper Nielsen (Rhein-Neckar Löwen/GER) Kim Ekdahl du Rietz (Rhein-Neckar Löwen/GER) Jovo Damjanovic (Nis/SRB) Adama Keita (first contract) Daniel Narcisse (retired) Dylan Nahi (first contract) Zvonimir Serdarusic (retired)

92 Paris Saint-Germain Handball

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 19 Luc Abalo FRA R i g h t W i n g 06.09.1984 Ivry, FRA 182 86 17 Adrien Charlette FRA Back 10.03.1999 Saint-Pierre, FRA 183 84 42 Adrien Chaudanson FRA L i n e P l a y e r 01.12.1998 Lyon, FRA 192 100 12 Rodrigo Corrales Rodal ESP G o a l k e e p e r 24.01.1991 Cangas, ESP 202 99 13 Louis Despreaux FRA R i g h t B a c k 22.02.1999 Mont Saint Aignan, FRA 194 76 21 Robin Dourte FRA L i n e P l a y e r 30.06.1998 Thionville, FRA 206 118 60 Kim Ekdahl du Rietz SWE L e ft B a c k 23.07.1989 Lund, SWE 194 100 3 Uwe Gensheimer GER L e ft W i n g 26.10.1986 Mannheim, GER 188 89 97 Andry Goujon Bellevue FRA L e ft B a c k 02.09.1999 Courtry, FRA 193 80 24 Mikkel Hansen DEN L e ft B a c k 22.10.1987 Helsingor, DEN 192 93 26 Gauthier Ivah FRA G o a l k e e p e r 06.01.1999 Saint-Denis, FRA 191 101 22 Luka Karabatic FRA L i n e P l a y e r 19.04.1988 Strasbourg, FRA 202 108 44 Nikola Karabatic FRA Centre Back 11.04.1984 Nis, SRB 196 104 9 Adama Keita FRA L e ft W i n g 05.06.1997 Paris, FRA 183 77 20 Edouard Kempf FRA R i g h t W i n g 20.03.1998 Mulhouse, FRA 179 80 11 Benoit Kounkoud FRA R i g h t W i n g 19.02.1997 Versailles, FRA 188 78 23 Viran Morros de Argila ESP Back 15.12.1983 Barcelona, ESP 199 99 99 Dylan Nahi FRA L e ft W i n g 30.11.1999 Paris, FRA 192 94 77 Sadou Ntanzi FRA Centre Back 07.01.2000 Longjumeau, FRA 183 80 C 16 Thierry Omeyer FRA G o a l k e e p e r 02.11.1976 Mulhouse, FRA 192 93 18 Nedim Remili FRA R i g h t B a c k 18.07.1995 Creteil, FRA 195 94 10 Sander Sagosen NOR Centre Back 14.09.1995 Stavanger, NOR 192 88 6 Adrien Schaff FRA R i g h t W i n g 01.05.1999 Sarrebourg, FRA 180 80 88 Loick Spady FRA G o a l k e e p e r 24.03.2000 Pointe à Pitre, FRA 187 77 7 Luka Stepancic CRO R i g h t B a c k 20.11.1990 Pula, CRO 203 105 15 Henrik Toft Hansen DEN L i n e P l a y e r 18.12.1986 Skive, DEN 200 106 95 Kenny Vermont FRA L e ft W i n g 22.02.2001 Saint-Gratien, FRA 184 83

93 Paris Saint-Germain Handball

@thierryomeyer Thierry Omeyer @thierry_omeyer goalkeeper • returned to Montpellier from Kiel for the 2013/14 season, then moved on to PSG the next season, and has announced his retirement for 2019 • MVP and best goalkeeper of the WCh 2015 in Qatar • IHF Player of the Year 2008, and All-star goalkeeper of 2008 and 2012 Olympics, EHF EURO 2006, and WCh 2011 and 2015

EC trophies: CL 2003, 2007, 2010, 2012 OG: G 2008, 2012, S 2016, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008, WCh: G 2001, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017, B 2003, 2005

Uwe Gensheimer @uwegensheimer left wing • joined Paris in the summer of 2016 after playing for German side Rhein-Neckar Löwen for 13 seasons • finished the 2017/18 season as top goal scorer in both the French league and the CL • has been CL top scorer three times (2017/18, 2016/17 and 2010/11), and on all occasions his team booked a place at the FINAL4 in Cologne

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 OG: B 2016

Mikkel Hansen @mikkelhansen24 left back • IHF World Handball Player of the Year in 2011 and 2015; MVP at the 2016 Olympic Games and WCh 2013 • member of the All-star Team at the 2016 Olympic Games, the WCh 2011, the EURO 2012, 2014 and 2018, and the CL in 2014, 2015 and 2017 • top scorer of the CL in 2012 and 2016, as well as at the WCh 2011 • reached FINAL4 five times in his career: the past three seasons with PSG, and earlier with København (2012) and Barcelona (2010)

OG: G 2016, EURO: G 2012, S 2014, WCh: S 2011, 2013

Nikola Karabatic @nkarabatic left back / centre back @nikolakarabatic44 • 2007, 2014 and 2016 World Handball Player of the Year – one of just two players to win the award three times • one of the most complete players, with strengths in both attack and defence • won the CL with all his previous teams but has yet to do so with PSG, despite three trips to Cologne in the past three seasons with the French side

EC trophies: CL 2003, 2007, 2015 OG: G 2008, 2012, S 2016, WCh: G 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017, B 2003, 2005, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008, 2018 94 Paris Saint-Germain Handball

Sander Sagosen @sandersagosen centre back / left back • at 22, Sagosen has already won two major awards: best centre back at EHF EURO 2016 and All-star left back at WCh 2017 • flag waver for new Norwegian generation; key player in winning the nation’s historic first medal at a men’s handball event, at WCh 2017 • scouted by many top clubs before signing for Aalborg in 2014, then moved to Paris ahead of the 2017/18 season

WCh: S 2017

Luka Karabatic @lukakarabatic line player @lkarabatic_off • was a national-level tennis player until the age of 19, before choosing handball • began in Montpellier, moved to Aix, then joined PSG in 2015 • PSG is the third club where he plays alongside his brother, Nikola

OG: S 2016, EURO: G 2014, B 2018, WCh: G 2015, 2017

Nedim Remili @nedim_remili right back • All-star right back at WCh 2017 • signed with PSG in the summer of 2016 after spending all his career in Créteil • his father, Kamel, was a professional handball player in Créteil, while his older brother is a professional football player • scored 81 goals in 18 games in his debut CL season as one of the top 10 scorers

WCh: G 2017, EURO: B 2018

Luc Abalo @lucabalo19 right wing @lucabalo • began his career in Ivry, then moved to Spain and Atletico Madrid, before becoming one of the first stars to join Paris in 2012 • played at the FINAL4 five times but has yet to lift the trophy in Cologne, though he won the CL under the previous format with Ciudad Real in 2009 • remains one of the best and spectacular players on his position at age 33, thanks to his high jumps and shooting tricks

EC trophies: CL 2009 OG: G 2008, 2012, S 2016, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008, 2018, WCh: G 2009, 2011, 2017

95 MOL-Pick Szeged

GROUP B MOL-Pick Szeged

Last season MOL-Pick Szeged ended the winning streak of domestic rivals Telekom Veszprém HC, who had won the Hungarian championship for 10 straight years. The triumph in their national league has make Szeged hungry for success in Europe as well. They hope the time has come for their first ever trip to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne. Continuity is a main asset of Szeged. They have a loyal fan base, which always supports the team like an eight player. The sale of season tickets is on the rise Club Address year after year. And the coaches, Juan Carlos Pastor and Marko Krivokapic, have MOL-Pick Szeged extended their contracts until 2021, continuing the cooperation from the past five Deák Ferenc u. 28-30. years. “In the new season we have to play better because not just Szeged will be 6720 Szeged stronger,” Pastor says. “The level we played on last year will not be enough for Hungary neither the Hungarian title nor the FINAL4.” Media contact After finishing fifth in a group that included Vardar, Barça and Nantes last season, Levente Juhasz Szeged are confident they will advance from their group again this time - but it will +36 70 543 0979 not be easy. “In the Champions League, there is no easy opponent,” coach Pastor [email protected] says. “It is usual that the groups are compared to each other: which is stronger, which is weaker. But I believe that the top competition is not only about the group www.pickhandball.hu phase.” According to team captain Jonas Källmann, a strong start will be important: “Some pickszeged teams we have already met in the past years, some teams will be new for us. But @pickhandball no matter the opponents, we have to make a good start, which will give us a base for the long season ahead.” @pickhandball The Croatian goalkeeper Mirko Alilovic joined the team this summer from main rivals Veszprém, so he is already familiar with the Hungarian league and he knows what it takes to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4. But first he will have to work on good Kit colours communication and cooperation with the defensive line. Light Player shirt: light blues/ Past achievements white stripes VELUX EHF Champions League Player short: dark blue Participations (including 2018/19 season): 17 GK shirt: white or yellow Quarter-final (4): 1996/1997, 2003/2004, Dark 2014/15, 2016/17 Player shirt: dark blue Last 16 (7): 2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2006/2007, with stripes or gold blue 2010/2011, 2012/13, 2015/16, 2017/18 Player short: blue or Main Round (1): 2007/2008 gold blue Group Phase (3): 2008/2009, 2009/2010, GK shirt: black 2011/2012 Playing hall Qualification (1): 2013/14 Varosi Sportcsarnok Szeged Temesvari Krt.33 Other 6726 Szeged EHF Cup: Winners 2014/15, Quarter-final Hungary 2000/01 Capacity: 3,200 Last 16: 1994/95, 1999/2000 Cup Winners’ Cup Semi-final: 1993/94 Quarter-final: 2002/03, 2008/09 Hungarian league: 3 titles (1996, 2007, 2018) Hungarian cup: 6 titles

96 MOL-Pick Szeged

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 39:24 (15:10) v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH (h), 07.10.2007 Biggest defeat 40:17 (19:5) 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) 6 matches (24.10.2015 – 14.02.2016) MATCHES Longest winning run Longest losing run 6 matches (17.10.2009 – 20.02.2010) 6 6 matches (06.03.2011 – 15.10.2011)

GOALS Longest run without win 7 matches (17.10.2009 – 27.02.2010) 39 Most goals Most goals 39 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 39:24W (h), 07.10.2007 GOALS Most goals opponent 40 v FC Barcelona ESP 40:17L (a), 15.02.1997 Most goals both teams 73 Most goals both teams 73 v Montpellier AHB 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 1994/95 1996/97 Pick Szeged HUN 8 3 2 3 205:216 –11 8:8 1/4-finals 2003/04 SC Pick Szeged HUN 10 4 0 6 269:262 +7 8:12 1/4-finals 2004/05 SC Pick Szeged HUN 8 4 2 2 190:187 +3 10:6 Last 16 2005/06 SC Pick Szeged HUN 8 3 0 5 219:218 +1 6:10 Last 16 2006/07 SC Pick Szeged HUN 8 3 2 3 202:203 -1 8:8 Last 16 2007/08 Pick Szeged HUN 12 9 0 3 361:310 +51 18:6 3rd MR Gr. 4 2008/09 Pick Szeged HUN 6 2 0 4 159:161 -2 4:8 3rd Gr. H 2009/10 Pick Szeged HUN 10 2 2 6 287:307 -20 6:14 5th Gr. A 2010/11 Pick Szeged HUN 12 5 0 7 336:351 -15 10:14 Last 16 2011/12 Pick Szeged HUN 10 3 0 7 285:316 -31 6:14 5th Gr. D 2012/13 Pick Szeged HUN 12 4 0 8 313:350 –37 8:16 Last 16 2014/15 MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 14 9 1 4 395:383 +12 19:9 1/4-finals 2015/16 MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 16 8 1 7 466:455 +11 17:15 Last 16 2016/17 MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 18 10 2 6 492:458 +34 22:14 1/4-finals 2017/18 MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 16 7 1 8 471:467 +4 15:17 Last 16 Total 168 76 13 79 4650:4644 +6 165:171

97 MOL-Pick Szeged

Juan Carlos Pastor coach • one of the masterminds of contemporary handball, winning a lot of silverware during his career • Szeged wanted him to rebuild their team in order to be able to challenge Veszprém for the Hungarian title, which they finally won again in 2018 • won the EHF Cup in his first year at the helm • became also the sporting director after Szeged legend Richárd Mezei resigned

EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2009, EHF Cup 2014 WCh: G 2005, EURO: S 2006, OG: B 2008

Newcomers: Left the club: Mirko Alilovic (Telekom Veszprém/HUN) Sergei Gorbok (HC Vardar/MKD) Stanislav Kasparek (Balatonfüredi KSE/HUN) Stas Skube (HC Vardar/MKD) Nik Henigman (RD Riko Ribnica/SLO) Szabolcs Zubai (Orosházi FKSE/HUN) Joan Canellas (HC Vardar/MKD) Thiagus Petrus Goncalves Dos Santos (Barça Lassa/ESP) Jorge Maqueda (HC Vardar/MKD) Ivan Srsen (HC PPD Zagreb/CRO) Dean Bombac (PGE Vive Kielce/POL) José Manuel Sierra Mendez (Saran/FRA) Márk Hegedüs (Eger SBS Eszterházy/HUN) Bálint Fekete (Naturhouse La Rioja, on loan/ESP)

98 MOL-Pick Szeged

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 32 Mirko Alilovic CRO G o a l k e e p e r 15.09.1985 Ljubuski, BIH 200 110 39 Bruno Bajusz HUN L e ft W i n g 25.05.2001 Szeged, HUN 193 78 19 Zsolt Balogh HUN R i g h t B a c k 29.03.1989 Orosháza, HUN 190 97 27 Bence Banhidi HUN L i n e P l a y e r 09.02.1995 Györ, HUN 207 126 21 Alen Blazevic CRO L i n e P l a y e r 29.03.1986 Nasice, CRO 201 115 9 Richard Bodo HUN L e ft B a c k 13.03.1993 Mateszalka, HUN 205 118 44 Dean Bombac SLO Centre Back 04.04.1989 Koper, SLO 189 91 14 Joan Cañellas ESP Centre Back 30.09.1986 St. Maria de Palau, ESP 198 105 87 Richard Csanyi HUN Centre Back 09.04.1999 Szeged, HUN 186 85 22 Matej Gaber SLO L i n e P l a y e r 22.07.1991 Kranj, SLO 198 119 15 Nik Henigman SLO L e ft B a c k 04.12.1995 Ljubljana, SLO 200 103 C 8 Jonas Källman SWE L e ft W i n g 17.07.1981 Växjö, SWE 200 95 37 Stanislav Kasparek CZE R i g h t B a c k 11.06.1996 Prerov, CZE 202 101 3 Marcell Lörincz HUN L i n e P l a y e r 18.10.2001 Gyöngyös, HUN 188 86 5 Jorge Maqueda ESP R i g h t B a c k 06.02.1988 Toledo, ESP 197 105 1 Barnabas Marczika HUN G o a l k e e p e r 09.05.2001 Szeged, HUN 186 84 52 Martin Nagy HUN G o a l k e e p e r 09.01.1999 Szeged, HUN 204 92 26 Pedro Rodriguez ESP R i g h t W i n g 22.08.1990 Vigo, ESP 193 90 16 Marin Sego CRO G o a l k e e p e r 02.08.1985 Mostar, BIH 194 97 10 Stefan Rafn Sigurmannsson ISL L e ft W i n g 19.05.1990 Hafnarfjördur, ISL 198 98 24 Mario Sostaric SLO R i g h t W i n g 25.11.1992 Slovenj Gradec, SLO 193 93 18 Stefan Sunajko SRB L e ft W i n g 10.04.1998 Zombor, SRB 193 83 97 Zoltan Szilagyi HUN R i g h t W i n g 24.02.1998 Makó, HUN 180 76 77 Martin Jozsef Tökes HUN L i n e P l a y e r 24.08.2000 Békéscsaba, HUN 189 77 98 Jozsef Toth HUN L i n e P l a y e r 23.06.1999 Szeged, HUN 195 110 89 Dmitry Zhitnikov RUS L e ft B a c k 20.11.1989 Zvolen, SVK 195 98

99 MOL-Pick Szeged

Mirko Alilovic goalkeeper • arrived in the summer of 2018 from the biggest national rival, Veszprém • like his predecessor, Dejan Peric, he is one of the outstanding goalkeepers who can inspire teammates and fans alike • Croatian national team member, who will be fighting to become first-choice keeper at Szeged with Marin Sego

OG: B 2012, EURO: S 2008, 2010, B 2012, 2016, WCh: S 2009, B 2013

Jonas Källman @jonas_kallman left wing • signed in the winter of 2013/14 and showed his ability to defend in three positions • vital part of both coach Juan Carlos Pastor’s defensive variations and Szeged’s attacking edge • spent more than a decade in Spain with Ciudad Real and Atlético Madrid before returning home (IFK Skövde) and ultimately signing with Pick • the Swede is one of the survivors of the many changes in the Szeged locker-room EC trophies: CL 2006, 2008, 2009, EHF Cup 2014 OG: S 2012

Dmitry Zhitnikov centre back • comes from Krasnodar, where his first coach at the local school was his father • a talented player at age 16, he was invited to Chekhov where he played five seasons in the reserve team before enjoying his breakthrough • member of the Russian national team, who joined Szeged in the summer of 2017 after two seasons with Plock

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

Matej Gaber line player • signed by Szeged at the start of 2016/17, and has since justified his ‘hard- defending’ reputation • is a regular in the Slovenian national team, having represented his country for more than 100 times • previously played for Montpellier, where he gained considerable CL experience

WCh: B 2017

100 MOL-Pick Szeged

Bence Banhidi line player • only started playing handball at age 14, as a backcourt player at his local club Györ • n a m e d j u n i o r h a n d b a l l p l a y e r o f t h e y e a r i n H u n g a r y i n 2 0 1 5 , a y e a r a ft e r h i s d e b u t in the national team at age 18 • enjoying a good spell of form since 2016/17, sharing playing time at the line player position with Slovenian defensive specialist Matej Gaber

Jorge Maqueda right back • arrived in Szeged at the beginning of the 2018/19 season • previously played for Barça, Alcobendas, Aragon, Nantes, and Vardar, the team he won the CL with in 2017 • world-class defender, who was part of the inaugural EHF Cup Finals 2013 in Nantes, finishing runners-up to the hosting team

EC trophies: CL 2017 EURO: S 2016, B 2014, WCh: G 2013, B 2011

Zsolt Balogh right back • joined Szeged from Braun Gyöngyös in 2012, and won the EHF Cup two years later • not the tallest backcourt player in the CL but he has outstanding dribbling skills and a sharp eye for passing • one of few Szeged players from the 2015/16 squad who are still with the team

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2014

Mario Sostaric right wing • joined Szeged from Velenje in 2017 on personal request by coach Pastor, and scored 23 goals in his first season in Hungary • sharing the time on court with Pedro Rodriguez Alvarez • facing stiff competition from Gajic and Marguc on his position in the national Slovenian team • voted to the All-star Teams of EURO 2011 and WCh 2012 on junior level

101 SG Flensburg-Handewitt

GROUP B SG Flensburg- Handewitt For the 14th time, VELUX EHF Champions League 2013/14 winners SG Flensburg- Handewitt are part of the group phase. For the second time, after 2004, they start as German champions – but the upcoming season will be extremely tough, as the team is under construction. Both goalkeepers have gone, both playmakers have left, the defence star said farewell: SG Flensburg-Handewitt have the biggest transition of recent years ahead. The prolific goalkeeping duo Mattias Andersson (end of career) and Kevin Möller (transferred to Barcelona) were replaced by Torbjørn Bergerud and Club Address Benjamin Buric. Kentin Mahe followed his former coach Ljubomir Vranjes to SG Flensburg-Handewitt Veszprém, while Henrik Toft Hansen joined PSG and Thomas Mogensen returned Schiffbrücke 66 to Denmark. In addition, club legend Jacob Heinl, who had played for SG for more 24939 Flensburg Germany than 20 years, ended his stint. Most of the new arrivals are young and lack international experience. The Media contact middle block will have a new composition and the structure in the back court Isabel Hofmann will also change. It will be huge task for young coach Maik Machulla. “Our young +49 4611609625 i.hofmann@ newcomers have great potential for the future, but we have to be patient,” says sg-flensburg-handewitt.de manager Dierk Schmäschke. And it is already clear that the transition will continue, as team captain Tobias Karlsson will play his last season and Rasmus Lauge will join sg-flensburg-handewitt.de Veszprém in 2019. One of the new faces in the team is Torbjørn Bergerud. He came to prominence SGFleHa during the EHF EURO 2016 in Poland, and at the World Championship 2017 in @SGFleHa France he became a top star of the Norway team, steering his side to the final and the silver medal. Many clubs tried to sign Bergerud, but Flensburg’s Scandinavian @sgflensburghandewitt contacts were ultimately the reason for his arrival. At Flensburg, Bergerud is supposed to fill the huge shoes of Mattias Andersson. After playing for Holstebro, he is now in one of Europe’s top clubs – and is eager to prove that his signing was the right solution for both sides. Kit colours

Light Player shirt: white Past achievements Player short: blue GK shirt: yellow EHF Champions League Participations (including 2018/19 season): 14 Dark Winners (1): 2013/14 Player shirt: grey Final (2): 2003/2004, 2006/2007 Player short: grey Semi-final (1): 2005/2006 GK shirt: red Quarter-final (7): 2004/2005, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2012/2013, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18 Last 16 (1): 2014/15 Playing hall Main Round (1): 2007/2008 Flens Arena Campusallee 2 Other 24943 Flensburg Cup Winners’ Cup: Winners 2000/2001 Germany 2011/2012 Capacity: 6,300 EHF Cup: Winners 1996/1997 City Cup: Winners 1998/1999

German league: 2 titles (2004, 2018) German cup: 4 titles

102 SG Flensburg-Handewitt

EHF Champions League club records

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 35:21 (19:13) v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN (a), 28.09.2014 Longest winning run 9 matches (11.10.2015 – 20.02.2016) MATCHES Longest unbeaten run 9 matches (11.10.2015 – 20.02.2016) Longest winning run 9 Longest losing run 3 matches (04.03.2006 - 01.04.2006) 3 matches (22.02.2015 - 22.03.2015) GOALS Longest run without win 5 matches (10.02.2008 – 08.03.2008) 44 Most goals

GOALS Most goals 44 v Redbergslids IK SWE 44:33W (h), 22.11.2003 80 Most goals both teams 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 17 v Montpellier HB FRA 29:17L (a), 29.04.2018 Fewest goals opponent 18 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 25:18W (h), 02.03.2011 Fewest goals both teams 40 v THW Kiel GER 20:20D (a), 15.10.2017

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2003/04 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 10 1 3 450:401 +49 21:7 Runner-up 2004/05 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 10 7 1 2 319:270 +49 15:5 1/4-finals 2005/06 SG Flensburg Handewitt GER 12 7 0 5 372:326 +46 14:10 1/2-finals 2006/07 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 8 1 5 437:398 +39 17:11 Runner-up 2007/08 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 12 4 2 6 355:356 -1 10:14 4th MR Gr. 3 2008/09 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 12 8 0 4 360:329 +31 16:8 1/4-finals 2010/11 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 11 0 3 394:354 +40 22:6 1/4-finals 2012/13 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 9 3 2 416:384 +32 21:7 1/4-finals 2013/14 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 16 12 1 3 489:441 +48 25:7 Winner 2014/15 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 12 6 0 6 337:340 -3 12:12 Last 16 2015/16 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 18 12 1 5 544:494 +50 25:11 1/4-finals 2016/17 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 18 9 1 8 487:478 +9 19:17 1/4-finals 2017/18 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 18 9 5 4 508:494 +14 23:13 1/4-finals Total 184 112 16 56 5468:5065 +403 240:128

103 SG Flensburg-Handewitt

Maik Machulla coach • took over from Ljubomir Vranjes in 2017, who left Flensburg after 11 years, and won German cup in his first season • was Vranjes’ assistent since 2013 after finishing his playing career at Flensburg • started his professional career for SC Magdeburg (1997-2002), where he won three European Cup trophies • later played for Nordhorn (already with Vranjes), Hameln and Ahlen-Hamm before arriving at Flensburg in 2012 • stepped in as a player again several times when Flensburg had to deal with too many injuries

EC trophies: CL 2002, EHF Cup 1999, 2001, 2008

Newcomers: Left the club: Benjamin Burić (SG Wetzlar/GER) Thomas Mogensen (Skjern Handbold/DEN) Torbjørn Bergerud (TTH Holstebro/DEN) Jacob Heinl (Ribe-Esbjerg/DEN) Johannes Golla (MT Melsungen/GER) Mattias Andersson (retired) Simon Hald (Aalborg Håndbold/DEN) Kentin Mahé (Telekom Veszprém/HUN) Magnus Jøndal (GOG Håndbold/DEN) Kevin Møller (FC Barcelona/ESP) Gøran Søgard Johanessen (GOG Håndbold/DEN) Henrik Toft Hansen (Paris Saint-Germain HB/FRA)

104 SG Flensburg-Handewitt

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 27 Dani Baijens NED Centre Back 05.05.1998 Rotterdam, NED 182 90 30 Torbjoern Sittrup Bergerud NOR G o a l k e e p e r 16.07.1994 Drammen, NOR 197 90 31 Mark Bult NED R i g h t B a c k 07.09.1982 Emmen, NED 200 101 1 Benjamin Buric BIH G o a l k e e p e r 20.11.1990 Maglaj, BIH 197 97 9 Holger Glandorf GER R i g h t B a c k 30.03.1983 Osnabrück, GER 195 92 4 Johannes Golla GER L i n e P l a y e r 05.11.1997 Wiesbaden, GER 195 98 24 Jim Gottfridsson SWE Centre Back 02.09.1992 Ystad, SWE 190 95 5 Simon Hald Jensen DEN L i n e P l a y e r 28.09.1994 Aalborg, DEN 203 114 17 Simon Jeppsson SWE L e ft B a c k 15.07.1995 Lund, SWE 203 104 16 Johannes Jepsen GER G o a l k e e p e r 21.01.2000 Flensburg, GER 200 90 18 Magnus Joendal NOR L e ft W i n g 07.02.1988 Ski, NOR 187 83 23 Goeran Soegaard Johannessen NOR Centre Back 26.04.1994 Stavanger, NOR 192 92 C 3 Tobias Karlsson SWE L i n e P l a y e r 04.06.1981 Karlskrona, SWE 196 102 25 Rasmus Lauge Schmidt DEN L e ft B a c k 20.06.1991 Randers, DEN 193 96 34 Jörn Persson GER Centre Back 31.10.2000 Flensburg, GER 183 83 77 Magnus Abelvik Röd NOR R i g h t B a c k 07.07.1997 Oslo, NOR 202 92 19 Marius Steinhauser GER R i g h t W i n g 06.02.1993 Karlsruhe, GER 187 85 11 Lasse Svan DEN R i g h t W i n g 31.08.1983 Stevns, DEN 184 84 14 Hampus Wanne SWE Centre Back 10.12.1993 Lundby, SWE 185 84 22 Anders Zachariassen DEN L i n e P l a y e r 04.09.1991 Sonderborg, DEN 192 96

105 SG Flensburg-Handewitt

Torbjörn Bergerud goalkeeper • is the successor of legendary Mattias Andersson, who ended his career • had breakthrough at EHF EURO 2016 in Poland, where Norway reached semi-finals • with Sander Sagosen best Norwegian at WCh 2017 • played in Drammen (NOR), Lund (SWE) and Holstebro (DEN) before joining Flensburg • forms new duo with Bosnia’s Benjamin Buric, who has arrived from Wetzlar

WCh: S 2017

Hampus Wanne left wing • scored the last penalty in the CL semi-final against Barcelona in 2014 • girlfriend Daniela Gustin is a Swedish national team player, who moved from Randers to Germany (Bietigheim) for the 2018/19 season • arrived at the start of the 2013/14 season and skipped the M21 WCh 2013 – where Sweden took gold, but won the M18 EURO in 2010 • replaced legend Anders Eggert (Skjern) on the left wing before the 2017/18 season EC trophies: CL 2014 EURO: S 2018

Rasmus Lauge Schmidt @rasmuslauge25 left back • played for Bjerringbro, moved to Germany in 2013 and joined Kiel for two seasons • lost the CL Final 2014 with Kiel against his future club, Flensburg-Handewitt • was named best Flensburg player in 2015/16 after coming back from torn ACLs twice • missed 2016 Rio Olympics, where Denmark won gold, due to another knee injury • will join Veszprém after in 2019, will be reunited with former SG coach Vranjes

WCh S 2013, EURO G 2012

Jim Gottfridsson centre back • comes from Ystad, like many other Swedish handball stars • played for Ystad from the age of 8 until his 2013 transfer to Flensburg at age 21 • was key player for SG in CL semi-final and final when they won the trophy in 2014 • was top scorer of under-19 WCh 2012 and MVP of EHF EURO 2018 in Croatia

EC trophies: CL 2014 EURO: S 2018

106 SG Flensburg-Handewitt

Johannes Golla line player • one of the biggest German talents, who shall replace Henrik Toft Hansen (PSG) • will form the team’s middle block with Tobias Karlsson • arrived from MT Melsungen, where he became junior national team player • his sister, Pauline, was European under-17 champion with Germany in 2017

Tobias Karlsson line player • typical powerful Scandinavian defence specialist; best defence player at the EHF EURO 2014; awarded best Bundesliga defender in the 2015/16 season • team captain, who will retire from handball after the 2018/19 season • Swedish champion three times with Hammarby IF, retired from the national team just before the 2016/17 season • founded an insurance company with some former players in Sweden EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012 OG: S 2012

Holger Glandorf right back • left-handed shooter, the last remaining world champion from 2007 in SG squad • despite some injury breaks, always returned to a high level of performance • has won the full set of three major European Cup competitions titles, with Nordhorn and Flensburg • in August 2014, he retired from the German national team to fully focus on his club

EC trophies: CL 2014, EHF Cup: 2008, 2010, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012 WCh: G 2007

Lasse Svan @lassesvan right wing • one of the fastest wing players in CL with a high scoring efficiency • second best Danish scorer during golden campaign at Rio Olympics 2016 • specialist for motivation and relaxing – as his business is mental coaching • after four seasons at GOG Svendborg he moved to Flensburg in 2008 • was also a billiards champion in his home region Seeland

EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup 2012 OG: G 2016, WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014

107 Skjern Handbold GROUP B Skjern Handbold

Becoming the first Danish team in six years to reach the quarter-final of the VELUX EHF Champions League was just one of the highlights of Skjern Håndbold’s extremely successful 2017/18 season. They also won the Danish championship for the first time since their maiden top flight title in 1998/99. The taste of success has left the club from the far west of Denmark hungry for more. But they will never lose their modesty, which is so typical for people from the Jutland peninsula. Club Address Having been moved from Groups C/D to A/B may not necessarily be an advantage Skjern Handbold to Skjern, which will likely have to finish fifth or better in Group B to have a fair Ranunkelvej 9 chance in the Last 16. Another upset like last season, when they sent mighty 6900 Skjern Veszprém out, is probably too much to expect from this village team. Denmark “Our goal is to proceed from the group phase,” says head coach Ole Nørgaard. Media contact “We see a group with clubs from different countries and different handball Henning Kjaergaard Christensen philosophies, physically strong players, and we will be challenged on this point.” +45 20 669374 The coach is well aware of the importance of his team having qualified for the [email protected] Champions League once again. “For Skjern Handball as a club it is important to join the European Cups, and being a part of the Champions League family is a privilege. It attracts players, sponsors, and makes our municipality proud,” Nørgaard says. skjernhaandbold.dk Despite the departure of top scorer Markus Olsson, the team appear a bit stronger with a deeper squad. In goal, experienced Bjørgvin Pal Gustavsson of Iceland is skjernhaandbold supplementing one of Denmark´s greatest goalkeeping talents, Emil Nielsen. Also, @skjernHaandbold Thomas Mogensen, joining from German champions SG Flensburg-Handewitt, adds further experience to an already experienced team. Finally, talented Sebastian @skjernhaandboldofficiel Augustinussen from Kolding looks like the perfect replacement to René Rasmussen on the right wing. The main replacements for Olsson will be Slovenian international Jan Grebenc, who has joined from Gorenje Velenje, and Swedish player Jonathan Stenbäcken. Also, Thomas Mogensen, who is mainly seen in the role as playmaker, Kit colours is also an option on the left back position in attack. With a recently added German Light Bundesliga title on his CV, Mogensen has so far shown no signs of being in the Player shirt: white autumn of his career. Even just Mogensen’s enormous amount of experience Player short: green should be of huge value to his new team. GK shirt: light blue Past achievements Dark Player shirt: green VELUX EHF Champions League Player short: black Participations (including 2017/18 season): 4 GK shirt: red Last 16 (1): 2003/04 Group Phase (2): 1999/2000, 2015/16

Other Challenge Cup: Winners 2001/02, 2002/03 Playing hall EHF Cup: Semi-final 2006/07, 2014/15 Skjern Bank Arena,Skjern Ranunkelvej 1 Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2005/06 6900 Skjern Denmark Danish league: 1 title (1999) Capacity: 2,400 Danish cup: 2001 Super-Cup winner

108 Skjern Handball

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 35:20 (18:19) v Rk Gorenje Velenje SLO (h), 03.12.2017 Biggest defeat 34:24 (18:11) v SC Magdeburg GER (a), 20.12.2003 Longest winning run 5 matches (05.11.2017 – 03.12.2017) Longest unbeaten run 5 matches (15.11.2015 – 28.02.2016) 5 matches (05.11.2017 – 03.12.2017) MATCHES Longest losing run 3 matches (30.10.1999 – 13.11.1999) Longest winning run 5 Longest run without win 3 matches (30.10.1999 – 13.11.1999) 3 matches (28.11.1999 – 11.10.2003) GOALS Most goals 3 matches (06.12.2015 – 05.03.2016) 39 3 matches (31.03.2018 – 29.04.2018)

GOALS 72 Most goals both teams Most goals 39 v Dinamo Bucuresti ROU 39:28W (h), 17.09.2017 Most goals opponent 36 v HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 36:36D (h), 06.12.2015 Most goals both teams 72 v HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 36:36D (h), 06.12.2015 Fewest goals 16 v ZTR Zaporozhye UKR 16:20L (h), 13.11.1999 Fewest goals opponent 19 v HC Metalurg MKD 20:19W (h), 11.10.2015 Fewest goals both teams 36 v ZTR Zaporozhye UKR 16:20L (h), 13.11.1999

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 1999/00 Skjern Handball DEN 6 1 0 5 134:150 –16 2:10 4th Gr. C 2003/04 Skjern Handball DEN 8 3 1 4 205:212 -7 7:9 Last 16 2015/16 Skjern Handbold DEN 12 6 3 3 347:329 +18 15:9 Elimination C+D 2017/18 Skjern Handbold DEN 16 10 1 5 504:429 +75 21:11 1/4-finals Total 42 20 5 17 1190:1120 +70 45:39

109 Skjern Handbold

Ole Norgaard coach • joined Skjern in the summer of 2012, debuting as the coach of a senior team • was previously head of development of talents for the Danish Handball Federation • led Skjern to third place in the Danish league and a ticket for the EHF Cup in his first season in charge • a calm and analytical coach who is good at making his players understand his plans and ideas

Newcomers: Left the club: Sebastian Augustinussen (KIF Kolding København/DEN) Markus Olsson (Fenix Toulouse/FRA) Benjamin Jakobsen (Bjerringbro-Silkeborg/DEN) Mads Houmøller (IFK Ystad/SWE) Bjørgvin Pal Gustavsson (Haukar/ICE) Cornelius Krag (Skanderborg Håndbold/DEN) Jan Grebenc (Rk Gorenje Velenje/SLO) Tibor Ivanisevic (HSG Wetzlar/GER) Thomas Mogensen (SG Flensburg-Handewitt/GER)

110 Skjern Handball

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 35 Mathias Tang Andersen DEN Centre Back 13.11.1996 Ringkøbing-Skjern, DEN 185 85 41 Jeppe Haahr Anneberg DEN L e ft B a c k 03.02.1998 Varde, DEN 194 105 22 Sebastian Augustinussen DEN R i g h t W i n g 06.05.1996 Kolding, DEN 192 93 19 Bjarke Fredsted Christensen DEN L e ft W i n g 26.01.1992 Ringkøbing-Skjern, DEN 190 88 7 Anders Eggert DEN L e ft W i n g 14.05.1982 Aarhus, DEN 179 77 13 Jan Grebenc SLO L e ft B a c k 18.08.1992 Ljubljana, SLO 194 94 12 Björgvin Pall Gustavsson ISL G o a l k e e p e r 24.05.1985 Hvammstangi, ISL 190 90 34 Kristian Hindo DEN R i g h t W i n g 04.05.1998 Ringkøbing-Skjern, DEN 186 82 3 Benjamin Jakobsen DEN L i n e P l a y e r 09.09.1991 Skanderborg, DEN 191 95 20 Mathias Gliese Jensen DEN R i g h t W i n g 05.03.1997 Lemvig, DEN 190 84 10 Jesper Konradsson SWE Centre Back 04.06.1994 Göteborg, SWE 184 84 6 Tandri Már Konradsson ISL Back 08.06.1990 Reykjavik, ISL 194 98 9 Christoffer Cichosz Mikkelsen DEN L i n e P l a y e r 17.01.1988 Lemvig, DEN 190 107 2 Thomas Mogensen DEN Back 30.01.1983 Odder, DEN 187 100 C 18 Bjarte Hakon Myrhol NOR L i n e P l a y e r 29.05.1982 Oslo, NOR 192 96 32 Nicolai Hedegaard Nielsen DEN Back 10.05.1999 billund, DEN 188 88 1 Emil Nielsen DEN G o a l k e e p e r 10.03.1997 Aarhus, DEN 195 120 31 Tobias Rasmussen DEN R i g h t W i n g 28.03.1999 Fredensborg, DEN 197 86 30 Kasper Thorsted Rasmussen DEN G o a l k e e p e r 21.01.1997 Silkeborg, DEN 187 86 21 Rene Toft Brølling Rasmussen DEN R i g h t W i n g 29.08.1989 Ringkobing-Skjern, DEN 176 83 22 Kasper Søndergaard DEN R i g h t B a c k 09.06.1981 Skive, DEN 192 95 11 Jonathan Stenbäcken SWE L e ft B a c k 07.01.1988 Vårgårda, SWE 195 105 25 Eivind Tangen NOR R i g h t B a c k 04.05.1993 Bergen, NOR 195 99 40 Sebastian Skov Uhrenholt DEN G o a l k e e p e r 04.10.1997 Esbjerg, DEN 182 78

111 Skjern Handbold

Emil Nielsen goalkeeper • joined in the summer of 2017 from fellow Danish side Aarhus Håndbold • was sidelined for around a year due to meningitis, but returned to full strength and had a significant impact during the 2017/18 season • despite only being 21 years old, has been seen as one of Denmark’s greatest goalkeeping talents for several years • was a highly qualified supplement to Tibor Ivanisevic - who departed for the Bundesliga - and is expected to play an important role this season

Anders Eggert @aeggert7 left wing • joined in the summer of 2017 from SG Flensburg-Handewitt • top scorer of German Bundesliga in 2011 (248 goals) and WCh in 2013 (55 goals) • started his career at Braband and played 10 seasons with Flensburg • famous for having one of the highest success rates in the CL on penalty throws

EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012 WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2008, 2012, S 2014

Jan Grebenc left back • transferred to Skjern from Slovenian side Rk Gorenje Velenje in the summer of 2018 • played CL with Velenje and is an international for Slovenia, was part of the team that earned bronze at the WCh 2017 in France • his shot and speed are his main assets on the court

WCh: B 2017

Thomas Mogensen centre back • joined Skjern in 2018 after 11 years with German side SG-Flensburg Handewitt • experienced Danish playmaker with more than 1,000 goals for Flensburg and a big collection of silverware • previously played for Viborg and GOG, and won Danish league and cup twice • to focus only on club handball, he quit the national team after EHF EURO 2014

EC trophies: CL 2014; Cup Winners’ Cup 2012 WCh: S 2011, 2013; EURO: G 2012, S 2014

112 Skjern Handball

Christoffer Cichosz Mikkelsen line player • joined Skjern from Danish league rivals Mors Thy Håndbold in 2017 • hampered by injury in the first part of his first season with Skjern but reached full strength before the end of that year • a strong and versatile line player and defender, serving as an excellent supplement to first-choice line player Bjarte Myrhol

Bjarte Myrhol @bjartemyrhol line player • joined Skjern in the summer of 2015 from Rhein-Neckar Löwen • diagnosed with cancer in August 2011, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy • always willing to fight, he returned to the court only 10 weeks after his surgery • as captain and All-star Team line player, led Norway to their first ever international medal: silver at the World Championship 2017

EC trophies: EHF Cup 2008, 2013 WCh: S 2017

Kasper Sondergaard right back • joined Skjern from KIF Kolding in 2011 • at 36, most experts still consider him the best attacking right back in Danish handball • his precise and varied left-hand shot, as well as his ability to break through the opponents’ defence, are his main weapons • made a comeback to the national team after a one-year hiatus, in time to win the historic gold medal with Denmark at the Olympic Games EURO: G 2008, 2012; OG G 2016; WCh: S 2011, 2013

Sebastian Augustinussen right wing • joined Skjern from KIF Kolding in the summer of 2018 as replacement for long-term injured Rene Rasmussen • was part of the Denmark team at the Men’s 20 EHF EURO 2016 as well as the silver- medal winning Under-21 side at the World Championship one year later • has CL experience from his time with KIF Kolding Kobenhavn • a fast and technically skilled wing, who can also play right back, and who is equally strong at both ends of the court

113 HC PPD Zagreb

GROUP B HC PPD Zagreb

Last season they were in the similar position and, for the first time in four years, failed to qualify for the Last 16. This year, the goal is again the same: reach the Last 16 under the guidance of experienced Lino Cervar, who will lead this young team into Zagreb’s 25th EHF Champions League season. The club had the same wish last year, but the team could not achieve the goal and reach the Last 16. They won six points and finished at the bottom of Group A. Club Address Arena Zagreb was not the strong fortress it had been in previous seasons. However, HC PPD Zagreb new sports director and former player Josip Valcic hopes that his team can restore Veprinacka 16 the power of the home arena. “Our goal is to try to win every much in Arena 10000 Zagreb Zagreb and hopefully to put on some good performances playing away. I think that Croatia should be enough to achieve our goal.”

Media contact Experienced players like Igor Vori, Josip and Tonci Valcic have retired. Now all the Goran Roknić experience lies in captain Zlatko Horvat and Damir Bicanic. It is up to Lino Cervar +385 95 9999 334 to combine a few experienced players with the youngsters, who have never played glasnogovornik@rk‐zagreb.hr such big roles in the club. Captain Zlatko Horvat thinks his team are ready for the challenge: “We have a young but well-balanced team and I believe that this season is going to be good for us.” www.rk-zagreb.hr The biggest name Zagreb signed for the new season is former Nantes line player RKZagreb Senjamin Buric. He will have a tough task in replacing Igor Vori, but what he was showing in Nantes before an ACL injury last season says that Zagreb will have an @RKZagreb excellent line player. Buric is an experienced Bosnian international who has played @rkzagreb_official for Izvidac, Gorenje and Nantes. He was not in the squad at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2018 due to the injury but was there to support his team and share in the amazing result. One of the reasons Buric returned to Zagreb is his wife Sonja Basic, former Croatian international, who recently gave birth. Kit colours

Light Player shirt: white Past achievements Player short: white VELUX EHF Champions League GK shirt: red Participations (including 2018/19 season): 25 Dark Runners-up (4): 1994/95, 1996/97, 1997/98, Player shirt: blue 1998/99 Player short: blue Semi-final (1): 1999/00 GK shirt: yellow Quarter-final (7): 2000/01, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16 Last 16 (4): 2005/06, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2016/17 Main Round (1): 2007/08 Playing hall Group Phase (7): 1993/94, 1995/96, 2004/05, 2006/07, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2017/18 Arena Zagreb Laniste b.b., Other 10000 Zagreb Cup Winners‘ Cup: Runners-up 2004/05, Croatia Semi-finals 2006/07 Capacity: 15,200 (IHF) European Champions Cup: 2 titles (1991/92, 1992/93) SEHA League: 1 title (2013) Croatian league: 27 titles (1992-2018) Croatian Cup winner: 25 times

114 HC PPD Zagreb EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 34:15 (16:8) v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH (h), 04.12.2010 Biggest defeat 43:21 (23:10) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 18.04.2015 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) MATCHES Longest run without win 6 matches (04.10.2008 – 22.11.2008) 11 Longest losing run 7 matches (11.10.2012 – 16.02.2013)

GOALS Longest run without win 11 matches (25.03.2017 – 23.11.2017) 38 Most goals Most goals 38 v Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 38:30W (h), 23.02.2013 GOALS Most goals opponent 43 v FC Barcelona ESP 43:21L (a), 18.04.2015 Most goals both teams 69 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 36 v HC Metalurg MKD 19:17W (h), 11.10.2014

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 1993/94 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 6 0 2 4 135:147 –12 2:10 4th Gr. A 1994/95 Badel Zagreb CRO 8 5 1 2 203:203 0 11:5 Runner-up 1995/96 Croatia Banka Zagreb CRO 6 2 1 3 138:144 -6 5:7 3rd Gr. B 1996/97 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 12 6 3 3 310:294 +16 15:9 Runner-up 1997/98 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 12 7 0 5 300:287 +13 14:10 Runner-up 1998/99 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 12 8 1 3 288:269 +19 17:7 Runner-up 1999/00 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 10 7 1 2 260:230 +30 15:5 1/2-finals 2000/01 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 8 4 1 3 195:192 +3 9:7 1/4-finals 2002/03 RK Zagreb CRO 8 3 2 3 209:216 -7 8:8 1/4-finals 2003/04 RK Zagreb CRO 10 4 0 6 273:258 +15 8:12 1/4-finals 2004/05 RK Zagreb CRO 6 3 0 3 165:170 -5 6:6 3rd Gr. B 2005/06 RK Zagreb CRO 8 5 1 2 212:194 +18 11:5 Last 16 2006/07 RK Zagreb CRO 6 3 0 3 153:148 +5 6:6 3rd Gr. D 2007/08 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 5 1 6 339:344 -5 11:13 3rd MR Gr. 3 2008/09 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 7 3 2 357:313 +44 17:7 1/4-finals 2009/10 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 6 0 6 351:335 +16 12:12 Last 16 2010/11 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 6 3 3 358:319 +39 15:9 Last 16 2011/12 Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb CRO 14 9 1 4 391:359 +32 19:9 1/4-finals 2012/13 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 10 2 1 7 266:284 –18 5:15 5th Gr. D 2013/14 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 10 4 0 6 267:282 -15 8:12 5th Gr. A 2014/15 HC PPD Zagreb CRO 14 7 0 7 328:356 -28 14:14 1/4-finals 2015/16 HC PPD Zagreb CRO 18 6 2 10 464:480 –16 14:22 1/4-finals 2016/17 HC PPD Zagreb CRO 16 4 1 11 373:408 –35 9:23 Last 16 2017/18 HC PPD Zagreb CRO 14 2 2 10 349:396 –47 6:22 8th Gr. A Total 256 115 27 114 6684:6628 +56 257:255

115 HC PPD Zagreb

Lino Cervar coach • most successful coach of the Croatian men’s national team, winning Olympic gold in 2004 and the World Championship in 2003

• in 2016 became head coach of the Macedonian national team only to return to the Croatian national team one year later

• led Croatia at EHF EURO 2018 and finished fifth on home court

• this is his third time on the Zagreb bench, returning to Croatian champions after nine years

OG: G 2004, EURO: S 2008, 2010, WCh: G 2003, S 2005, 2009

Newcomers: Left the club: Filip Vistorop (Zrinski Mostar/SRB) Igor Vori (retired) Senjamin Buric (HBC Nantes/FRA) Josip Valcic (retired) David Mandic (Izvidac Ljubuski/BIH) Tonci Valcic (retired) Gregor Potocnik (Gorenje Velenje/SLO) Mario Vuglac (retired) Lovro Jotic (Aalborg/DEN) David Miklavcic (Gorenje Velenje/SLO) Nikola Potic (Cangas de Morazzo/ESP) Dobrivoje Markovic (-) Ivan Srsen (Nexe/CRO) Domagoj Pavlovic (MT Melsungen/GER) Vito Bahtijarevic (PPD Zagreb Youth Academy/CRO) Stipe Mandalinic (Füchse Berlin/GER)

116 HC PPD Zagreb

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 77 Damir Bicanic CRO L e ft B a c k 25.06.1985 Vukovar, CRO 195 98 8 Josip Bozic Pavletic CRO R i g h t W i n g 06.08.1994 Split, CRO 188 84 10 Senjamin Buric BIH L i n e P l a y e r 20.11.1990 Maglaj, BIH 198 100 3 Josip Eres CRO R i g h t W i n g 19.03.1995 Ljubuski, BIH 185 78 C 18 Zlatko Horvat CRO R i g h t W i n g 25.09.1984 Zagreb, CRO 179 87 44 Matej Hrstic CRO L e ft B a c k 11.08.1996 Ljubuski, BIH 195 80 23 Lovro Jotic CRO Centre Back 12.11.1994 Zagreb, CRO 191 86 12 Arian Jovic CRO G o a l k e e p e r 18.06.1996 Zagreb, CRO 184 90 99 Urh Kastelic SLO G o a l k e e p e r 27.02.1996 Brezice, SLO 200 92 9 Tin Kontrec CRO L i n e P l a y e r 09.09.1989 Nasice, CRO 196 95 7 Tin Lucin CRO Centre Back 16.08.1999 Rijeka, CRO 196 94 37 David Mandic CRO L e ft W i n g 14.09.1997 Ljubuški, BIH 175 74 5 Luka Mrakovcic CRO Centre Back 22.09.1994 Rijeka, CRO 191 88 21 Gregor Potocnik SLO L e ft B a c k 22.08.1992 Celje, SLO 195 103 33 Valentino Ravnic CRO L e ft W i n g 20.07.1995 Zadar, CRO 190 82 13 Ivan Srsen CRO R i g h t B a c k 19.09.1992 Metkovic, CRO 196 97 19 Leon Susnja CRO L i n e P l a y e r 05.08.1993 Siroki Brijeg, CRO 204 113 16 Ivan Vekic CRO G o a l k e e p e r 19.07.1998 Metkovic, CRO 198 103 97 Josip Vekic CRO R i g h t B a c k 16.03.1998 Metkovic, CRO 210 100 4 Filip Vistorop CRO Centre Back 29.04.1998 Mostar, BIH 194 90 74 Mario Vuglac CRO R i g h t B a c k 30.01.1992 Zagreb, CRO 191 92

117 HC PPD Zagreb

Urh Kastelic goalkeeper • joined Zagreb in 2017, and became first choice after Matevz Skok left the club • played for Krsko (SLO), Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO), Maribor Branik (SLO) and MOL- Pick Szeged (HUN) • won gold with Slovenia at Youth Olympics in China and silver at Youth WCh in Russia where he saved an incredible 114 shots; won bronze with senior team at the WCh 2017

WCh: B 2017

David Mandić left wing • came from Izvidac CO (BIH) where he was one of their best players • season 2018/2019 will be his first in CL • was a member of Croatian youth and junior national team • won gold with Croatia at the 2018 Mediterranean Games in Tarragona • besides being efficient in attack he is also possesses great defensive skills

Damir Bicanic left back • returned to Zagreb for 2017/2018 season after 10 years of playing abroad • born in Vukovar, Croatia, but started his career in Umag • played for Umag, Osijek, Medveščak, Zagreb, Ademar Leon and Chambery Savoie • one of the oldest and most experienced players at the club

OG: B2012, EURO: S 2010, B 2012, WCh B 2013

Lovro Jotic centre back • returns to Zagreb after playing one season in Aalborg (DEN) • Aalborg was his first international transfer, in his career he played for Umag, Zamet, Dubrava and Zagreb • season 2018/19 will be his fourth in the CL • won silver at Youth WCh 2013 and gold at the 2018 Mediterranean Games

118 HC PPD Zagreb

Senjamin Burić line player • recently recovered from ACL injury • will replace Igor Vori who retired from handball and will play alongside Tin Kontrec and Leon Šušnja • played for Maglaj (BIH), Izvidac CO (BIH), Borac (BIH), Gorenje Velenje (SLO) and HBC Nantes (FRA) • married to former Croatian international Sonja Bašić, daughter of famous Croatian goalkeeper Mirko Bašić • has a twin brother Benjamin who is a goalkeeper for Flensburg-Handewitt

Leon Susnja line player • the 2017/18 season will be his sixth with Zagreb • recently won gold at the 2018 Mediterranean Games in Tarragona • excellent defensive skills and plays an important role in Zagreb’s defense • was a football goalkeeper, before taking up handball in 2009 • won silver at the Men’s 20 EHF EURO 2012

Ivan Srsen right back • born and raised in Opuzen where he started handball career • spent half of the 2017/18 season on loan at MOL-Pick Szeged, where he stood out in his first match, scoring seven goals against Rhein-Neckar Löwen • coming to Zagreb on one-year loan from Nexe after new signing Serbian Nikola Potić torn his Achilles tendon

Zlatko Horvat right wing • captain of the team and most experienced player in Červar’s squad • is a counter-attack specialist, but also an important part of the defence • made his debut in the national team in 2006 and since then has won five major championship medals • played in Zagreb from the beginning of his career and already has 15 campaigns in the CL under his belt

OG B 2012, EURO S 2008, B 2012, B 2016, WCh S 2009, B 2013

119 HC Motor Zaporozhye

GROUP B HC Motor Zaporozhye

For the first time ever, Ukrainian champions HC Motor Zaporozhye have been included among the stronger Group A/B pool of teams, thanks to their positive results in recent Champions League seasons. Playing in Group B is certainly an honour and a step forward for the team, but at the same time it is a serious test as the Ukrainian champions will face the likes of FINAL4 2018 participants Nantes and Paris Saint-Germain, and German champions Flensburg. Club Address HC Motor Zaporozhye But they have reached the Last 16 from Groups C/D twice in the past and Ivanova Str. 24 accumulated enough experience in Europe, so Patryk Rombel’s men certainly have a 69068 Zaporozhye chance to finish among the top six teams in their group. Belarusian Maxim Babichev Ukraine was Zaporozhye’s first-choice line player last year, but now he will compete with two newcomers, Mateusz Kus and Darko Pesevski. 31-year-old Kus, who joined the Media contact Ukrainian champions from Vive Kielce, has considerable international experience, as Yuriy Chorny +380 50 5946878 he won the VELUX EHF Champions League with Kielce in 2016 and took part in the [email protected] Olympic Games with Poland in the same year. “I’m sure he will help us in defence, and I also hope that he will show his best qualities in attack. At Kielce, he had to compete with Julen Aguinagalde, one of the handball.motorsich.com best line players in the world. But Mateusz will get this chance at Motor,” says coach Rombel. Handball Club Motor Zaporozhye 27-year-old Pesevski only played for his home team, Metalurg, before signing with Zaporozhye, and Rombel also believes in the Macedonians ability to have an impact: #HCMotorZaporozhye “He’s been working hard. I think everyone will see his best qualities already in the first game.” Motor are taking part in the continental top flight for the sixth straight season, Kit colours but they have never played in Zaporozhye before. The team previously had to host their opponents in other Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv, Brovary and Kharkiv. But the Light Player shirt: white/red situation will change for the better this season. Yunost Arena in Zaporozhye has Player short: white been fully renovated and is ready to welcome some of the best European clubs. GK shirt: yellow/black While Motor already did a good job at home in previous years, the support of the truly local fans should boost their morale and possibly contribute to even better Dark results. Player shirt: blue Player short: blue Past achievements GK shirt: red/black VELUX EHF Champions League Participations (including 2018/19 season): 6 Last 16 (2): 2013/14, 2015/16 Group Phase (3): 2014/15, 2016/17, 2017/18

Other EHF Cup: Group Phase 2012/13 Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-finals 2011/12

Playing hall Ukrainian league: 6 titles (2013, 2014, 2015, Palace of Sports Yunost 2016, 2017, 2018) Pobeda St. 66 Ukrainian cup: 5 titles 69000 Zaporozhye Ukraine Capacity: 3,500

120 HC Motor Zaporozhye

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 22:35 (9:18) v ABC/UMinho POR (a), 12.11.2016 36:23 (21:16) v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS (h), 14.09.2017 Biggest defeat 44:27 (20:13) v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN (a), 10.10.2013 Longest winning run 6 matches (22.10.2016 – 12.02.2017) Longest unbeaten run 8 matches (18.10.2015 – 05.03.2016) MATCHES 6 Longest winning run 8 matches (08.10.2017 – 24.02.2018) Longest losing run 6 matches (20.03.2014 – 18.10.2014) GOALS Longest run without win 6 matches (20.03.2014 – 18.10.2014) 39 Most goals Most goals 39 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 39:37W (h), 05.03.2016 GOALS Most goals both teams Most goals opponent 44 v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 44:27L (a), 10.10.2013 76 Most goals both teams 76 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 39:37W (h), 05.03.2016 Fewest goals 20 v Montpellier HB FRA 28:20L (a), 01.10.2017 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 Stage1994/95 2013/14 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 12 4 1 7 333:367 -34 9:15 1/8-finals 2014/15 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 10 3 0 7 283:284 -1 6:14 5th Gr. D 2015/16 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 14 9 1 4 418:414 +4 19:9 1/8-finals 2016/17 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 12 7 2 3 371:337 +34 16:8 Elimination C+D 2017/18 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 12 7 3 2 352:326 +26 17:7 Elimination C+D Total 60 30 7 23 1757:1728 +29 67:53

121 HC Motor Zaporozhye

Patryk Rombel coach • joined Zaporozhye for the 2017/18 season and led the team to the national championship right away • the 35-year-old is considered to be one of the most promising Polish coaches • coached MMTS Kwidzyn, the club where he had spent his entire playing career, during the two previous seasons and led them to the fourth place in the national league both times • also at the helm of the Poland national B-team

Newcomers: Left the club: Mateusz Kus (Kielce/POL) Lev Tselishchev (Spartak Moscow/RUS) Zarko Pesevski (Metalurg/MKD) Olexandr Shevelev (tbd) Dmitry Goriga (ZNTU-ZAS/UKR) Ievgen Zhuk (tbd) Alexander Kasay (ZNTU-ZAS/UKR)

122 HC Motor Zaporozhye

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 6 Maxim Babichev BLR L i n e P l a y e r 07.03.1986 Minsk, BLR 196 97 4 Evgeniy Buinenko UKR L e ft B a c k 20.09.1992 Zaporozhye, UKR 201 93 11 Zakhar Denysov UKR L e ft W i n g 01.03.1990 Ilychevsk, UKR 188 82 44 Vladyslav Dontsov UKR R i g h t B a c k 22.09.1995 Zaporozhye, UKR 200 106 25 Dmytro Horiha UKR L e ft B a c k 08.10.1997 Brovary, UKR 197 91 4 Oleksandr Kasai UKR L e ft W i n g 14.01.1997 Zaporozhye, UKR 180 80 12 Victor Kireev RUS G o a l k e e p e r 05.05.1987 Penzenskaya obl., RUS 190 94 55 Gennadiy Komok UKR G o a l k e e p e r 05.07.1987 Zaporozhye, UKR 196 96 20 Artem Kozakevych UKR R i g h t W i n g 02.10.1992 Novovolynsk, UKR 182 68 5 Iurii Kubatko UKR R i g h t W i n g 28.08.1988 Zaporozhye, UKR 184 83 11 Mateusz Kus POL L i n e P l a y e r 14.07.1987 Piekary SL, POL 193 111 7 Aidenas Malasinskas LTU Centre Back 29.04.1986 Vilnius, LTU 189 84 22 Pawel Paczkowski POL R i g h t B a c k 14.06.1993 Swiecie, POL 192 90 44 Zharko Peshevski MKD L i n e P l a y e r 11.04.1991 Skopje, MKD 195 110 87 Barys Pukhouski BLR Centre Back 03.01.1987 St.Mazorita, BLR 186 100 C 83 Sergey Shelmenko RUS R i g h t B a c k 05.04.1983 Kiev, UKR 195 98 28 Aliaksei Shynkel BLR L e ft B a c k 06.07.1994 Grodno, BLR 200 89 44 Igor Soroka RUS L e ft W i n g 27.05.1991 Cherkessk, RUS 180 73 16 Anton Terekhov UKR G o a l k e e p e r 28.07.1992 Slavyanoserbsk, UKR 196 92 15 Dmytro Tiutiunnyk UKR L i n e P l a y e r 07.03.1993 Uman, UKR 198 102

123 HC Motor Zaporozhye

Victor Kireev goalkeeper • the Russian goalkeeper arrived at Zaporozhye in the summer of 2016 • born in Volgograd and started his career at the local club Kaustik • in 2014 moved to St. Petersburg and was awarded the best goalkeeper of the Russian Superleague in the 2015/16 season • member of the Russian national team

Zakhar Denisov left wing • all-rounder with experience of playing in many different positions in his youth • raised in Yuzhny and played for the local team Portovik before moving to Motor in 2014 • plays for the Ukrainian national team • was also a talented football player as a teenager, but focused on handball

Barys Pukhouski left back/centre back • one of Zaporozhye’s leaders heading into his fourth season at the club • originally a playmaker, last season he mostly played as a left back • moved in 2015 from SKA Minsk, the club where he started his career • also had spells at Dinamo Minsk in his native Belarus and at Hungary’s Csurgoi • all-time top scorer of the Belarusian national team

EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006

Aidenas Malasinskas centre back • joined Motor in the summer of 2015 and quickly became a key element in the team • Lithuanian international, who played for Kaunas clubs (Lusis and Granitas-Karys) before stints with Bidasoa Irun, Fraikin BM Granollers and Naturhouse La Rioja • arrived from BM Puerto Sagunto

124 HC Motor Zaporozhye

Maxim Babichau line player • experienced and consistent Belarusian joined Zaporozhye in 2017 • previously only played in his home country for Arkatron Minsk, Dinamo Minsk and HC Meshkov Brest • nine-time Belarusian champion • regular member of the Belarus national team for more than a decade

Sergey Shelmenko right back • team captain arrived at Motor in 2015 from Chekhovskie Medvedi • before that also played for ZTR Zaporozhye, Rhein-Neckar Lowen, Dinamo Minsk and St. Petersburg • born in Ukraine, acquired Russian citizenship during his spell at Medvedi and started to play for the Russian national team • his wife Tatiana is a former Ukrainian international volleyball player

Pawel Paczkowski right back • last year, loaned to Zaporozhye for two seasons by PGE Vive Kielce • only the fourth player from outside the former Soviet Union in the history of Ukrainian men’s handball • at Kielce he won the Polish league in 2016 and 2017, as well as the CL in 2016 • played for the Polish national team at the 2017 WCh in France

EC trophies: CL 2016

Artem Kozakevych right wing • moved to Zaporozhye from Portovik Yuzhny in 2014 • fast left-handed winger has already become a four-time national champion with Motor • considered as one of the main penalty takers at the club • in 2012, he won a silver medal with Ukraine at the WCh beach handball

125 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko

GROUP B RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko

It is difficult to imagine a VELUX EHF Champions League season without RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko. The Slovenian side have been a regular fixture in the competition. But for four consecutive seasons, they have not reached their basic goal: the elimination matches. The team often lacks experience in crucial moments, but never the fighting spirit. Celje won all the available domestic titles since Branko Tamse was appointed as head coach, and every year they fed bigger clubs with top players such as Miha Zarabec, Gasper Marguc, Blaz Blagotinsek, Blaz Janc and, the Club Address latest but not the least, Borut Mackovsek. Celje Pivovarna Lasko This season offers an opportunity for some new players to shine. Every year, Celje Opekarniska Cesta 15 prove they can surprise the big teams. But in 2017/18, the points against Kiel and 3000 Celje Slovenia Kielce were not enough. Three years in the row, the Slovenian champions just missed sixth place on the group phase table and, with five newcomers, the main Media contact European goal again looks tough to accomplish. Miha Pantelic ‟There are seven national champions out of eight teams in the group, and the +386 51 427 590 eighth is Nantes, who were FINAL4 participants and finalists last season, so that [email protected] tells all how strong this group is. The last two seasons we were only inches away and this year we will do all to be on the other side,” says team captain and one of www.rk-celje.si the rare experienced players David Razgor. Celje lost its most effective shooter Ziga Mlakar and defence pillar Borut rkceljepivovarnalasko Mackovsek. Setting up the defensive play seems more difficult. The attack will @RKCPL remain fast paced – maybe even faster, as Celje will have three options in the middle: Jaka Malus, Rok Ovnicek and rising star Domen Makuc. Like Igor Anic, @rkcpl Drasko Nenadic (former Flensburg and BSV) found a new start in a club with even richer history and space to improve in the field. Slovenian international goalkeeper Klemen Ferlin will replace Urban Lesjak.

Kit colours Just turned 18, Domen Makuc is already making huge steps on the scene. He may not be a starting centre back, as Malus and newcomer Ovnicek are more Light experienced, but fans are eager to see the teenager on the court. Player shirt: yellow-blue Player short: blue GK shirt: black Past achievements VELUX EHF Champions League Dark Participations (including 2018/19 season): 23 Player shirt: blue Winner (1): 2003/04 Player short: blue Semi-final (6): 1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99, GK shirt: red 1999/2000, 2000/01, 2004/05 Quarter-final (2): 2001/02, 2005/06 Playing hall Last 16 (4): 1995/96, 2006/07, 2012/13, 2013/14 Dvorana Zlatorog Main Round (2): 2007/08, 2008/09 Opekarinska cesta 15 Group Phase (6): 1993/94, 1994/95, 2010/11, 3000 Celje 2014/15, 2016/17, 2017/18 Slovenia Qualification (1): 2009/10 Capacity: 5,200 Other EHF Cup: Quarter-finals 2009/10 Cup Winners‘ Cup: Semi-finals 2002/03, 2011/12 Slovenian league: 22 titles (1992-2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014-18) Slovenian cup: 21 times

126 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 37:17 (16:9) 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)

MATCHES Longest losing run 7 matches (26.09.2015 – 21.11.2015) 8 Longest winning run Longest run without win 9 matches (26.09.2015 – 06.12.2015) 9 matches (28.09.2016 – 11.02.2017) GOALS Most goals 40 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 GOALS Most goals both teams Most goals both teams 77 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 44:33L (a), 09.10.2010 74 Fewest goals 17 v UHK West Wien AUT 18:17L (a), 06.04.1994 Fewest goals opponent 16 v SG Wallau-Massenheim GER 23:16W (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 Stage1994/95 1993/94 Celje ‘Pivovarna Lasko’ SLO 6 2 0 4 120:116 +4 4:8 4th Gr. A 1996/97 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 1 2 254:213 +41 15:5 1/2-finals 1997/98 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 8 0 2 268:234 +34 16:4 1/2-finals 1998/99 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 1 2 290:245 +45 15:5 1/2-finals 1999/00 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 0 3 294:250 +44 14:6 1/2-finals 2000/01 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 6 1 3 292:254 +38 13:7 1/2-finals 2001/02 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 8 6 0 2 232:217 +15 12:4 1/4-finals 2003/04 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 14 10 2 2 447:398 +49 22:6 Winner 2004/05 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 8 1 3 360:327 +33 17:7 1/2-finals 2005/06 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 0 3 311:273 +38 14:6 1/4-finals 2006/07 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 8 6 0 2 272:237 +35 12:4 Last 16 2007/08 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 4 2 6 342:344 -2 10:14 4th MR Gr. 4 2008/09 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 4 0 6 296:287 +9 8:12 4th MR Gr. 2 2010/11 HC Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 3 0 7 300:332 -32 6:14 5th Gr. A 2012/13 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 5 0 7 305:324 –19 10:14 Last 16 2013/14 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 5 1 6 322:327 -5 11:13 Last 16 2014/15 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 3 0 7 284:293 -9 6:14 5th Gr. C 2015/16 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 14 3 1 10 385:398 –13 7:21 7th Gr. A 2016/17 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 14 3 3 8 399:424 –25 9:19 7th Gr. B 2017/18 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 14 3 1 10 398:434 –36 7:21 7th Gr. B Total 216 107 14 95 6171:5927 +244 228:204

127 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko

Branko Tamse coach • has started in his sixth season as head coach after winning all 15 possible domestic titles since joining the club in 2013 • has extended his contract until 2020 • former player and coach of Celje’s arch rivals from Velenje • known for his oustanding ability to develop talented players

Newcomers: Left the club: Klemen Ferlin (Gorenje Velenje/SLO) Borut Mackovsek (Veszprém/HUN) Rok Ovnicek (Gorenje Velenje/SLO) Urban Lesjak (Hannover/GER) Drasko Nenadic (Bjerringbro-Silkeborg/DEN) Ziga Mlakar (Orlen Wisla Plock/POL) Kristjan Horzen (Trimo Trebnje/SLO) Matic Suholeznik (Dunkerque/FRA) Josip Sarac (Izvidac Osiguranje/CRO) Luka Mitrovic (Cesson Rennes/FRA)

128 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 39 Igor Anic FRA L i n e P l a y e r 12.06.1987 Mostar, BIH 196 106 80 Kristian Beciri CRO L i n e P l a y e r 14.06.1994 Heppenheim, GER 202 120 17 Anze Blagotinsek SLO L i n e P l a y e r 07.04.2001 Celje, SLO 192 88 20 Nik Cirovic SLO Centre Back 23.03.2002 Postojna, SLO 185 77 8 Tim Cokan SLO R i g h t W i n g 07.06.2001 Celje, SLO 191 78 44 Daniel Dujshebaev ESP L e ft B a c k 04.07.1997 Santander, ESP 197 100 22 Klemen Ferlin SLO G o a l k e e p e r 26.06.1989 Ljubljana, SLO 192 95 14 Matic Groselj SLO R i g h t B a c k 22.09.1997 Trbovlje, SLO 192 91 27 Kristjan Horzen SLO L i n e P l a y e r 08.12.1999 Novo mesto, SLO 192 98 3 Jan Jurecic SLO R i g h t W i n g 26.10.1994 Novo mesto, SLO 186 80 6 Tadej Kljun SLO R i g h t B a c k 18.04.2001 Postojna, SLO 193 76 25 Tilen Kodrin SLO L e ft W i n g 14.05.1994 Celje, SLO 192 89 7 Matic Kosec SLO R i g h t B a c k 22.02.2000 Celje, SLO 193 80 34 Domen Makuc SLO Centre Back 01.07.2000 Postojna, SLO 188 82 5 Jaka Malus SLO Centre Back 15.06.1996 Celje, SLO 190 87 11 Gal Marguc SLO R i g h t W i n g 16.11.1996 Celje, SLO 179 75 12 Jernej Mlakar SLO G o a l k e e p e r 25.06.2001 Celje, SLO 188 88 15 Drasko Nenadic SRB L e ft B a c k 15.02.1990 Beograd, SRB 202 91 10 Rok Ovnicek SLO Centre Back 25.01.1995 Slovenj Gradec, SLO 185 83 16 Aljaz Panjtar SLO G o a l k e e p e r 20.08.1991 Kranj, SLO 185 92 4 Filip Rakita SLO L e ft W i n g 09.11.2001 Celje, SLO 184 67 C 9 David Razgor SLO L e ft W i n g 13.07.1989 Celje, SLO 180 78 13 Josip Sarac CRO L e ft B a c k 24.02.1998 Ljubuški, BIH 201 102 2 Branko Vujovic MNE R i g h t B a c k 20.04.1998 Niksic, MNE 194 99

129 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko

Klemen Ferlin goalkeeper • joined Celje after four seasons with Slovenian rivals Velenje • several injury problems in the past prevented him from showing his true potential • in Velenje he was trained by Ales Anzic, who is now the goalkeeper coach in Celje

Tilen Kodrin left wing • joined Celje from Maribor Branik in 2014 as one of the most talented youngsters on his position • won treble of domestic trophies four times in four seasons with Celje • injuries kept him away from the courts for most of the season, and he missed EHF EURO 2018

WCh: B 2017

Drasko Nenadic left back • often in the shadow of brother Petar, but he has won the CL - with Flensburg in 2014 • Celje is the eighth club in his career • scored 60 CL goals for Crvena Zvezda and Flensburg; six goals in one match is his personal best in the CL • expected to be a solid replacement for Borut Mackovsek, who joined Veszprém

Rok Ovnicek centre back • earned international debut last season, played for Slovenia at Mediterranean Games • moved to Celje after six seasons with Velenje, where he had made his senior debut at age 17 • best scorer for Velenje in the national championship play-offs

130 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko

Domen Makuc centre back • first player born in this millennium to score a goal in the CL • impressed at finals weekend of SEHA league with 10 goals and four assists • helped Slovenia win the Men’s 20 EHF EURO in 2018 • one of Europe’s most promising talents, signed with Celje until 2022

@igor_anic Igor Anic line player @igoranic • born in Mostar but made his senior debut at Montpellier in France • won three Bundesliga titles (and the CL in 2010) with THW Kiel, and also three French league titles with Montpellier • helped France win EHF EURO 2014 and WCh 2015 • known for being a very talented caricature artist and vlogger

EC trophies: CL 2010 EURO: G 2014, WCh: G 2015

Branko Vujovic right back • arrived in Celje on loan from Kielce • born in Montenegro, but representing Poland in international matches • received Best Young Player award in Poland before moving to Celje • made first-team debut at age 14 for his boyhood club Sutjeska, after also practicing judo in his younger years

Gal Marguc right wing • key player for Celje since his breakthrough season in 2016/17 • younger brother of Veszprém star Gasper Marguc • highly talented youngster, next in line of world-class Celje right wings including Dragan Gajic, Gasper Marguc and Blaz Janc • prolific scorer for Celje in all competitions

131 HBC Nantes

GROUP B HBC Nantes

HBC Nantes have an excellent track record in the VELUX EHF Champions League. They reached the Last 16 as debutants two years ago, and they made it to the final last year, beating clubs like Barcelona, Vardar and PSG along the way. So, where do they go from here? The mantra goes, ‘once you’ve done it, you can do it again.’ In sports, though, things are a bit more complicated than that. Nantes surprised everyone last season Club Address so their opponents have now been warned. But the team have barely changed HBC Nantes this summer as retired Dominik Klein has been replaced by Valero Rivera on the 7-9 rue André Tardieu left wing. Still, everybody in the club wants to remain humble, at least before the 44200 Nantes competition has started. France “The objective for us is to be successful during the group phase and reach the best Media contact possible spot,” team captain Rock Feliho says. “We know it will be a real challenge Kevin Morin because the group is a tough one and this is a very hard competition. But after the +33 664865046 season we had, we want to go as far as possible.” kevin.morin@ hbcnantes.com This summer Nantes have changed their home base, again. Three years after moving from the Palais des Sports de Beaulieu to La Trocardière, they are now returning. “It is all a bit dusty but we will find our feet again pretty quickly,” coach www.hbcnantes.com Thierry Anti said on the first day of preparation. As their ‘new’ arena has a bigger capacity, Nantes want to move up to another level. HBCNantesOfficiel Nicolas Tournat was the revelation on the line player position last season, but the HBCNantes 24-year-old still has room to improve in the new season. He made his international debut for France at the EHF EURO 2018 in Croatia and four months later played @hbcnantes his first VELUX EHF FINAL4 with Nantes. He impressed with eight goals in the semi-final against PSG but could quite match that performance in the final against Montpellier the following day. Kit colours Three - that’s the number of Spanish players wearing the Nantes’ jersey this Light season. And add co-trainer Alberto Entrerrios as well. Nantes had one more Player shirt: grey/black Spaniard in their squad in 2012 but Spanish handball remains popular with Le ‘H’. Player short: grey/black GK shirt: yellow, blue or green Past achievements Dark VELUX EHF Champions League Player shirt: purple/yellow Participations (including 2018/19 season): 3 Player short: purple Runners-up (1): 2017/18 GK shirt: yellow, blue or Last 16 (1): 2016/17 green Other EHF Cup: runners-up 2012/13, 2015/16, quarter-finals 2013/14

Playing hall French Cup: 1 title (2017) Palais des Sports de Beaulieu French League Cup: 1 title (2015) 7-9 rue André Tardieu Trophee des Champions: 1 title (2017) 44200 Nantes France Capacity: 5,400

132 HBC Nantes

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 33:19 (16:9) v Besiktas Mogaz HT TUR (h), 01.10.2016 Biggest defeat 35:27 (15:13) v PSG Handball FRA (a), 01.04.2017 Longest winning run 7 matches (14.10.2017 – 10.02.2018) Longest unbeaten run 7 matches (14.10.2017 – 10.02.2018) 7 matches (25.02.2018 – 26.05.2018)

MATCHES Longest losing run 1 match (19.11.2016) 1 Longest losing run 1 match (01.04.2017) 1 match (23.09.2017) GOALS 1 match (07.10.2017) Most goals 37 1 match (17.02.2018) 1 match (27.05.2018) GOALS 68 Most goals both teams Longest run without win 3 matches (23.09.2017 – 07.10.2017) Most goals 37 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 37:31W (h), 11.03.2017 Most goals opponent 35 v PSG Handball FRA 35:27L (a), 01.04.2017 Most goals both teams 68 v ABC/UMinho POR 35:33W (h), 09.10.2016 68 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 37:31W (h), 11.03.2017 Fewest goals 22 v HC PPD Zagreb CRO 23:22L (a), 17.02.2018 Fewest goals opponent 19 v Besiktas Mogaz HT TUR 33:19W (h), 01.10.2016 Fewest goals both teams 45 v HC PPD Zagreb CRO 23:22L (a), 17.02.2018

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2016/17 HBC Nantes FRA 14 10 2 2 433:387 +46 22:6 Last 16 2017/18 HBC Nantes FRA 20 12 4 4 581:548 +33 28:12 Runner-up Total 34 22 6 6 1014:935 +79 50:18

133 HBC Nantes

Thierry Anti coach • arrived in 2009 when Nantes were just promoted to the French first league • steered them to one trophy, the league cup in 2014/15 • the CL Final 2017/18 was the third European final he lost with Nantes, after being defeated in the EHF Cup Finals in 2012/13 and 2015/16 • previously coached Créteil and Paris, and reached the Cup Winners’ Cup Final with Créteil in 1989 • known for his quality of developing young players

Newcomers: Left the club: Valero Rivera (Barça Lassa/ESP) Senjamin Buric (PPD Zagreb/CRO) Florian Delecroix (Cesson-Rennes, loan return/FRA) Jerko Matulic (Azoty Pulawy/POL) Lucien Auffret (first contract) Dominik Klein (retired) Guillaume Saurina (retired)

134 HBC Nantes

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 20 Lucien Auffret FRA R i g h t W i n g 25.01.1997 La Roche sur Yon, FRA 182 73 30 Valentin Bachele FRA G o a l k e e p e r 25.06.1998 Montreuil, FRA 190 95 19 David Balaguer ESP R i g h t W i n g 17.08.1991 Barcelona, ESP 185 83 7 Nicolas Claire FRA Centre Back 10.07.1987 St. Denis de la R., FRA 190 91 Baptiste Damatrin FRA L e ft W i n g 29.04.2000 Saint-Maurice, FRA 176 77 17 Florian Delecroix FRA R i g h t B a c k 17.03.1994 Niort, FRA 197 93 1 Cyril Dumoulin FRA G o a l k e e p e r 02.02.1984 Rillieux la Pape, FRA 200 100 14 Julian Emonet FRA L e ft W i n g 04.01.1992 Sartrouville, FRA 182 91 4 Rudolf Faluvegi HUN L e ft B a c k 09.01.1994 Budapest, HUN 192 92 22 Leo Fauvet FRA L i n e P l a y e r 04.10.1999 Cannes, FRA 191 100 13 Rock Feliho FRA L e ft B a c k 13.08.1982 Cotonou, BEN 192 100 C 5 Romaric Guillo FRA L i n e P l a y e r 01.10.1991 Pontivy, FRA 207 110 18 Eduardo Gurbindo ESP R i g h t W i n g 08.11.1987 Pamplona, ESP 195 92 29 Espen Lie Hansen NOR R i g h t B a c k 01.03.1989 Drammen, NOR 196 100 23 Edson Imare FRA Centre Back 09.09.1998 St. Denis de la R., FRA 189 78 2 Romain Lagarde FRA L e ft B a c k 05.03.1997 Lorient, FRA 194 95 17 Kiril Lazarov MKD R i g h t B a c k 10.05.1980 Veles, MKD 195 99 Alois Mauillon FRA L e ft B a c k 24.02.2001 Angers, FRA 194 88 12 Alexandre Moali FRA G o a l k e e p e r 21.01.1999 Paris, FRA 193 85 Alex Moran FRA R i g h t W i n g 20.12.1999 Evreux, FRA 180 81 6 Guy Olivier Nyokas FRA L e ft B a c k 28.06.1986 Montfermeil, FRA 188 86 10 Dragan Pechmalbec FRA L i n e P l a y e r 05.01.1996 Cahors, FRA 194 94 Victor Pelechenko FRA L e ft B a c k 15.07.1999 Saint Malo, FRA 190 87 25 Lucas Petraud FRA R i g h t B a c k 10.01.1999 Cagnes sur Mer, FRA 194 84 17 Valero Rivera Folch ESP L e ft W i n g 22.02.1985 Barcelona, ESP 189 80 16 Arnaud Siffert FRA G o a l k e e p e r 06.12.1978 Longjumeau, FRA 190 93 11 Nicolas Tournat FRA L i n e P l a y e r 05.04.1994 Niort, FRA 200 116

135 HBC Nantes

Cyril Dumoulin @CyrilDumoulin goalkeeper • after playing in Chambéry and Toulouse, he arrived in Nantes at the end of the 2015/16 season - but could not take part in the EHF Cup Finals that season • at 1.99 m, one of the tallest goalkeepers on the circuit • published two books – a diary of his seasons and they gained much critical success

EURO: G 2014, B 2018, WCh: G 2015

Valero Rivera left wing • returned to Nantes from Barça in the summer of 2018 for his second stint with the French club after 2010-2016 • top scorer of EHF EURO 2016 (48 goals), voted WCh 2015 best left wing and MVP in French League in 2012; also best left wing in French league in 2012 and 2013 • his father, Valero Rivera sr., has been national team coach in Qatar since 2013 • married to Marion Anti, a former handball player and daughter of coach Thierry Anti EC trophies: CL 2005, EHF Cup 2003 EURO: G 2018, S 2016, B 2014, WCh: G 2013

Olivier Nyokas left back • returned to France in the summer of 2016 after two seasons in Balingen (Germany) • was reunited in Nantes with best friend Nicolas Claire and with the coach from his younger years, Thierry Anti • twin brother Kevynn retired from handball in the summer of 2017 • scored eight goals from eight attempts for France in his first match at a major international tournament, EHF EURO 2016 WCh: G 2017

Nicolas Claire centre back • former player for PSG Handball, who joined Nantes in 2014 to work with Thierry Anti, his coach and mentor in his early professional years • played his first international games with France in 2015 and was part of the bronze- winning team at EHF EURO 2018 • two younger brothers are also professional handball players, in the second French league • born on Réunion Island, like Jackson Richardson and Daniel Narcisse EURO: B 2018

136 HBC Nantes

Nicolas Tournat line player • considered by France national team coach Didier Dinart as “one of the brightest hopes in French handball” • made debut for France in 2015, helped team win bronze at EHF EURO 2018 • arrived in Nantes at age 18 and has not played for any other team since • one of the leading players in the squad since 2015/16 but set to join Kielce in 2020

EURO: B 2018

Kiril Lazarov @klazarov77 right back • scored over 1,000 goals in the CL, was competition’s top scorer in 2006 and 2008 • went to Nantes in 2017, after seven years in Spain with Ciudad Real and FC Barcelona • most successful scorer at a single EHF EURO (61 goals in 2012) and WCh (92 goals in 2009) with FYR Macedonia

EC trophies: CL 2015

Eduardo Gurbindo @gurbinsson right back • coach Thierry Anti convinced the Spaniard to come to Nantes in 2016 • Lazarov and Gurbindo are sharing the right back position since the 2017/18 season, just as they were doing for three years in Barcelona • can play on the wing, at right back and at centre back • won the CL with Barcelona in 2015, alongside Lazarov

EC trophies : CL 2015 EURO: G 2018, S 2016, B 2014

David Balaguer right wing • at age 27, he is following the footsteps of Valero Rivera: formed in Barcelona like him, he joined Nantes in 2015 • shares many similarities with Rivera, like coming into the spotlight in the Nantes jersey • Barcelona unsuccessfully tried to sign him back in the summer of 2016 • made debut for Spain at WCh in 2017 before winning EHF EURO 2018

EURO: G 2018

137 Group C preview

Group C preview

GROUP OF CHAMPIONS CONNECTING EUROPE

Fans across Europe will witness fascinating handball week after week from Lisboa to Moscow in the cross-continental Group C. - a group which connects Europe with Asia, far west with the far east and north with south.

Two play-off spots are up for grabs for the six teams. The favourites are set, but who will make most of the current form, summer singings and the support of the passionate fans?

Four of the six teams met last season, in Group D. HC Metalurg, Sporting CP, Besiktas and Chekhovskie Medvedi all crossed paths last year, falling short against eventual champions Montpellier.

All these teams know each other well, which can be both an advantage and disadvantage. Patrice Canayer and his Montpellier side showed that impossible is nothing and this should inspire teams from Groups C/D to live their dream.

Can we find in Group C another potential title contender? This is how each of the six sides look ahead of the new season.

Tatran Presov join the sextet after a year absence amongst the elite. Slavko Goluža had a year to build the green army strengthened by Martin Stranovsky, a former Champions League finalist with Barcelona.

A busy schedule domestically and internationally, including the regional SEHA league fixtures, means Presov will be heavily tested in the first half of the season. Their squad is settled and balanced, but do not offer too many backup options to key players.

Danish side Bjerringbro-Silkeborg are also returning to the top flight after sitting out for a season. Together with Presov they featured in the EHF Cup, in the same group, sharing one win each in their clashes.

Silkeborg are considered as the big favourites of the group, whilst the other five teams should battle for second place in the group. However, they face challenges of their own ahead of the new season after the departure of several key players, particularly the loss of quality goalkeeping duo Søren Rasmussen and Sebastian Frandsen brings question marks.

Captain Michael V. Knudsen, who won the Champions League with Flensburg in 2014 will take the leadership role and a lot is expected from Slovenian playmaker Sebastian Skube.

Sporting CP remain ambitious, but how they will cope with the departure of club icon Pedro Portela?

138 Group C preview

41 goals in ten group phase matches is not easily replaceable, but the Portuguese side return for their second consecutive season at this level more ambitious than ever.

Can Frankis Carol help Sporting be one of the dark horses of the group? They face a difficult challenge against five opponents of similar quality, but last year’s performances will have inspired some hope.

Chekhovskie Medvedi’s stars still shine brightest in the Russian sky, but Vladimir Maximov’s men are failing to impress on the European stage.

After four years of failing to progress past the group phase, the Bears are sure they will have their say this season.

Dmitri Santalov stayed in the club despite the rumours of joining Vardar. And if they are to improve on their tally of five points last season, count on some new stars to be uncovered by Maximov, something he consistently manages.

Metalurg`s story is similar to the Medvedi one. The Macedonian side fell at the group phase in the last four seasons and the club is looking for new inspiration.

They are not considered favourites in the group, which means Danilo Brestovac’s side can play without any pressure.

With one of the youngest squads in the competition, Metalurg aim to give young talents in the region a chance to taste big time handball. Their work with youth is well-known, but the lack of experience and consistency has been a serious issue for the young prospects over the last few seasons. Advancing from this group would be a big achievement.

Heading eastwards we have Besiktas, a team around ambitious coach Müfit Arin, who continue to promote handball in a country where football and basketball take centre stage.

With the chance of moving back to Istanbul to play in a new arena for 10,000 fans, Besiktas have the extra motivation and adequate support from the club’s enthusiastic fans should come their way should they begin the group positively.

The stage is set for an interesting battle of six relatively equal teams, at least in terms of quality.

Who will challenge Bjerringbro-Silkeborg for top spot in the group? Are we going to see the biggest surprise of the competition from this group? Anything can happen in this fascinating group.

Tomas Cuncik

139 Group C preview

Group C head-to-heads Historic encounters of the Group C opponents in the EC

HC Metalurg vs Bjerringbro-Silkeborg 2-0-0 (58:41) 4:0 14.10.2012 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 23:26 (14:11) 24.02.2013 HC Metalurg vs Bjerringbro-Silkeborg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 32:18 (18:14)

HC Metalurg vs Sporting CP 1-0-1 (55:58) 2:2 30.09.2017 HC Metalurg vs Sporting CP, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 28:27 (17:13) 02.12.2017 Sporting CP vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 31:27 (12:15)

HC Metalurg vs Besiktas Mogaz 0-0-2 (56:63) 0:4 24.09.2017 HC Metalurg vs Besiktas Mogaz HT, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 27:31 (14:14) 18.11.2017 Besiktas Mogaz HT vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 32:29 (13:15)

HC Metalurg vs Chekhovskie Medvedi 2-0-4 (163:176) 4:8 30.09.2006 Chehovskie Medvedi vs RK Metalurg Skopje, EHF Champions League – Group D 40:25 (22:9) 04.11.2006 RK Metalurg Skopje vs Chehovskie Medvedi, EHF Champions League – Group D 28:32 (12:16) 06.10.2016 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 25:21 (14:8) 12.02.2017 HC Metalurg vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 31:24 (15:10) 14.10.2017 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 26:32 (15:15) 05.11.2017 HC Metalurg vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 26:29 (12:17)

HC Metalurg vs TATRAN Presov 1-0-1 (48:47) 2:2 01.10.2016 TATRAN Presov vs HC Metalurg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 27:22 (11:12) 27.11.2016 HC Metalurg vs TATRAN Presov, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 26:20 (11:10)

Bjerringbro-Silkeborg vs Sporting CP No previous encounters in European competitions

Bjerringbro-Silkeborg vs Besiktas Mogaz No previous encounters in European competitions

Bjerringbro-Silkeborg vs Chekhovskie Medvedi 0-0-2 (48:65) 0:4 20.11.2011 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:35 (11:22) 24.11.2011 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Bjerringbro-Silkeborg, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:23 (15:13)

Bjerringbro-Silkeborg vs TATRAN Presov 1-0-1 (55:51) 2:2 10.02.2018 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg vs TATRAN Presov, EHF Cup – Group A 27:19 (15:10) 24.03.2018 TATRAN Presov vs Bjerringbro-Silkeborg, EHF Cup – Group A 32:28 (13:16)

Sporting CP vs Besiktas Mogaz 2-0-0 (64:53) 4:0 17.09.2017 Besiktas Mogaz HT vs Sporting CP, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 26:30 (16:17) 11.11.2017 Sporting CP vs Besiktas Mogaz HT, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 34:27 (17:12)

Sporting CP vs Chekhovskie Medvedi 1-0-1 (58:60) 2:2 04.10.2017 Sporting CP vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 31:30 (20:17) 25.11.2017 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Sporting CP, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 30:27 (16:13)

140 Group C preview

Sporting CP vs TATRAN Presov No previous encounters in European competitions

Besiktas Mogaz vs Chekhovskie Medvedi 2-0-2 (97:106) 4:4 12.10.1996 CSKA Moscow vs Besiktas Istanbul, EHF Cup – Round 2 30:16 (16:8) 19.10.1996 Besiktas Istanbul vs CSKA Moscow, EHF Cup – Round 2 19:20 (8:10) 30.09.2017 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Besiktas Mogaz HT, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 27:29 (17:13) 03.12.2017 Besiktas Mogaz HT vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 33:29 (16:12)

Besiktas Mogaz vs TATRAN Presov 0-0-2 (57:62) 0:4 04.09.2010 Besiktas JK vs TATRAN Presov, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Group 1 27:30 (12:14) 31.08.2013 TATRAN Presov vs Besiktas JK, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Group 2 32:30 (17:12)

Chekhovskie Medvedi vs TATRAN Presov 3-0-3 (171:169) 6:6 25.02.2006 Tatran Presov vs Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final 27:30 (11:14) 04.03.2006 Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov vs Tatran Presov, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final 35:28 (17:13) 18.10.2015 TATRAN Presov vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 27:21 (12:12) 22.10.2015 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs TATRAN Presov, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 29:28 (15:15) 22.10.2016 TATRAN Presov vs Chekhovskie Medvedi, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 30:28 (17:11) 10.11.2016 Chekhovskie Medvedi vs TATRAN Presov, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 28:29 (13:18)

141 HC Metalurg

GROUP C HC Metalurg

After eight years, the era of Lino Cervar at Metalurg has ended. Over the years with the club, the Croatian master coach has built a pool of talents for the Macedonian national team. However, last season, due to Cervar’s absence, Metalurg were mostly led by Aleksandar Jovic. For 2017/18, Cervar’s past assistant, Danilo Brestovac, has taken the helm for the Macedonian runners-up. In their best years, Metalurg made it to the quarter-finals of the VELUX EHF Champions League twice, in 2013 and 2014. But in the last four seasons, the Club Address HC Metalurg team from ‘Avtokomanda’ did not manage to proceed from the group phase. ul. Jane Lukroski 6 This season, with a roster of youngsters, Metalurg are looking forward to gaining 1000 Skopje experience in their VELUX EHF Champions League voyage. FYR Macedonia The loss of the three key players: Vanja Ilic, Zharko Peshevski and Aleksandar Gugleta, made Metalurg active on the transfer market and resulted in the Media contact Zorica B. Molkoska introduction of several international and domestic reinforcements. Coach +389 78 576785 Brestovac has already tested his new team, as they participated in the international [email protected] handball tournament ‘Struga 2018’ as well as the Macedonian Super Cup. In the Super Cup, Metalurg’s young squad did not have the strength to stop Vardar and were defeated 24:33. www.rkmetalurg.mk “Our roster is still open and I would be happy if we can keep these players until rkmetalurgofficial the end of the season. The chances for the first team are open to everyone and I believe that we have the best available players in the Macedonian market at the #RKMetalurg moment,” says Brestovac. “I’m not David Copperfield, to come with a magic wand and make wonders happen. I can promise that in the next period Metalurg will remain a leader in the Kit colours region when it comes to working with young categories. I know it will be difficult to go one level above, but my ambition will be to do it,” says Brestovac. Light Player shirt: white The Macedonian runners-up have one of the youngest squads in the Champions Player short: black League, as the club serves as a base for introducing new players into the national GK shirt: yellow/ team and also gives players from their younger categories the chance to advance black/red to the first team. This season, the ‘Avtokomanda’ team is in a tough Group C with more experienced opponents, which means earning a place in the Last 16 will be a Dark difficult task. Player shirt: blue Player short: blue Past achievements GK shirt: yellow/black/ red VELUX EHF Champions League Participations (including 2018/19 season): 11 Quarter-final (2): 2012/13, 2013/14 Last 16 (1): 2011/12 Group Phase (6): 2006/07, 2008/09, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18 Qualification (1): 2010/11

Other Playing hall EHF Cup: Quarter-final 2007/08 Boris Trajkovski Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2008/09 bul. 8 Septemvri bb Macedonian league: 6 titles (2006, 2008, 2010, Skopje 2011, 2012, 2014) FYR Macedonia Macedonian cup: 5 titles Capacity: 7,000

142 HC Metalurg

EHF Champions League club records

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 35:16 (17:3) v THW Kiel (a), 15.02.2015 Longest winning run 4 matches (30.09.2012 – 20.10.2012) 4 matches (16.02.2013 – 23.03.2013) MATCHES Longest unbeaten run 4 matches (30.09.2012 – 20.10.2012) Longest winning run 4 4 matches (16.02.2013 – 23.03.2013) Longest losing run 4 matches (16.02.2014 – 30.03.2014) GOALS Fewest goals Longest run without win 8 matches (28.09.2006 – 12.10.2008) 15 8 matches (28.09.2006 – 12.10.2008)

GOALS 69 Most goals both teams 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 69 v THW Kiel 27:42L (h), 18.10.2014 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 35 v Elverum Handball NOR 18:17W (h), 24.09.2016

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2006/07 RK Metalurg Skopje MKD 6 0 0 6 148:206 –58 0:12 4th Gr. D 2008/09 HC Metalurg MKD 6 2 0 4 157:172 -15 4:8 3rd Gr. C 2011/12 HC Metalurg MKD 12 6 2 4 294:275 +19 14:10 Last 16 2012/13 HC Metalurg MKD 14 9 0 5 361:313 +48 18:6 1/4-finals 2013/14 HC Metalurg MKD 14 7 2 5 356:373 -17 16:12 1/4-finals 2014/15 HC Metalurg MKD 10 1 1 8 233:294 –61 3:17 6th Gr. A 2015/16 HC Metalurg MKD 10 2 0 8 219:241 –22 4:16 6th Gr. D 2016/17 HC Metalurg MKD 10 5 0 5 240:251 –11 10:10 3rd Gr. C 2017/18 HC Metalurg MKD 10 2 1 7 262:293 –31 5:15 5th Gr. D Total 92 34 6 52 2270:2418 -148 74:110

143 HC Metalurg

Danilo Brestovac coach • former goalkeeper for Vardar and Metalurg • assistant coach of Ivica Obrvan in the Macedonian national team • was coach of Red Boys Differdange before taking over at Metalurg • head coach of Macedonian Under 18 and 20 national teams

Newcomers: Left the club: Adrian Milicevic (HC Porec/KRO) Vanja Ilic (La Rioja Logrono/ESP) Luka Stojanovic (HC Plzen/CZE) Aleksandar Gugleta (-) Bojan Madzovski (HC Pelister/MKD) Davor Palevski (-) Predrag Mijatovic (HC Partizan/SRB) Zarko Peshevski (Motor Zaporozhye/UKR) Borjan Madjovski (HC Pelister/MKD)

144 HC Metalurg

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 99 Filip Arsenovski MKD L i n e P l a y e r 30.07.1998 Skopje, MKD 193 84 20 Nikola Danilovski MKD G o a l k e e p e r 01.02.1997 Skopje, MKD 184 78 8 Dimitar Dimitrioski MKD L e ft W i n g 16.02.1998 Prilep, MKD 183 83 44 Stefan Dodic SRB Centre Back 13.03.2003 Vranje, SRB 197 84 77 Gligor Gajic MKD Centre Back 07.02.2000 Struga, MKD 185 80 6 Halil Jaganjac CRO L e ft B a c k 22.06.1998 Rijeka, CRO 200 95 4 Tomislav Jagurinoski MKD R i g h t W i n g 19.08.1998 Skopje, MKD 186 80 C 18 Filip Kuzmanovski MKD Centre Back 03.07.1996 Bitola, MKD 198 105 7 Milan Lazarevski MKD L i n e P l a y e r 09.02.1997 Skopje, MKD 194 94 66 Bojan Madzovski MKD L e ft W i n g 08.05.1994 Skopje, MKD 184 90 94 Tadej Matijasic SLO L e ft W i n g 22.01.1994 Ljubljana, SLO 173 76 21 Mihajlo Mladenovic SRB L e ft B a c k 21.09.2000 Vranje, SRB 194 90 42 Matej Petkovski MKD G o a l k e e p e r 15.09.1999 Skopje, MKD 186 86 17 Martin Serafimov MKD R i g h t B a c k 03.03.2000 Skopje, MKD 190 80 11 Mice Shilegov MKD R i g h t W i n g 19.06.1998 Skopje, MKD 175 75 14 Mario Tankoski MKD L e ft B a c k 28.08.1998 Struga, MKD 192 90 9 Ante Tokic CRO R i g h t W i n g 15.11.1993 Zagreb, CRO 189 86 12 Martin Tomovski MKD G o a l k e e p e r 10.07.1997 Skopje, MKD 190 80 16 Viktor Vasilevski MKD G o a l k e e p e r 23.10.2000 Skopje, MKD 194 93 30 Martin Velkovski MKD R i g h t B a c k 10.03.1997 Skopje, MKD 190 84

145 HC Metalurg

Martin Tomovski @martin.tomovski goalkeeper • joined Metalurg at the age of 13, before that was part of Prolet • made CL debut in 2016/17 at the age of 18 in the match against Chekovskie Medvedi • student at the Faculty of Physical Education, Sport & Health

Bojan Madjovski left wing • first handball steps were in Metalurg’s youth team • made CL debut in 2014/15 scoring three goals • spent two years (2016-18) at RK Pelister before returning to Metalurg in 2018 • twin brother Borjan Madzovski is also a handball player, who plays for Pelister

Dimitar Dimitrioski centre back/left wing • promising young player who is able to play on two positions, centre back and left wing • his first handball steps were in his home town Prilep, after this he moved through Metalurg youth ranks • member of the Macedonian youth national team joined the first team of Metalurg in 2017 • due to roster changes in Metalurg before the 2018/19 season he was bound to be in charge of orchestrating the attacking game

Halil Jaganjac @haliljaganjac left back • the 2.00-metre tall left back started his career in MRK Kozala and had a spell with Paris Saint-Germain’s second team • joined Metalurg in 2017 and scored 52 goals in his debut CL season • top scorer in the SEHA Leaguem2017/18 with 100 goals • member of the Croatian national team

146 HC Metalurg

Mario Tankovski left back • the 20-year-old back was part of Metalurg second team in the period 2013-2017 • in the 2017/18 season was transferred to the Metalurg’s first team and had a premiere in the CL where he scored five goals • member of the youth categories of the Macedonian national team • recognized as Best left back in the All-Star team at the M20 2018 EHF Championship

Filip Arsenovski line player • started his career in the youth categories of Vardar before transferring to city rivals Metalurg in 2016 • played for the Macedonian national team at the 2017 Men’s Junior World HandballMetalurg is his first club outside Croatia • in the 2017/18 season scored two goals in the CL

Martin Velkovski right back • before moving to the first team, he played for the youth categories of Metalurg • one of the key players of the Macedonian national team at the 2017 Men’s Junior World Championship • made his debut for the Macedonian senior national team in 2017

Ante Tokic right wing • started playing handball at the age of 9 • before joining Metalurg played for RK Medveščak and GRK Varaždin • silver medallist at the Men’s 20 EHF EURO 2012 • scored nine goals in his debut CL season in 2017/18

147 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg

GROUP C Bjerringbro- Silkeborg Bjerringbro-Silkeborg will find themselves in a somewhat new situation when the VELUX EHF Champions League 2018/19 gets underway. It is their fourth group phase campaign, but the first in the Group C/D section. Upon their return form a one-year absence - they played in the EHF Cup last Club Address season - the Danish side from the central part of the Jutland peninsula will be eying Bjerringbro-Silkeborg a spot in the group phase knockout. Vestre Ringvej 7 In a group entirely consisting of national champions, BSV will definitely be facing 8850 Bjerringbro some challenges. But taking one of the two top positions seems realistic, and head Denmark coach Peter Bredsdorff-Larsen makes no secret of the club’s goals. Media contact “Our objective is a top position and qualification for the play-off games,” says the Anne Kildegaard coach, adding that Group C is “a very competitive and challenging group.” +45 8668 0560 [email protected] Bredsdorff-Larsen expects all teams to have a fair chance of reaching the play-off: “Our opponents are tough professional teams with a lot of experience in playing European Cup games, and we look forward to meeting many different handball bjerringbro-silkeborg.dk cultures, traditions and concepts.”

bjerringbrosilkeborg BSV waved farewell to considerably more players than they said hello to, and several of the players who left, were key players. This could be a disadvantage. The @BSVofficiel club unsuccessfully tried to sign former Norwegian international Andre Lindboe, who has left Norwegian champions Elverum. But Bredsdorff-Larsen is still looking #Bjerringbro-Silkeborg forward to another season in the VELUX EHF Champions League. “This season will be the fourth in a row where we can invite our supporters and sponsors to group phase European games on home court,” the coach says. Kit colours The position between the posts might become the most vulnerable spot for BSV Light this season. Aljosa Rezar of Slovenia, who has already been with the club last Player shirt: white season, and Kasper Larsen, who is returning from league rivals Mors Thy Håndbold, Player short: blue face a huge challenge to make up for the departure of Rasmussen and Frandsen. GK shirt: red

Dark Player shirt: blue Past achievements Player short: blue GK shirt: red VELUX EHF Champions League Participations (including 2018/19 season): 5 Last 16 (2): 2012/13, 2016/17 Group Phase (1): 2011/12 Qualification (1): 2010/11

Other EHF Cup: Quarter-finals 2002/03, 2008/09, 2015/16, Last 16 2010/11 Playing hall Cup Winners’ Cup: quarter-finals 2006/07 JYSK Arena, Silkeborg Ansvej 114 Danish league: 1 title (2016) 8600 Silkeborg Denmark Capacity: 3,000

148 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 23:35 (11:18) v St. Petersburg HC RUS (a), 18.11.2012 Biggest defeat 34:19 (18:10) v FC Barcelona Lassa ESP (a), 27.11.2016 Longest winning run 2 matches (18.11.2012 – 25.11.2012)

MATCHES Longest unbeaten run 2 matches (18.11.2012 – 25.11.2012) Longest losing run 11 matches (02.10.2011 – 30.09.2012) Longest winning run 2 Longest run without win 11 matches (02.10.2011 – 30.09.2012)

GOALS 37 Most goals Most goals 37 v Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 37:32W (h), 12.03.2017 37 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 37:29L (a), 23.10.2011 GOALS Most goals opponent 37 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 26:37L (h), 19.02.2012 Most goals both teams 69 Most goals both teams 69 v Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 37:32W (h), 12.03.2017 Fewest goals 18 v HC Metalurg MKD 32:18L (a), 24.02.2013 Fewest goals opponent 21 v THW Kiel GER 21:24W (a), 25.02.2017 Fewest goals both teams 44 v MKB Veszprém HUN 19:25L (h), 04.12.2011 44 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 19:25L (h), 02.10.2016

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2011/12 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN 10 0 0 10 253:315 -62 0:20 6th Gr. B 2012/13 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN 12 4 0 8 309:339 –30 8:16 Last 16 2016/17 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN 16 4 0 12 412:455 –43 8:24 Last 16 Total 38 8 0 30 974:1109 -135 16:60

149 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg

Peter Bredsdorff-Larsen coach • head coach of Bjerringbro-Silkeborg since 2014 • has previously been head coach at Danish league clubs Skanderborg, AaB, Aalborg, KIF Kolding and KIF Kolding Kobenhavn • was assistant national coach for the Denmark men’s team from 2005 to 2012 and again in 2015 • won the Danish championship 2009/10 as head coach of AaB Handball and in 2015/16 with Bjerringbro • used to play right wing in the Aarhus-based club VRI

@peterbredsdorff

Newcomers: Left the club: Kasper Larsen (Mors Thy Håndbold/DEN) Drasko Nenadic (Celje/SLO) Martin Risom (Ajax København/DEN) Søren Rasmussen (Ribe-Esbjerg HH/DEN) Sebastian Frandsen (TTH Holstebro/DEN) Frederik Skov (HC Midtjylland/DEN) Lars Skaarup (Skanderborg Håndbold/DEN)

150 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 10 Johan a Plogv Hansen DEN R i g h t W i n g 01.05.1994 Torshavn, FAR 190 91 32 Christian Holm DEN Centre Back 27.08.1999 Odense, DEN 194 91 23 Stefan Hundstrup DEN L e ft W i n g 30.06.1986 Svendborg, DEN 193 86 17 Kasper Knudsen DEN L e ft W i n g 03.10.1999 Silkeborg, DEN 202 92 C 77 Michael V. Knudsen DEN L i n e P l a y e r 04.09.1978 Hobro, DEN 192 99 20 Oliver Larsen DEN G o a l k e e p e r 03.01.2000 Viborg, DEN 187 86 1 Kasper Larsen DEN G o a l k e e p e r 18.03.1989 Brabrand, DEN 195 89 9 Jacob Lassen DEN R i g h t B a c k 11.09.1995 Randers, DEN 197 117 30 Rune Lovschall DEN G o a l k e e p e r 11.04.2001 Svendborg, DEN 200 22 Nikolaj Markussen DEN L e ft B a c k 01.08.1988 Gribskov, DEN 211 95 33 Jeppe Nielsen DEN Centre Back 09.08.2000 Viborg, DEN 194 81 7 Nikolaj Oris Nielsen DEN R i g h t B a c k 26.09.1986 Bjerringbro, DEN 197 100 8 Mads Oris Nielsen DEN Centre Back 17.03.1981 Bjerringbro, DEN 198 102 18 Jesper Nöddesbo DEN L i n e P l a y e r 23.10.1980 Herning, DEN 199 100 34 Jacob Overgaard DEN R i g h t W i n g 27.04.2000 Silkeborg, DEN 181 79 2 August Pedersen NOR L e ft W i n g 24.06.1994 Notodden, DEN 180 90 19 Jens Plougstrup DEN Centre Back 08.01.1999 Silkeborg, DEN 190 88 16 Aljosa Rezar SLO G o a l k e e p e r 24.02.1983 Celje, SLO 190 89 35 Sebastian Skott DEN L e ft W i n g 29.09.2000 Skanderborg, DEN 185 84 11 Sebastian Skube SLO Centre Back 03.04.1987 Novo Mesto, SLO 189 90 29 Rasmus Thiemer-Jensen DEN L i n e P l a y e r 17.06.1989 Odense, DEN 190 102 4 Klaus Thomsen DEN Back 26.04.1986 Haderslev, DEN 198 102

151 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg

Aljosa Rezar goalkeeper • joined Bjerringbro in November 2017 from French side USAM Nimes • has played 34 international games for Slovenia • will carry extra responsibility this season, after the departure of veteran Sören Rasmussen and talent Sebastian Frandsen • a consistent goalkeeper with plenty of experience at age 34

Stefan Hundstrup left wing • arrived in the summer of 2014 from KIF Kolding København • has won the Danish championship with AG København as well as with KIF Kolding København • also represented GOG and Viborg HK in the Danish league • excels as the forward player in a 5-1 defensive system

Nikolaj Markussen left back • joined Bjerringbro-Silkeborg from nearby league rivals Skjern Handbold ahead of the 2016/17 season • the 2.13-m tall back previously represented another Danish league club, Nordsjælland – his childhood club – as well Atletico Madrid and Qatari club El Jaish • his career has been hampered by a couple of long injury breaks

Sebastian Skube centre back • joined Bjerringbro-Silkeborg from RK Celje in the summer of 2014 • Bjerringbro-Silkeborg is his first club outside Slovenia • has played more than 100 international games for Slovenia and was part of the national team at the EHF EURO 2016 in Poland • his younger brother, Stas, who plays for Szeged, is also a centre back

152 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg

Michael V. Knudsen line player • joined Bjerringbro-Silkeborg from SG Flensburg-Handewitt in the summer of 2014 • previously represented Viborg HK as well as Skjern Handbold in the Danish league • strong and versatile on the line in attack, clever and uncompromising in defence • his motto is: “Winners never quit and quitters never win” • played 244 internationals for Denmark (796 goals) before retiring from the national team in 2014 EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup 2012, Challenge Cup 2003 EURO: G 2008, S 2014, B 2002, 2004, 2006, WCh: B 2007

Jesper Nøddesbo @jespernoeddesbo line player • joined BSV from Barça in the summer of 2017 • started career at Holstebro, developed well after joining KIF Kolding in 2004 • was among Europe’s elite year after year – with Kolding from 2004 to 2007, then with Barcelona • an imposing presence on the court, not afraid of anything when it comes to stopping opposing attackers

EC trophies: CL 2015 OG: G 2016 EURO: G 2008, S 2014; WCh: S 2011, 2013

Nikolaj Oris Nielsen right back • has played for Bjerringbro-Silkeborg through his entire career, apart from a one- season loan to Lemvig Thyborøn • made his breakthrough in the Denmark national team under coach Gudmundur Gudmundsson in 2015 and took part in the EHF EURO 2016 • his older brother Mads, a former national team member, plays for Danish league rivals Skive FH, while his younger brother Mikkel played for Aarhus Handball • the only left-handed back-court player in the squad

Johan Hansen right wing • born in Faroe Islands, where he started his career at Kyndil • joined Bjerringbro-Silkeborg from another Danish club, Skanderborg, in 2015 • could have played for Faroe Islands, but has opted for the Denmark national team • his skills have made him first choice on Bjerringbro’s right wing

153 Sporting CP

GROUP C Sporting CP

Sporting CP have successfully defended their national title in Portugal last season. It was their second straight domestic championship. After winning the Challenge Cup in 2016/17 and making their group phase debut in the VELUX EHF Champions League last season, Sporting are confident that they can have a strong run in Europe’s premier club competition this year. A year ago, Sporting came through the qualification tournament and won four Club Address matches in Group D, which left them well short of one of the play-off spots. Pavilhao do Ginasio Clube The club has invested in new players, making the squad a mixture of talent and do Sul experience which can surprise in this year’s competition. Rua de Angola No 23 Team captain Carlos Carneiro raises the bar: “Our goal is always to try to do better. 2805-086 Almada Portugal Last year we were unable to move forward from the group stage, even though we played good games. This time, we want more.” Media contact Scoring 41 times in 10 games, Pedro Portela was a key player for Sporting in the Andre Leitao VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase last season. The right wing had played +351 914665 572 for the club since his youth and the fans loved him. After Portela’s departure to [email protected] French side Trembly, Sporting have hired two players, Fábio Chiuffa and Valentin Ghionea, who will add quality to the squad. Whether they will fully make up for www.sporting.pt the loss of Portela remains to be seen. Since his arrival in 2011, Frankis Carol has become one of the leading players at SportingClubePortugal Sporting, both in defence and in attack. He has been instrumental to Sporting’s rise @Sporting_CP to the domestic top. And the centre back from Cuba left his mark in the VELUX EHF Champions League as well, netting 63 times in 12 qualification and group phase @sporting_cp_andebol matches. Sporting will need a similar dominant performance from Carol if their Last 16 dreams are to become true. While each Champions League team has its own way Kit colours of preparing for the new season, Sporting CP made an unusual journey to Qatar. Invited by the national federation, Sporting played the national team of Qatar Light twice - and lost both times. Player shirt: grenn/white Player short: black Goalkeeper shirt: black/ Past achievements white/green VELUX EHF Champions League Dark Participations (including 2018/19 season): 3 Player shirt: black Group phase (1): 2017/18 Player short: black Goalkeeper shirt: black/ Group matches (1): 2001/02 green/white Other EHF Cup: quarter-finals 2000/01, 2013/14 Playing hall Cup Winners’ Cup: 2003/04 quarter-finals Pavilhao Joao Rocha Challenge Cup: winners 2009/10, 2016/17, Rua Prof. Fernando da Fonseca Apartado 4120 semi-finals 2011/12 1501-806 Lisboa Portuguese league: 21 titles (1952, 1956, Portugal 1961, 1966-67, 1969-73, 1978-81, 1984, 1986, Capacity: 3,000 2001, 2017, 2018) Portuguese cup: 15 titles

154 Sporting CP

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 34:27 (17:12) v Besiktas Mogaz HT TUR (h), 11.11.2017 Biggest defeat 33:22 (13:9) v Kolding IF DEN (a), 16.12.2001 Longest winning run 2 matches (24.11.2001 – 01.12.2001) Longest unbeaten run 2 matches (24.11.2001 – 01.12.2001) Longest losing run 2 matches (11.11.2001 – 17.11.2001) MATCHES 2 matches (08.12.2001 – 16.12.2001) Longest winning run 2 2 matches (24.09.2017 – 30.09.2017) 2 matches (15.10.2017 – 04.11.2017) GOALS Most goals 2 matches (18.11.2017 – 25.11.2017) 34 Longest run without win 2 matches (11.11.2001 – 17.11.2001)

GOALS 2 matches (08.12.2001 – 16.12.2001) 65 Most goals both teams 2 matches (24.09.2017 – 30.09.2017) 2 matches (15.10.2017 – 04.11.2017) 2 matches (18.11.2017 – 25.11.2017) Most goals 34 v Besiktas Mogaz HT TUR 34:27W (h), 11.11.2017 Most goals opponent 36 v Portland San Antonio ESP 36:26L (a), 11.11.2001 Most goals both teams 65 v Montpellier HB FRA 33:32L (a), 04.11.2017 Fewest goals 22 v Lovcen Osiguranje Cetinje YUG 26:22L (a), 24.11.2001 22 v Kolding IF DEN 33:22L (a), 16.12.2001 Fewest goals opponent 23 v Kolding IF DEN 24:23W (h), 24.11.2001 Fewest goals both teams 47 v Kolding IF DEN 24:23W (h), 24.11.2001

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2001/02 Sporting CP Lisboa POR 6 2 0 4 132:149 –17 4:8 3rd Gr. A 2017/18 Sporting CP POR 10 4 0 6 293:297 -4 8:12 4th Gr. D Total 16 6 0 10 425:446 –21 12:20

155 Sporting CP

Hugo Canela coach • has been Sporting head coach since February 2017 • in his first season as head coach won the Portuguese league and Challenge Cup • was a centre back and played for Sporting for 10 years • as a player, also played for Pedro Nunes and Belenenses

Newcomers: Left the club: Luís Frade (Águas Santas/POR) Pedro Portela (Tremblay/FRA) Fábio Chiuffa (Logronés/ESP) Filipe Borges (Tremblay/FRA) Valentin Ghionea (Orlen Wisla Plock/POL) Michal Kopco (Ivry/FRA) Neven Stjepanovic (Al Duhail/QAT) Janko Bozovic (TV Emsdetten/GER) Manuel Gaspar (Boa Hora/POR) Bruno Gaspar (Boa Hora/POR) Francisco Tavares (Boa Hora/POR)

156 Sporting CP

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 5 Edmilson Araujo POR L e ft B a c k 06.01.1994 Lisbon, POR 187 82 1 Matej Asanin CRO G o a l k e e p e r 04.09.1993 Zagreb, CRO 206 110 7 Bosko Bjelanovic POR Centre Back 21.10.1985 Knin, CRO 195 100 C 18 Carlos Carneiro POR Centre Back 03.03.1982 Guimaraes, POR 185 83 13 Frankis Carol Marzo CUB L e ft B a c k 07.09.1987 Guantanamo, CUB 192 90 16 Aljosa Cudic SLO G o a l k e e p e r 09.03.1988 Celje, SLO 190 94 82 Luis Frade POR L i n e P l a y e r 11.09.1998 Rio Tinto, POR 193 96 21 Joao Gamboa POR L i n e P l a y e r 04.04.2000 Lisbon, POR 186 84 29 Valentin Marian Ghionea ROU R i g h t W i n g 29.04.1984 Baia Mare, ROU 197 90 49 Goncalo Gracio POR L e ft W i n g 11.05.2000 Samora Correia, POR 181 74 33 Joao Guerreiro POR Centre Back 04.05.1999 Lisbon, POR 190 83 55 Joao Marques POR L e ft B a c k 03.04.2000 Lisbon, POR 194 89 37 Ivan Nikcevic SRB L e ft W i n g 11.02.1981 Niksic, SRB 181 81 10 Claudio Pedroso POR R i g h t B a c k 14.03.1986 Lisbon, POR 198 87 23 Nuno Reis POR R i g h t W i n g 03.03.1999 Almada, POR 177 73 72 Joel Ribeiro POR Centre Back 24.12.2000 Almada, POR 189 83 17 Tiago Rocha POR L i n e P l a y e r 17.10.1985 S. Paio Oleiros, POR 196 104 19 Fabio Rocha Chiuffa BRA R i g h t W i n g 10.03.1989 Promissao, BRA 185 85 11 Carlos Ruesga ESP Centre Back 10.03.1985 Gijon, ESP 185 94 31 Salvador Salvador POR L e ft B a c k 29.07.2001 Samora Correia, POR 196 93 86 Matevz Skok SLO G o a l k e e p e r 02.09.1986 Celje, SLO 188 92 15 Pedro Solha POR L e ft W i n g 22.11.1981 Porto, POR 184 80 22 Neven Stjepanovic BIH R i g h t B a c k 14.02.1993 Ilijas, BIH 198 91 2 Pedro Veitia Valdez CUB L e ft B a c k 17.08.1994 Havana, CUB 188 92

157 Sporting CP

Aljosa Cudic goalkeeper • started playing handball in RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko and played in Slovenia until 2009 • then had spells in France, Norway, Qatar and Poland before settling with Sporting in 2015 • won two Slovenian titles with Celje and reached the quarter-final of the CL • became first choice keeper in the 2017/18 season as Sporting won the domestic double

EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017

Ivan Nikcevic left wing • has enjoyed successful spells with clubs in Serbia, Spain and Poland • 2017/18 was his best CL season in terms of goals, scoring 45 for Sporting • won the silver medal at the Men’s EHF EURO 2012 • one of the team’s biggest offensive threats, top scorer of Challenge Cup Final in 2017

EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017

Frankis Carol left back • Cuban player who arrived at Sporting in 2011 • key to the team’s defensive play • won several titles with Sporting, including the Portuguese league and Challenge Cup • versatile player with great technique and instinct

EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017

Pedro Valdes left back • born in Cuba, started playing handball at Villa Clara • a young player with great shooting power • one of the most complete players at Sporting, important at both ends of the court • won a Portuguese League with Sporting, where he proved to be a scoring machine

EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017

158 Sporting CP

Carlos Ruesga @CRuesga11 centre back • has played for Portland San Antonio, Veszprém and Barcelona • won the World Championship in 2013 and has an impressive European resume • won several titles and awards in his passage by Spain and Hungary • known for his vision of the game and offensive power • EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017

Tiago Rocha line player • after 12 years at FC Porto, joined Wisla Plock until 2016/17 • won several Portuguese titles, most of them at FC Porto • first Portuguese player in the Polish league • one of the top Portuguese handball players in Europe today

Cláudio Pedroso right back • played for Passos Manuel, SL Benfica, Madeira SAD and Sporting CP • won three Portuguese Leagues, two Super Cups and one Challenge Cup • began to have a bigger influence on the team last season • a natural shooter and major offensive weapon

EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017

Fabio Chiuffa right wing • started playing handball in Metodista, a Brazilian club from São Bernardo do Campo • enjoyed a remarkable campaign in 2017/18 with Spanish side Ciudad de Logroño • he is an experienced Brazillian international with Pan-American games and championship golds to his name • The left-hander is a technically gifted wing player

159 Besiktas Mogaz

GROUP C Besiktas Mogaz HT

They beat eventual VELUX EHF Champions League winners Montpellier, but Besiktas Mogaz HT still failed to advance from their group last season - once again. With quite an experienced squad, the team of coach Müfit Arin hope to reach the play-offs in 2018/19 and give Turkish handball another boost. In the previous two seasons, Besiktas proved their development and finished their Groups C/D campaign in third place, each time after winning five of their 10 Club Address matches. Besiktas MOGAZ This season, they won’t face opponents like Montpellier or Zaporozhye, which Suleyman Seba Cd. No. 48 certainly boosts their chances. Bjerringbro-Silkeborg are widely regarded as 34357 Besiktas - Istanbul favourites but Besiktas should be in the race for one of the two top spots. “It is all Turkey about fighting in each and every game. We have to fight until the end. No pain, no Media contact gain,” says manager Berk Karahan. Berk Karahan Compared to five years ago, when they first qualified for the group phase, their +90 551 7075858 playing style has developed and their international experience has certainly [email protected] increased. Still, their learning curve is not yet complete, and opponents such as Medvedi or Metalurg have a longer Champions League history.“It will take time to www.bjk.com.tr establish ourselves, but we are sparing no effort. We must still be considered as new ones in European handball,” says manager Karahan, adding: “But when you Besiktas see the general development of our sport in Turkey, we have thousands of kids, who love and follow handball. This is part of our experience.” @BJKHentbol Football and basketball are clearly the two most popular team sports in Turkey. The number of spectators, the budgets, and the media presence of basketball are huge @besiktasjkhentbol compared to handball. But Besiktas have the chance to move into a new arena for 10,000 fans, and making it to the knockout stage of the VELUX EHF Champions League would mean a true boost for the club and the sport. Kit colours “This year we would like to play in Istanbul again, what could be a great thing for Light Turkish handball,” manager Karahan says. Player shirt: white Player short: black GK shirt: red Dark Past achievements Player shirt: black VELUX EHF Champions League Player short: black Participations (including 2018/19 season): 12 GK shirt: green Group Phase (4): 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18 Qualification (7): 2005/06, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2010/2011, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14

Other EHF Cup: Last 16 1998/99, 2005/06, 2010/11 Playing hall Challenge Cup: Semi-final Kocaeli Sehit Polis Recep 2008/09, Quarter-final 2002/03 Topaloglu Spor Salonu Yahya Kaptan Mah.Kizilay Sok Turkish league: 14 titles (1981, 1982, 2005, No: 41050 Arasta 2007, 2009-2018) Izmit, Turkey Turkish cup: 13 titles Capacity: 5,000

160 Besiktas Mogaz HT

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 36:27 (15:16) v TTH Holstebro DEN (h), 22.10.2016 Biggest defeat 43:29 (21:14) v RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO (a), 05.03.2016 33:19 (16:9) v HBC Nantes FRA (a), 01.10.2016 Longest winning run 3 matches (18.11.2017 – 03.12.2017) Longest unbeaten run 3 matches (09.10.2016 – 22.10.2016)

MATCHES 3 matches (18.11.2017 – 03.12.2017) 10 Longest losing run Longest losing run 10 matches (20.11.2014 – 14.10.2015) Longest run without win 10 matches (20.11.2014 – 14.10.2015) GOALS Most goals 36 Most goals 36 v TTH Holstebro DEN 36:27W (h), 22.10.2016 Most goals opponent 43 v RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 43:29L (a), 05.03.2016 GOALS 72 Most goals both teams Most goals both teams 72 v MVM Veszprém HUN 34:38L (h), 13.02.2016 72 v RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 43:29L (a), 05.03.2016 Fewest goals 19 v Orlen Wisla Plock POL 28:19L (a), 27.09.2014 19 v HBC Nantes FRA 33:19L (a), 01.10.2016 Fewest goals opponent 22 v HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 23:22W (h), 15.10.2016 Fewest goals both teams 45 v HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 23:22W (h), 15.10.2016

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2014/15 Besiktas MOGAZ HT TUR 10 1 0 9 253:303 –50 2:18 6th Gr. B 2015/16 Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu TUR 14 1 0 13 382:487 -105 2:26 8th Gr. A 2016/17 Besiktas Mogaz HT TUR 10 5 1 4 275:289 –14 11:9 3rd Gr. D 2017/18 Besiktas Mogaz HT TUR 10 5 1 4 293:296 -3 11:9 3rd Gr. D Total 44 12 2 30 1203:1375 –172 26:62

161 Besiktas Mogaz

Mufit Arin coach • successful coach who has been dominating the Turkish domestic league with Besiktas for more than a decade • reached Challenge Cup Semi-final in 2008/09 • notable playing achievement is winning the Turkish league with Arcelik HK in 1983 • led Besiktas to become the first Turkish club in the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase, in 2014/15

Newcomers: Left the club: Baran Nalbantoglu (Göztepe SK/TUR) Faruk Vrazalic (CSM Bucharest/ROU) Özgür Sarak (Ankara BŞB SK/TUR) Filip Lazarov (Ratingen/GER) Yiğit Yaşar Kocaarslan (Aziziye Bel SK/TUR) Mihajlo Radojkovic (Calarasi/ROU) Marko Lasica (Timisoara/ROU)

162 Besiktas Mogaz HT

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 77 Gökay Bilim TUR Centre Back 01.01.2002 Istanbul, TUR 186 88 11 Josip Buljubasic TUR Back 11.07.1988 Metkovic, CRO 205 103 14 Mehmet Demirezen TUR L i n e P l a y e r 03.08.1988 Ankara, TUR 193 100 C 53 Ramazan Döne TUR R i g h t B a c k 10.07.1981 Rize, TUR 192 106 21 Onur Ersin TUR Centre Back 20.03.1992 Samsun, TUR 190 86 22 Taner Günay TUR G o a l k e e p e r 01.11.1986 Samsun, TUR 190 91 88 Karim Mostafa Hendawy EGY G o a l k e e p e r 01.05.1988 Cairo, EGY 187 92 1 Mehmet Karatay TUR G o a l k e e p e r 07.02.1998 Sirnak, TUR 198 90 23 Dogukan Keser TUR R i g h t W i n g 24.01.2000 Kars, TUR 182 86 42 Yigit Yasar Kocaarslan TUR L e ft B a c k 09.07.1994 Konya, TUR 198 95 10 Marko Krsmancic SRB Centre Back 02.12.1989 Negotin, SRB 187 91 25 Marko Lasica MNE R i g h t W i n g 30.04.1988 Niksic, MNE 188 80 19 Baran Nalbantoglu TUR L e ft B a c k 27.10.1992 Izmir, TUR 195 88 27 Tomislav Nuic BIH L e ft W i n g 12.11.1988 Capljina, CRO 184 86 20 Tolga Özbahar TUR L i n e P l a y e r 24.04.1984 Aydin, TUR 195 98 8 Nemanja Pribak MKD Centre Back 26.03.1984 Nis, SRB 190 103 7 Özgür Sarak TUR R i g h t B a c k 07.02.1993 Samsun, TUR 193 93 37 Mijo Tomic CRO L e ft W i n g 06.04.1993 Split, CRO 196 84 35 Sevket Yagmuroglu TUR R i g h t W i n g 10.01.2001 Akhisar, TUR 182 84

163 Besiktas Mogaz

Karim Mostafa Hassan Hendawy goalkeeper • joined Besiktas in 2016, excellent performances helped him secure No. 1 position • played for Egyptian junior and senior national teams, won African Games in 2011 and 2016, Arab Games in 2011, Mediterranean Games in 2013; played at 2016 Rio Olympics • won four national league titles and two cups in Egypt before joining Besiktas • awarded best goalkeeper at Junior World Championship 2009

Tomislav Nuic left wing • joined Besiktas in 2017 after departure of Croatian star Ivan Nincevic • played European Cup games with HRK Izvidac Ljubuski, RK Siscia and RK Nexe between 2006-2017 • praised for his commitment to the team, a man of duty

Marko Krsmancic centre back • right-handed Serbian who played for RK Jugovic (Serbia), DHC Rheinland (Germany), HC Alpla Hard (Austria) before joining Besiktas in 2016/17 • debut in Serbian first league at age 15, played for national team in all age categories • strong in one-to-one situations, can play several positions in defence

Nemanja Pribak centre back • known for his excellent court vision, assists and playmaking ability • started playing handball in his hometown of Nis in Serbia, for RK Zeleznicar, before joining HC Vardar, following a stint at RK Trimo Trebnje • made debut for Serbia at Men’s World Championship 2011, but opted to play for FYR Macedonia in 2013 • joined Besiktas in 2015 after five seasons with HC Vardar, where he is considered a club legend

164 Besiktas Mogaz HT

Tolga Özbahar line player • came to Besiktas in 2010, generally regarded one of Turkey’s best line players • awarded best line player in the Turkish league several times • in 2012/13, was second best top scorer (27 goals) when Besiktas reached the EHF Cup Group Phase • first Turkish player nominated for a VCL All-star Team, in 2014/15 • has retired from the national team

Özgür Sarak right back • joined Besiktas to replace Mihajlo Radojkovic, will share position with captain Ramazan Döne • played eight years in Turkish Super League with Göztepe SK, Maliye Milli Piyago SK, Ankara BŞB SK • undergraduate at physical education and sports teaching • at his best in defence

Ramazan Döne @ramazandone right back • joined Besiktas in 2006 from Cankaya Belediyesi • became top scorer of Challenge Cup 2005/06 (66 goals in seven games) as well as top scorer of Turkish league in 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2009/10 • helped Besiktas reach the EHF Cup Group Phase in 2012/13, and was their top scorer with 30 goals • named best right back in Turkish league several times • played more than 150 international matches for Turkey but has now retired to make way for young talents

Dogukan Keser right wing • started playing handball at age eight in Istanbul • joined Besiktas in 2014, a club he calls “my family”, and won three championships with the junior team • had breakthrough in 2016/17, joining the senior team and playing CL at age 16 while winning the Turkish league, cup and Super Cup titles

165 Chekhovskie Medvedi

GROUP C Chekhovskie Medvedi

The perennial Russian champions have not experienced much success in Europe recently, but coach Vladimir Maximov hopes the maturing of their young players will lead them out of the group phase Despite the departure of many experienced players in recent years and the emergence of strong rivals Spartak Moscow, Chekhovskie Medvedi continue their dominance in Russian handball. However, their results in Europe have declined, so Club Address the Chekhov-based team want to make a step in the right direction in the VELUX Chekhovskie Medvedi EHF Champions League 2018/19. Poligrafistov str. 30 142300 Chekhov, Mosk. oblast In the last four seasons, starting from 2014/15, Medvedi could not progress from Russia their VELUX EHF Champions League group and their results gradually deteriorated. Last season, the ‘Bears’ finished at the bottom of Group D with just five points. Media contact Since being founded in 2001, the Bears have won the domestic league every Olga Belysheva year. But the ambitious project Spartak Moscow may put an end to Chekhov’s +7 909 6391 839 [email protected] dominance. Established in 2017, the team from the Russian capital seriously challenged Medvedi in their debut season, though they lost in the final series. The legendary coach Vladimir Maximov faced a big challenge in recent years as www.ch-medvedi.ru many key players left the team, but he kept leading Medvedi to one domestic title after another. One of the main reason was Maximov’s productive work with young chehmedvedi talents. With his vast experience, the 72-year-old coach knows how to discover chehmedvedi new players and contribute to their development, so we may see a breakthrough of some youngsters in the coming season. @hc_chekhovskie_medvedi The 22-year-old left back Dmitriy Santalov joined the main team of Medvedi in 2014, and he was the youngest member of the squad at the time. Since then, Santalov has not just won the Russian league four times, but became a key player Kit colours of the Bears, and he became their top scorer last season. There were rumours that the Russian international might join Vardar this summer, but ultimately he stayed Light at Chekhov. Player shirt: white Player short: white GK shirt: yellow Past achievements Dark VELUX EHF Champions League Player shirt: purple Participations (including 2018/19 season): 18 Player short: purple Semi-final (1): 2009/10 GK shirt: black Quarter-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11 Last 16 (3): 2004/05, 2006/07, 2012/13 Main Round (1): 2007/08 Group Phase (10): 2000/01, 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18 Playing hall Sport Hall “Olimpiyskiy” Other Chekhov Cup Winners’ Cup: Winner 2005/06 Poligrafistov Str. 30 142300 Chekhov Russian league: 17 titles (2002-2018) Russia Russian cup: 8 titles Capacity: 3,000

166 Chekhovskie Medvedi

EHF Champions League club records

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 8 games (24.11.2016 – 14.10.2017) MATCHES Longest run without win 11 games (24.03.2013 – 21.02.2015) 8 Longest unbeaten run Most goals 46 v AC PAOK GRE 22:46W (a), 03.03.2010 GOALS 46 Most goals 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 GOALS Fewest goals 19 v Montpellier HB FRA 27:19L (a), 12.10.2003 77 Most goals both teams 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 Stage1994/95 2001/02 CSKA Moscow RUS 6 1 0 5 155:181 –26 2:10 4th Gr. C 2002/03 Chehovski Medvedi Moscow RUS 6 2 0 4 182:170 +12 4:8 3rd Gr. C 2003/04 Chehovski Medvedi Moscow RUS 6 3 0 3 166:165 +1 6:6 3rd Gr. D 2004/05 Chehovski Medvedi Chekhov RUS 8 6 0 2 252:246 +6 12:4 1/8-finals 2005/06 Chehovski Medvedi Chekhov RUS 6 3 0 3 192:184 +8 6:6 3rd Gr. A 2006/07 Chehovskie Medvedi RUS 8 4 0 4 242:233 +9 8:8 1/8-finals 2007/08 Chehovskie Medvedi RUS 12 7 1 4 369:331 +38 15:9 2nd MR Gr. 1 2008/09 Chehovskie Medvedi RUS 12 7 0 5 387:370 +17 14:10 1/4-finals 2009/10 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 16 9 2 5 529:476 +53 20:12 Fourth Place 2010/11 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 14 8 3 3 437:396 +41 19:9 1/4-finals 2011/12 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 10 3 4 3 291:276 +15 10:10 5th Gr. B 2012/13 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 12 6 4 2 373:347 +26 16:8 1/8-finals 2014/15 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 10 0 1 9 300:349 –49 1:19 6th Gr. C 2015/16 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 10 4 0 6 271:292 –21 8:12 4th Gr. C 2016/17 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 10 2 2 6 273:291 –18 6:14 6th Gr. C 2017/18 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 10 2 1 7 271:306 –35 5:15 6th Gr. D Total 156 67 18 71 4690:4613 +77 152:160

167 Chekhovskie Medvedi

Vladimir Maximov coach • legend of the sport, who remains the only person to have won Olympic gold both as player and as coach • successfully led the Russian national team but resigned from that job in 2012 to focus on his club duties at Medvedi • joined Medvedi in 2001, and has led the club to the domestic title in Russia every year since

EC trophy: Cup Winner’s 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

Newcomers: Left the club: Maxim Strushinsky (Dinamo Astrakhan/RUS) Mikhail Sharkov (SGAU Saratov/RUS)

168 Chekhovskie Medvedi

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 11 Pavel Andreev RUS L i n e P l a y e r 19.07.1992 Saint Petersburg, RUS 195 85 15 Andrei Beliaev RUS R i g h t B a c k 15.02.1998 Togliatti, RUS 197 98 Danil Bochkarev RUS Centre Back 11.02.1998 Volzhskiy, RUS 184 81 5 Evgeny Dzemin RUS L e ft B a c k 30.08.1997 Ussuriysk, RUS 207 101 31 Victor Furtsev RUS L i n e P l a y e r 17.06.1996 Belgorod, RUS 198 95 16 Artem Grushko RUS G o a l k e e p e r 20.06.1993 Odessa, UKR 193 91 4 Albert Gumarov RUS L e ft W i n g 04.02.1998 Astrahan, RUS 181 75 98 Nikita Kamenev RUS R i g h t B a c k 14.04.1998 Belgorod, RUS 198 98 22 Igor Karlov RUS Centre Back 16.12.1994 Lübeck, GER 192 82 6 Dmitriy Kornev RUS R i g h t W i n g 16.06.1992 Vologda, RUS 186 86 99 Sergei Mark Kosorotov RUS L e ft B a c k 16.06.1999 17 Alexander Kotov RUS R i g h t B a c k 11.07.1994 Volgograd, RUS 198 97 C 9 Kirill Kotov RUS Centre Back 23.05.1992 Moscow, RUS 185 75 14 Maxim Kuretkov RUS R i g h t B a c k 16.11.1994 Maykop, RUS 192 88 38 Timofei Maslennikov RUS R i g h t W i n g 10.03.1997 Chekhov, RUS 185 88 18 Ivan Nefedov RUS R i g h t W i n g 30.05.1998 Moscow, RUS 183 75 19 Roman Ostashchenko RUS L e ft W i n g 26.09.1992 Moscow, RUS 184 83 12 Dmitry Pavlenko RUS G o a l k e e p e r 01.01.1991 Zaporozhye, UKR 190 76 3 Dmitrii Santalov RUS L e ft B a c k 07.04.1996 Blagoveshchensk, RUS 196 87 33 Aleksei Stelmakh RUS G o a l k e e p e r 25.04.1998 Volgograd, RUS 192 105 Maksim Strushinskiy RUS 24.04.1992 27 Denis Vasilev RUS L i n e P l a y e r 31.12.1993 Astrakhan, RUS 196 95

169 Chekhovskie Medvedi

Dmitryi Pavlenko goalkeeper • at just 27, he is already one of the veterans in the young Medvedi squad • became first-choice goalkeeper last season after Oleg Grams left for Dunkerque HB • the Ukrainian-born player started his career at ZTR Zaporozhye • moved to Medvedi at a young age and became a Russian citizen

Roman Ostashchenko left wing • born in Moscow and started to play handball at Kuntsevo • joined reserve team of Medvedi in 2007, promoted to main team in 2013 • rapidly progressing player, who is one of the key figures at Medvedi and a regular member of the Russian national team

Dmitriy Santalov left back • born and raised in Blagoveshchensk, a town in the far east of Russia • at age 16, he joined the handball academy in Chekhov, some 7,700 kms from his home town • joined main team of Medvedi in 2014 as the youngest player in the squad • studies ecology at university in Moscow

Kirill Kotov centre back • started playing handball in Dolgoprudny, a small town near Moscow • joined Medvedi in 2007 at age 15, and became first-team player in 2013 • five-time Russian champion, who is a member of the national team • became team captain in 2017 following the departure of several experienced players

170 Chekhovskie Medvedi

Igor Karlov centre back • joined Medvedi in 2017 from SKIF Krasnodar, a club from his home town, where he was a true leader • helped SKIF beat Medvedi in Russian cup final in 2017 • won his first Russian championship in the 2017/18 season • son of former Russian international Dmitriy Karlov

Pavel Andreev line player • born in St.-Petersburg, where he started playing handball • joined Medvedi early in his career, first needed to gain experience in reserve team • became regular in the main team in 2014/15, and has won the national league four times since then • member of the Russia national team

Alexander Kotov right back • born in Volgograd and started his career at Kaustik • played for Russian under-21 team at Junior WCh 2015 in Brazil • not a relative of teammate Kirill Kotov • nicknamed ‘Boroda’ (‘The Beard’) for an apparent reason

Dmitriy Kornev right wing • started playing handball in Moscow • four-time national champion with Medvedi • part of Russian under-21 team at Junior WCh 2013 in Bosnia, and member of senior national team since April 2016

171 Tatran Presov

GROUP C Tatran Presov (SVK)

Last year, they failed to advance from the qualification tournament on home court. This season, Tatran Presov have directly entered the group phase. With former Olympic and world champion Slavko Goluza as their coach and an almost unchanged squad, the Slovakian record champions vie for a play-off spot. The defeat against Alpla Hard of Austria in the semi-final of last year’s qualification tournament left hosts Presov in shock. But Goluza stuck to his course and added some new players to his squad. Later, Presov played full-speed handball with a Club Address TATRAN Presov galore of goals. Goluza mixed the typical Balkan shooters with some efficient wing Handball Club players. But he also missed the second major international goal: qualifying for the Holleho 3 SEHA league finals tournament in Skopje. 080 01 Presov In 2005, Tatran qualified for the Last 16 of the EHF Champions League for the Slovakia first, and so far only, time. Matching that achievement this season doesn’t seem Media contact unrealistic as the group phase draw could have been worse. Richard Fech In the preparation, Presov won a strong tournament in the Bosnian city of Doboj +421 903 662 215 and easily earned the trophy of the Czech-Slovakian cup competition for the fourth [email protected] straight time after beating Banik Karvina 41:27. But they lost their opening match in the SEHA league 26:25 against newcomers Steaua Bucharest.

www.tatranpresov.sk One of the most prolific national team players has returned to Slovakia after 13 years, and he will wear the Tatran jersey for the first time. Martin Stranovsky left TatranPresovHandball Nove Zamky in 2005 and went to Spain. After seven years with Leon and two seasons with Barça, he moved to Germany to join HC Erlangen for four years. Now #TatranPresov back in Slovakia, he carries high expectations on his shoulders. He is Tatran’s new team captain as successor of Radovan Pekar, who has retired from handball. With 2.09 metres, Michal Kasal is among the tallest players of the 2018/19 season. Kit colours The 24-year-old Czech international is the next in line of very tall Presov players. Light The tallest player in the VELUX EHF Champions League is Vardar’s right back Dainis Player shirt: white Kristopans, who is a former Tatran player. Player short: white Goalkeeper shirt: green

Dark Past achievements Player shirt: green VELUX EHF Champions League Player short: green Participations (including 2018/19 season): 15 Goalkeeper shirt: black Last 16 (1): 2004/05 Last 32 (1): 1993/94 Group Phase (3): 2010/11, 2015/16, 2016/17 Group Matches (3): 2005/06, 2007/08, 2008/09 Qualification (6): 2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13, Playing hall 2013/14, 2014/15, 2017/18

Tatran Handball Arena Presov Other Jana Pavla II 2 EHF Cup: Quarter-final 2011/12 080 01 Presov Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2005/06 Slovakia Capacity: 3,870 Slovak league: 14 titles (2004, 2005, 2007-18) Slovak cup: 15 titles

172 Tatran Presov

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 37:24 (17:11) v RK Metkovic CRO (h), 30.10.2004 Biggest defeat 42:25 (22:12) v MKB Veszprém KC HUN (a), 05.11.2005 Longest winning run 2 matches (12.11.2005 – 29.09.2007) 2 matches (22.10.2016 – 10.11.2016) Longest unbeaten run 2 matches (09.10.2004 – 17.10.2004)

MATCHES 2 matches (12.11.2005 – 29.09.2007) 2 Longest unbeaten run 2 matches (22.10.2016 – 10.11.2016) 2 matches (04.12.2016 – 11.02.2017) GOALS Longest losing run 7 matches (05.12.2004 – 05.11.2005) Most goals 40 7 matches (16.11.2008 – 20.11.2010) Longest run without win 16 matches (16.11.2008 – 10.10.2015) GOALS 37 Most goals both teams Most goals 37 v RK Metkovic CRO 37:24W (h), 30.10.2004 Most goals opponent 42 v MKB Veszprém KC HUN 42:25L (a), 05.11.2005 42 v GOG Svendborg TGI Gudme DEN 42:32L (a), 07.10.2007 Most goals both teams 74 v GOG Svendborg TGI Gudme DEN 42:32L (a), 07.10.2007 Fewest goals 19 v Vojvodina SRB 19:27L (h), 10.10.2015 19 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 19:21L (h), 05.12.2015 Fewest goals opponent 18 v RK Metkovic CRO 18:29W (a), 17.10.2004 Fewest goals both teams 40 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 19:21L (h), 05.12.2015

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2004/05 Tatran Presov SVK 8 3 1 4 231:237 -6 7:9 Last 16 2005/06 Tatran Presov SVK 6 1 0 5 154:201 -47 2:10 3rd Gr. F 2007/08 Tatran Presov SVK 6 1 1 4 182:211 -29 3:9 3rd Gr. D 2008/09 Tatran Presov SVK 6 2 0 4 165:183 -18 4:8 3rd Gr. D 2010/11 TATRAN Presov SVK 10 0 2 8 273:325 -52 2:18 6th Gr. B 2015/16 TATRAN Presov SVK 10 2 0 8 240:279 –39 4:16 6th Gr. C 2016/17 TATRAN Presov SVK 10 4 1 5 259:271 –12 9:11 4th Gr. C Total 56 13 5 38 1504:1707 -203 31:81

173 Tatran Presov

Slavko Goluza coach • won Olympic gold with Croatia as a player in Atlanta and Athens, and bronze as a coach in London • wants Presov to play a similar style as Croatia did during his five-year spell as national coach (2010-15) • led RK Zagreb to two CL titles, in 1992 and 1993 • named best Croatian handball coach in 2012, 2013 and 2014 • won three domestic titles in 2017/18 but lacked European success

EC trophies: CL 1992, 1993 OS: G 1996, 2004 (as player), B 2012 (as coach)

@slavko.goluza_5

Newcomers: Left the club: Martin Stranovsky (HC Erlangen/GER) Radovan Pekar (retired) Titouane Afanou Gatine (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)

174 Tatran Presov

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 88 Titouan Afanou Gatine FRA R i g h t B a c k 27.01.1995 Lyon, FRA 193 97 11 Ante Babic CRO L i n e P l a y e r 09.02.1997 Osijek, CRO 193 97 4 Bruno Butorac CRO R i g h t B a c k 01.10.1994 Zagreb, CRO 188 82 73 Igor Chupryna UKR G o a l k e e p e r 25.04.1990 Illychevsk, CRO 200 96 21 Tomas Cip CZE R i g h t W i n g 05.10.1989 Zubri, CZE 189 94 12 Mario Cvitkovic CRO G o a l k e e p e r 09.08.1994 Sinj, CRO 192 95 6 Jakub Hrstka CZE L e ft W i n g 17.03.1990 Zubri, CZE 188 91 44 Michal Kasal CZE L e ft B a c k 03.04.1994 Nové Mesto Na Morave, CZE 209 98 71 Maros Kolpak SVK G o a l k e e p e r 23.03.1971 Presov, SVK 190 99 14 Martin Kriz SVK R i g h t W i n g 27.07.1997 Presov, SVK 186 77 9 Dominik Krok SVK L e ft B a c k 22.01.1991 Bardejov, SVK 189 79 7 Janus Lapajne SLO Centre Back 03.03.1995 Sampeter pri Gorici, SLO 192 93 2 Oliver Rabek SVK L e ft B a c k 30.09.1987 Nove Zamky, SVK 204 102 15 Alexandr Radcenko CZE Centre Back 05.07.1973 Krasnodar, RUS 187 90 10 Tomas Recicar SVK L e ft B a c k 30.11.1998 Presov, SVK 192 92 13 Lubos Sarpataky SVK R i g h t W i n g 15.01.1996 Presov, SVK 183 87 3 Milos Sarpataky SVK Centre Back 15.01.1996 Presov, SVK 183 87 C 24 Martin Stranovsky SVK L e ft W i n g 12.09.1985 Nové Zamky, SVK 187 78 77 Roman Tsarapkin RUS L e ft B a c k 09.05.1995 Moscow, RUS 197 95 17 Lukas Urban SVK Back 22.06.1995 Presov, SVK 198 85 23 Leon Vucko CRO L i n e P l a y e r 09.01.1995 Zagreb, CRO 192 115

175 Tatran Presov

Igor Chupryna goalkeeper • Ukrainian national team goalkeeper, who moved to Presov in the summer of 2015 from Ukrainian club HC Portovik • formed strong Ukrainian goalkeeping duo with Vladimir Bozic, now teams up with young Croat Mario Cvitkovic • nicknamed ‘The Magician’ by teammates and local media

Jakub Hrstka left wing • born in Czech city Zubri, left for Presov in 2011, together with Tomas Cip • second-best Presov scorer in CL Group Phase 2016/17, with 42 goals • very fast on the wing with ability to score on crucial moments of the game • with 47 goals, best scorer for Tatran in EHF Cup in 2017/18

Martin Stranovsky @martinstranovsky left back • back in Slovakia after a 13-year adventure abroad, playing for Leon, Barcelona and Erlangen • versatile player, able to cover the left back or centre back positions • Slovakian Player of the Year in 2006, CL finalist, played at three EURO events for Slovakia • Prešov will be his fifth club in his long and successful career

Dominik Krok left back • one of few Presov players who was part of all three previous CL Group Phase appearances, in 2010/2011, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 • born in Bardejov, Eastern Slovakia, he joined Presov in 2009 • famous for powerful shots from distance, and a fans’ favourite • his last name Krok means ‘step’ in Slovak • loves to play tennis, which helps him develop his skills and accuracy

176 Tatran Presov

Oliver Rabek centre back • leading attacking player for Presov, who scored 52 times in the CL in 2016/17 • often battling with injuries • known for very accurate and hard shots from distance • won domestic league and cup each year since joining Presov in 2012

Ante Babic line player • forms a Croatian line player duo with Leon Vucko • practiced swimming and karate in his younger years • good footwork, very dynamic player who does lot of dirty work in defence • set to make his CL debut with Presov; earlier played for Croatian clubs RK Osijek and RK Dubrava

Bruno Butorac right back/wing • highly rated Croatian left-handed player, who was with RK Dubrava Zagreb before joining Tatran Presov • won silver with Croatia at under-19 WCh in 2013 in Hungary • dynamic player with excellent moves, able to score a lot of goals • second best scorer in the SEHA league 2017/18 with 95 goals

Tomas Cíp right wing • joined Presov in 2011 from Zubri, together with Jakub Hrstka • won seven Slovakian titles with Presov, every year since he joined the club • strong defender but mainly praised for his game in attack • played for Czech Republic at EHF EURO 2018 and scored 21 goals

177 Group D preview

Group D preview

PLOCK WITH PLENTY TO PROVE IN GROUP D

GROUP D PREVIEW: Polish runners-up must emerge from a tricky group to prove they belong among Europe’s elite once again

Last season was a turning point for Groups C/D in the VELUX EHF Champions League as Skjern and Montpellier emerged from the groups to make a monumental impact on the competition.

Skjern reaching the quarter-final and Montpellier lifting the trophy in Cologne has breathed new life into these groups and given hope to all involved.

Failure to progress from the group phase in the past two seasons has led to Orlen Wisla Plock losing their spot in Groups A/B and now they must take on an evenly matched Group D for a chance to reach the Last 16.

The Polish runners-up are considered among the favourites in this group, alongside Abanca Ademar Leon.

The Spanish side hold the slight advantage of knowing how to navigate these groups, having reached the Group C/D Play-offs last season, before being knocked out by eventual champions Montpellier.

Four national champions make up the rest of Group D – Elverum, Wacker Thum, Dinamo Bucuresti and Riihimäen Cocks. All will be aiming to upset the likes of Plock and it would not be a huge surprise to see one of this quartet secure a top two spot.

SABATE BACK IN THE HOT SEAT

Two years after suffering a cruel defeat in the VELUX EHF Champions League Final against Kielce, it seems somewhat fitting that Xavier Sabate’s first job since leaving Veszprém is to take over Kielce’s arch rivals Plock.

Sabate’s aim with this team will first and foremost be to remind them of how it feels to win in Europe, after Plock picked up just five victories in the past two seasons.

Plock have picked up a few notable signings over the summer, including goal- machine Ziga Mlakar from Celje, vastly experienced Renato Sulic from Veszprém and EHF EURO 2018 top scorer Ondrej Zdrahala. This calibre of firepower should be too much for the rest of the group to deal with.

Their fiercest rivals are expected to be Abanca Ademar Leon, another club with genuine Champions League pedigree, but few of their current squad were around the last time they reached the Last 16 in 2013.

178 Group D preview

Leon’s four new signings are not quite as impressive as Plock’s on paper, but coach Rafael Guijosa Castillo will have plenty of tricks up his sleeve. Three losses in their first four games left Leon in a sticky situation last year, before they mounted a superb comeback, earning five wins to reach the playoffs. With that in mind, Plock and the rest of Group D will do well never to underestimate the Spaniards.

REGULARS READY TO STEP UP?

With Norwegian side Elverum heading for their fourth consecutive season and Dinamo Bucuresti of Romania going for their third, both can be considered regulars at this level. However, since they both had a decent campaign in 2016/17, the sides’ fortunes took different turns last year. While Elverum were in contention to progress from Group C until the final rounds, Dinamo struggled in the same group, picking up a solitary victory from their 10 matches.

Elverum’s seven new additions lack European experience, but that has never deterred them in the past and contending for a top two spot will certainly be their aim again this season. Dinamo may have lost influential Iranian brothers Sajad and Allahkaram Esteki to domestic rivals CSM Bucuresti, but have brought in eight new faces, including three from Tunisia and this freshening of the squad should ensure a better performance in Europe this time around.

HUNT FOR A FIRST WIN

Riihimäen Cocks’ journey to the VELUX EHF Champions League has been a truly remarkable one.

The perennial Finnish champions considered reaching the Challenge Cup Quarter- finals a huge success just three years ago, now they stand on the verge of making their debut in Europe’s premier club competition.

And their performance in last season’s EHF Cup Group Phase prove that these men can hold their own against teams at this level.

Their squad has not changed much since last season and if the likes of Nico Rönnberg and Teemu Tamminen can play at their best, a debut victory will not be far away.

Also on the hunt for their first victory is Wacker Thun, who could not pick one up in their debut season five years ago.

In the 2012/14 season, the Swiss side managed a draw against Metalurg, but no victories in a star-studded group, but this campaign should provide more opportunities to pick up their first pair of points.

Similar to Cocks, Thun reached the EHF Cup Group Phase last season, providing plenty of international experience to the semi-professional squad.

Their meeting with the Finnish side at home on 20 September could turn out to be a historic occasion for one club, but whether either will make a bigger impact on the group remains to be the seen.

Chris O`Reilly

179 Group D preview

Group D head-to-heads Historic encounters of the Group D opponents in the EC

Orlen Wisla Plock vs Abanca Ademar Leon No previous encounters in European competitions

Orlen Wisla Plock vs Elverum Handball 2-0-0 (57:50) 4:0 10.02.2013 Elverum Handball Herrer vs Orlen Wisla Plock, EHF Cup – Group C 25:27 (14:10) 16.03.2013 Orlen Wisla Plock vs Elverum Handball Herrer, EHF Cup – Group C 30:25 (17:14) Orlen Wisla Plock vs Wacker Thun No previous encounters in European competitions

Orlen Wisla Plock vs Dinamo Bucuresti No previous encounters in European competitions

Orlen Wisla Plock vs Riihimäen Cocks No previous encounters in European competitions

Abanca Ademar Leon vs Elverum Handball 1-0-1 (56:55) 2:2 30.09.2017 Abanca Ademar Leon vs Elverum Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 26:30 (10:12) 03.12.2017 Elverum Handball vs Abanca Ademar Leon, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 25:30 (13:13)

Abanca Ademar Leon vs Wacker Thun 2-0-0 (62:47) 4:0 10.11.2002 C.BM. Ademar Leon vs BSV Wacker Thun, Cup Winners’ Cup – Round 3 35:21 (17:9) 17.11.2002 BSV Wacker Thun vs C.BM. Ademar Leon, Cup Winners’ Cup – Round 3 26:27 (11:11)

Abanca Ademar Leon vs Dinamo Bucuresti 2-0-0 (60:53) 4:0 15.10.2017 Dinamo Bucuresti vs Abanca Ademar Leon, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 24:28 (13:17) 04.11.2017 Abanca Ademar Leon vs Dinamo Bucuresti, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 32:29 (18:15)

Abanca Ademar Leon vs Riihimäen Cocks No previous encounters in European competitions

Elverum Handball vs Wacker Thun No previous encounters in European competitions

Elverum Handball vs Dinamo Bucuresti 2-0-0 (74:65) 4:0 08.10.2017 Elverum Handball vs Dinamo Bucuresti, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 40:32 (19:15) 26.11.2017 Dinamo Bucuresti vs Elverum Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 33:34 (16:16)

Elverum Handball vs Riihimäen Cocks No previous encounters in European competitions

Wacker Thun vs Dinamo Bucuresti No previous encounters in European competitions

Wacker Thun vs Riihimäen Cocks No previous encounters in European competitions

Dinamo Bucuresti vs Riihimäen Cocks No previous encounters in European competitions

180 LET’S PLAY! AROUND THE WORLD

8412 handballs delivered to 701 teams in 45 countries

Iceland Denmark Finland Ireland Norway Poland Faroe Islands Sweden Estonia England Latvia Germany Scotland

Czech Bulgaria Republic Romania Croatia Serbia Hungary Slovenia Montenegro Ukraine

USA Costa Rica

New Zealand Tunisia Austria Portugal Turkey Spain Greece Brazil France Egypt Argentina Italy Israel Netherlands Bosnia Luxembourg Herzegovina Switzerland Macedonia Belgium Malta India

veluxhandball.com

2018-08-29 l EHF-FINAL-4-official-magazine-Map210x297mm.indd 1 29/08/2018 11.21 Orlen Wisla Plock

GROUP D Orlen Wisla Plock

Orlen Wisla Plock are starting the VELUX EHF Champions League 2018/19 season in Group D. The Polish runners-up have got a new coach, four new players and a lot to prove to themselves and their fans. Plock’s main countable goal is to get promoted to the Last 16 stage, but behind it there is a much more important objective: to believe in themselves and learn how to win on Eu-ropean level again. “I think we need to learn how to win in the Champions League again, as last year Club Address we played re-ally good matches against Barcelona or Nantes,” says the team Orlen Wisła Płock captain, Marcin Wichary. “We could have won them, but we missed something. I Plac Celebry Papieskiej 1 hope this time we will show wisdom on the court.” 09-400 Płock The Polish runners-up want to reach the level they failed to reach last season. “Our Poland objective for the season is to present ourselves on a high level and to be promoted Media contact to the Last 16. We hope that we can make it back into the Groups A or B in the Tomasz Bauman future,” says president Adam Wiśniewski. +48 882 975 087 The Oilers have been the second best team in the Polish league since six years. [email protected] The last time they won the domestic title was in 2011, and the ongoing rivalry with Kielce is a fascinating story in the country. On European level, the goal is also very www.sprwislaplock.pl serious. “Playing in the VELUX EHF Champions League is the primary target for the future development of our club,” admits president Wiśniewski. sprwisla “We are strongly convinced that it leads us to build our ‘sport brand’ and @SPRWisla has further impact on increasing our business potential. It shows that we are one of the most prestigious teams in Eu-rope and boost sport and marketing @sprwisla development. It is crucial for our sponsors as well as our fans.” Apart from four new players - winger Mateusz Góralski, left back Ziga Mlakar, line player Re-nato Sulić, and EHF EUROI 2018 top scorer Ondrej Zdrahala - Plock also Kit colours have a new coach. Xavier Sabate’s responsibility will be to create a solid team and teach his players a new philos-ophy after Piotr Przybecki. He will have to cope Light with injury worries right at the beginning of the season as Nemanja Obradovic is Player shirt: white, blue returning from a shoulder issue and left back Tomasz Gębala will only be back in Player short: blue 2019 due to a knee injury. GK shirt: yellow

Dark Past achievements Player shirt: blue VELUX EHF Champions League Player short: blue Participations (including 2018/19 season): 14 GK shirt: red Last 16 (4): 2011/12, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16 Group Phase (7): 2002/03, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2008/09, 2016/17, 2017/18 Last 32 (1): 1995/96 Qualification (1): 2012/13

Playing hall Other Orlen Arena EHF Cup: Quarter-finals 1993/94, Group Phase Pl. Celebry Papieskiej 1 2012/13 09-400 Płock Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-finals 1996/97 Poland Polish league: 7 titles (1995, 2002, 2004, 2005, Capacity: 5,467 2006, 2008, 2011) Polish Cup: 10 titles

182 Orlen Wisla Plock

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 42:26 (19:11) v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SCG (h), 13.11.2004 Biggest defeat 35:18 (19:4) v KIF Kolding Elite A/S DEN (a), 07.10.2006 34:17 (15:7) v HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO (a), 12.10.2008 Longest winning run 5 matches (29.11.2014 – 14.03.2015) Longest unbeaten run 6 matches (23.11.2014 – 14.03.2015) MATCHES Longest losing run 6 matches (05.10.2008 – 20.11.2008) Longest winning run 5 6 matches (25.02.2017 – 01.10.2017) Longest run without win 13 matches (25.11.2015 – 19.10.2016) GOALS Most goals 42 Most goals 42 v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SCG 42:26W (h), 13.11.2004

GOALS Most goals opponent 40 v Sportclub Magdeburg GER 40:32L (a), 16.11.2002 72 Most goals both teams 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 19 v Besiktas MOGAZ HT 28:19W (h), 27.09.2014 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 Stage1994/95 2002/03 Wisla Plock SSA POL 6 1 0 5 167:195 –28 2:10 3rd Gr. A 2004/05 Wisla Plock SSA POL 6 1 0 5 159:177 -18 2:10 4th Gr. D 2005/06 Wisla Plock SSA POL 6 2 0 4 155:182 -27 4:8 3rd Gr. E 2006/07 Wisla Plock SA POL 6 2 0 4 141:170 –29 4:8 3rd Gr. C 2008/09 Wisla Plock SA POL 6 0 0 6 122:188 -66 0:12 4th Gr. H 2011/12 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 12 4 1 7 321:332 -11 9:15 Last 16 2013/14 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 12 5 0 7 335:341 -6 10:14 Last 16 2014/15 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 12 7 1 4 340:337 +3 15:9 Last 16 2015/16 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 16 3 3 10 426:452 –26 9:23 Last 16 2016/17 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 14 3 2 9 367:401 –34 8:20 7th Gr. A 2017/18 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 14 2 3 9 380:408 –28 7:21 7th Gr. A Total 110 30 10 70 2913:3183 –270 70:150

183 Orlen Wisla Plock

Javier Sabate coach • replaced Piotr Przybecki who left the club in March 2018 • though his is still quite young, he has gained a lot of experience as coach • was head coach of Veszprém from 2015-17 and led the club the CL Final in 2016 • very engaged in every aspect, including trainings and tactics analysis

@xavi_sabate

Newcomers: Left the club: Ondrej Zdrahala (TSV St. Ottmar St. Gallen) Valentin Ghionea (Sporting CP) Renato Sulić (Veszprém) Maciej Gębala (SC Leipzig) Ziga Mlakar (Celje) Gilberto Duarte (Barça Lassa) Mateusz Góralski (Piotrkowianin Piotrków Trybunalski) Sime Ivić (Meshkov Brest)

184 Orlen Wisla Plock

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 24 Adam Borbely HUN G o a l k e e p e r 22.06.1995 Debrecen, HUN 197 117 3 Michal Daszek POL R i g h t W i n g 27.06.1992 Tczew, POL 182 87 37 Jose Guilherme De Toledo BRA R i g h t B a c k 11.01.1994 Sao Paulo, BRA 193 100 48 Tomasz Gebala POL L e ft B a c k 23.11.1995 Gdynia, POL 212 120 17 Mateusz Goralski POL R i g h t W i n g 17.01.1994 Plock, POL 178 82 38 Pawel Kowalski POL L e ft B a c k 22.10.2000 Plock, POL 199 104 6 Przemyslaw Krajewski POL L e ft W i n g 20.01.1987 Ciechanów, POL 184 86 4 Dominik Mierzwicki POL R i g h t B a c k 08.07.1999 Plock, POL 182 76 34 Lovro Mihic CRO L e ft W i n g 25.08.1994 Zagreb, CRO 180 81 55 Ziga Mlakar SLO R i g h t B a c k 16.05.1990 Celje, SLO 192 99 16 Adam Morawski POL G o a l k e e p e r 17.10.1994 Ciechanów, POL 192 92 8 Ignacio Moya Florido ESP L e ft B a c k 03.11.1988 Malaga, ESP 188 93 14 Nemanja Obradovic SRB Centre Back 08.01.1991 Krusevac, SRB 198 104 27 Aleksander Olkowski POL Centre Back 27.04.1998 Plock, POL 187 85 18 Mateusz Piechowski POL L i n e P l a y e r 01.03.1995 Plock, POL 210 112 7 Dan Emil Racotea ROU L e ft B a c k 21.07.1995 Brasov, ROU 202 115 39 Renato Sulic CRO L i n e P l a y e r 12.10.1979 Rijeka, CRO 192 106 26 Marko Tarabochia BIH Centre Back 28.11.1988 Zagreb, BIH 193 93 C 12 Marcin Wichary POL G o a l k e e p e r 17.02.1980 Zabrze, POL 193 90 5 Damian Wozniak POL L e ft B a c k 21.12.1998 Plock, POL 186 93 33 Igor Zabic SLO L i n e P l a y e r 15.08.1992 Celje, SLO 201 108 9 Ondrej Zdrahala CZE Centre Back 10.07.1983 Hranice, CZE 187 83

185 Orlen Wisla Plock

Marcin Wichary goalkeeper • steps up to the role of captain after Adam Wisniewski quit after 2016/17 • came to Plock in 2004 and has become a true ‘Oiler’, beloved by the local fans • impressed with a 50 per cent save rate in the group phase of the WCh 2013, on his debut with the national team

WCh: B 2015

Adam Morawski goalkeeper • 23-year-old who started to play at a senior level in 2013/14 and debuted in the CL two years later • shone in Plock in 2016/17, resulting in nomination for best goalkeeper of the season in the Polish league • his nickname ‘Loczek’ means ‘a curl’ • made debut in Polish national team in 2013

Przemyslaw Krajewski left wing • joined Kielce for the 2017/18 season from Polish league rivals Azoty Pulawy • one of the most effective players with Pulawy, placing second in the rank of top scorers for the Superliga in 2012/13, first in 2014/15 and fourth in 2015/16 • second best scorer for Plock in the Polish league 2017/18 with 120 goals • debuted in the Polish national team in 2012, becoming a regular part of the squad at major championships since 2013 • passed 1,000 goals scored in the Polish league in 2017 WCh: B 2015

Tomasz Gebala left back • very talented young back with a powerful shot from distance • played three years with Magdeburg’s reserves before joining Plock in 2016 • brother Maciej also went to Plock in 2016 but he has moved on to German side SC DHfK Leipzig in the summer of 2018 • first played for the Polish national team in 2016 and took part in WCh 2017, where he played all seven matches and scored 24 goals as Poland won the President’s Cup

186 Orlen Wisla Plock

Ondrej Zdrahala centre back • joined Plock in the summer of 2018 on a two-year contract • scored 56 goals for Czech Republic to become top scorer of EHF EURO 2018 • playing in the Swiss first division, he received several offers after his EURO success and decided to join Plock • brings four seasons of CL experience (Czech side HC Banik Karvina, from 2003-07) with him but is yet to advance from the group phase • will have to play a leading role for his many young teammates at Plock

Renato Sulić line player • joined Plock from Veszprém for the 2018/19 season, the seventh club on his career path • had two stints and 10 seasons in total with Veszprém, in 2004/05 and from 2009-18 • didn’t play in his first season in Veszprém due to a car accident before the first match • was line player in the CL All-star Team twice, in 2013/14 and 2014/15 • is reunited in Plock with coach Sabate, whom we previously worked with in Veszprém

Ziga Mlakar right back • Slovenian back who started playing handball at age 12 • Plock is his first foreign club as he spent almost his entire career with Celje - apart from a brief stint with Branik Maribor in 2014/15 • one of the leading players of Slovenia’s successful 1990 generation • had his best CL season in 2015/16, scoring 60 • will face former Celje teammate Blaz Janc when playing Kielce in the Polish league

Michal Daszek right wing • in his fifth season with Plock after joining the club in 2014 • third best scorer for Plock in the Polish league 2017/18 with 112 goals, behind Przemyslaw Krajewski (120) and Valentin Ghionea (149) • since 2013 member of the Polish national team, won bronze at WCh 2015 in Qatar • is also a decent basketball player

WCh: B 2015

187 Abanca Ademar Leon

GROUP D Abanca Ademar Leon

After a five-year hiatus, Abanca Ademar Leon came back ambitious to the VELUX EHF Champions League last year. They only just made it to the play-offs, where they lost twice to Montpellier, the French side which would lift the trophy nearly three months later. With a more experienced side and a year of tough European competition under their belts, Leon are eyeing the first place in what appears to be an easier group as they relish the challenge for a new successful season. Club Address Abanca Ademar Leon “We faced two opponents from this group last season, but we see that there are P. Saenz de Miera s/n other hungry teams coming, so it will be a difficult season,” Leon team manager Estadio A. Amilivia Jose Cabrero says. 24009 Leon Losing a left back who was the team’s second-best top scorer with 38 goals in Spain the competition last season (Costoya Rodriguez) and an important goalkeeper Media contact (Vladimir Cupara) will likely have an impact on Leon’s challenge for this season. But Pablo Castro Alvarez otherwise, the Spanish side remains mostly unchanged from last season. So coach +34 699 948 179 Rafael Guijosa Castillo will trust the system he built and developed over the last [email protected] three years in Leon. Guijosa will surely try to improve his team for the European premium competition. www.ademar.com Leon’s main objectives will be finishing second once again in the domestic league Ademar Leon and a lengthy outing in the domestic cup, but the path for another play-off berth in the Champions League should be easier this season. More attention in the key @ADEMARLEON parts of the games, a lack of injuries and Rafael Guijosa could lead his team to another Last 16 berth. @leonademar One of the cornerstones of Guijosa’s squad could be Mario Lopez Alvarez. The 23-year old right wing broke through the youth’s ranks six seasons ago and has quickly become an anchor for the Spanish side. His youth does not reflect in his Kit colours style of play, as Lopez Alvarez became the top goal scorer of Leon in last season’s Light Champions League, with 44 goals in 10 matches. Born and bred in Leon, the young Player shirt: white Spanish player has been named the team’s captain for the new season. Player short: white GK shirt: multicolour Past achievements Dark VELUX EHF Champions League Player shirt: black or Participations (including 2018/19 season): 13 crimson Quarter-finals (4): 1997/98, 1999/00, 2001/02, Player short: black or 2011/12 crimson Last 16 (4): 2003/04, 2005/06, 2009/10, GK shirt: multicolour 2012/13 Main Round (2): 2007/08, 2008/09 Group Phase (1): 2017/18 Qualification (1): 2010/11 Playing hall Palacio de los Deportes de Leon Other Paseo saenz de miera s/n Cup Winners’ Cup: winners 1998/99, 2004/05, 24009 Leon runners-up 2000/01, 2006/07 Spain EHF Cup: quarter-finals 2010/11, group phase Capacity: 5,900 2013/14

Spanish league: 1 title (2001) Copa del Rey: 1 title (2002) Copa ASOBAL: 2 titles (1999, 2009)

188 Abanca Ademar Leon

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 41:20 (23:10) v HC Red Star YUG (h), 15.11.1997 Biggest defeat 39:24 (20:13) v THW Kiel GER (a), 14.11.1999 Longest winning run 4 matches (08.10.2005 – 05.11.2005) 4 matches (05.10.2008 – 09.11.2008) 4 matches (15.10.2017 – 16.11.2017) MATCHES Longest unbeaten run 5 matches (26.09.2007 – 18.11.2007) Longest winning run 8 5 matches (05.10.2008 – 16.11.2008) Longest losing run 4 matches (23.11.2008 – 28.02.2009) GOALS Most goals Longest run without win 5 matches (16.11.2008 – 28.02.2009) 40 5 matches (13.10.2012 – 29.11.2012)

GOALS 74 Most goals both teams Most goals 41 v HC Red Star YUG 41:20W (h), 15.11.1997 Most goals opponent 39 v THW Kiel GER 39:24L (a), 14.11.1999 Most goals both teams 73 v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 36:37L (h), 28.03.2010 Fewest goals 18 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 30:18L (a), 03.03.2002 18 v Füchse Berlin GER 29:18L (a), 29.04.2012 Fewest goals opponent 20 v HC Red Star YUG 41:20W (h), 15.11.1997 20 v Montpellier HB FRA 37:20W (h), 06.11.1999 20 v Montpellier HB FRA 20:19L (a), 04.03.2018 Fewest goals both teams 39 v Montpellier HB FRA 20:19L (a), 04.03.2018

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 1997/98 Prosesa Ademar Leon ESP 8 4 1 3 241:218 +23 9:7 1/4-finals 1999/00 Prosesa Ademar Leon ESP 8 4 0 4 215:210 +5 8:8 1/4-finals 2001/02 CBM Ademar Leon ESP 8 4 0 4 217:216 +1 8:8 1/4-finals 2003/04 CBM Ademar Leon ESP 8 5 0 3 238:220 +18 10:6 Last 16 2005/06 C.BM. Ademar Leon ESP 8 5 0 3 232:213 +19 10:6 Last 16 2007/08 C.BM. Ademar Leon ESP 12 7 1 4 344:330 +14 15:9 3rd MR Gr. 1 2008/09 Reale Ademar ESP 10 5 1 4 316:300 +16 11:9 3rd MR Gr. 3 2009/10 Reale Ademar ESP 12 5 1 6 352:359 -7 11:13 Last 16 2011/12 Reale Ademar Leon ESP 14 8 1 5 410:403 +7 17:11 1/4-finals 2012/13 Reale Ademar Leon ESP 12 3 1 8 310:348 –38 7:17 Last 16 2017/18 Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 12 6 0 6 313:318 -5 12:12 Elimination C+D Total 112 56 6 50 3188:3135 +53 118:106

189 Abanca Ademar Leon

Rafael Guijosa coach • IHF World Handball Player of the Year in 1999 • part of the ‘Barcelona Dream Team’ (1994-2002) as a player, winning five CL titles (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000) • started his coaching career at Alcobendas, where he stayed for seven years before moving to Ademar in 2015 • leads the team in their second straight CL season after they returned from a four-season break in 2017/18

EC trophies: CL 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 (as player) EURO: S 1996, 1998, OG: B 1996, 2000 (as player)

@guijosar

Newcomers: Left the club: Jose Mario Carrillo Gutiérrez (FC Porto/POR) Diego Piñeiro Martín (Dunkerque HB/FRA) Dino Slavic (RK Umag/CRO) Alejandro Costoya Rodríguez (Chambery Savoie/FRA) Ivan Mosic (Shabab Al Ahli Dubai/UAE) Vladimir Cupara (PGE Vive Kielce/POL) Álvaro Rozas (own youth ranks) Álvaro Robles (own youth ranks)

190 Abanca Ademar Leon

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 1 Ignacio Biosca Garcia ESP G o a l k e e p e r 17.07.1995 Barcelona, ESP 195 98 7 Gonzalo Carou Marcel ESP G o a l k e e p e r 15.08.1979 Buenos Aires, ARG 198 75 18 Jose Mario Carrillo Gutierrez ESP L e ft W i n g 18.12.1990 León, ESP 180 79 85 Adrian Casqueiro Lopez ESP L e ft W i n g 18.05.2000 León, ESP 190 85 Javier Espinosa Gonzalez ESP L e ft B a c k 02.02.2000 Logroño , ESP 190 90 14 David Fernandez Alonso ESP R i g h t B a c k 14.04.1996 Valladolid, ESP 196 72 17 Jaime Fernandez Fernandez ESP L e ft W i n g 27.01.1997 León, ESP 176 103 15 Juan Jose Fernandez Sanchez ESP L e ft B a c k 18.02.1993 Ciudad Real, ESP 193 76 6 Juan Antonio Garcia Lorenzana ESP L e ft W i n g 28.08.1977 Leon, ESP 177 80 12 Javier Gonzalez Teijon ESP G o a l k e e p e r 07.01.1996 León, ESP 196 72 C 3 Mario Lopez Alvarez ESP R i g h t W i n g 19.09.1994 León , ESP 180 82 18 Acacio Marques Moreira BRA Centre Back 26.01.1994 Joao Pessoa, BRA 189 70 19 Gonzalo Perez Arce ESP R i g h t W i n g 20.07.1998 León, ESP 175 80 8 Rodrigo Perez Arce ESP Centre Back 04.10.1995 León, ESP 178 110 25 Zivan Pesic SRB L i n e P l a y e r 07.07.1993 Novi Sad, SRB 195 80 Alvaro Robles Lopez ESP Centre Back 02.08.1998 León , ESP 180 100 Alvaro Rozas Garcia ESP L i n e P l a y e r 07.07.2000 León , ESP 195 90 4 Sebastian Simonet Moldes ESP Centre Back 12.05.1986 Buenos Aires, ARG 190 113 16 Dino Slavic CRO G o a l k e e p e r 04.12.1992 Rijeka, CRO 185 90 11 Federico Vieyra ITA R i g h t B a c k 21.07.1988 Buenos Aires, ARG 193 95

191 Abanca Ademar Leon

Ignacio Biosca goalkeeper • started playing handball in Barcelona, joined Leon in 2014 • 2018/19 is his first season as the No. 1 goalkeeper, after Vladimir Cupara left • had save percentage of 33,73 in the Spanish league season 2017/18

Juan Garcia left wing • all-time top scorer in ASOBAL, with more than 2,500 goals • returned to Leon in 2015 after playing nine seasons with Barcelona (2005-2014) and one with Logrono (2014/15) • at age 41, Garcia has played for more than two decades in Spain’s top division

EC trophies: CL 2011 EURO: S 2006; WCh: G 2005, B 2011; OG: B 2008

Jaime Fernandez left wing • the 21-year-old left wing has come through the youth ranks of Leon • was part of Spanish youth team, which won EURO 2016 and WCh 2017 • born and bred in Leon, he says his utmost pride is to play CL in the local arena

Ivan Mosic left back • Serbian left back started career at Red Star Belgrade, but played in the United Arab Emirates, for Al Shabab Dubai, in 2017/18 • a powerful shooter, as good in defence as in attack • apart from improving his handball skills, he is also eager to learn the Spanish language

192 Abanca Ademar Leon

Sebastian Simonet @seba_simon centre back • Argentine international, who is older brother of Diego Simonet (Montpellier) and Pablo Simonet (Benidorm) • arrived in Leon in 2016 from French side Ivry after already playing in Spain for four years (2007-2011 in Torrevieja) following departure from his home country • though not a prolific goal scorer, Simonet is an important part of Leon’s attack, providing leadership as a playmaker

Zivan Pesic line player • going into his second season with Leon after his debut in 2017/18 • previously wore the jerseys of Celje and Veszprém • developed into an important player in the centre of the defence

Federico Vieyra right back • famous for his outside shots from nine metres • key player for Leon who joined the club in 2015 • played at 2012 and 2016 Olympics with Argentine national team, and helped them win the Pan-American Championship 2018

WCh: G 2013

Mario Lopez right wing • main weapons include fast breaks and penalty throws • developed into one of the best goal scorers for Leon • recovered well from two severe knee injuries in 2014 and 2015 while playing for the national under-18 and under-19 teams of Spain

193 Elverum Handball

GROUP D Elverum Handball Elverum Handball are returning to the group phase for the fourth straight season. No wonder they are eager to get to the play-offs for the first time. The team from a small town 120 kilometres north of Oslo have won the Norwegian domestic league every season since 2011/12 so taking the next step in Europe is an obvious goal. Reaching one of the two top spots in Group D will be the target. And while they have improved each season, this year they have to deal with many changes to their squad. Club Address At first sight, the runners-up from Poland (Orlen Wisla Plock) and Spain (Abanca Elverum Handball Ademar Leon) look like the toughest hurdles. However, the other three opponents Postboks 295 are all national champions, from Switzerland (Wacker Thun), Romania (Dinamo 2403 Elverum Bucuresti) and neighbours Finland (Riihimäen Cocks). “Maybe nobody believes Norway that it is possible but we have a dream of improving every year in the European Media contact competitions. Last year we took 10 points, that means that if we are going to Erik Henriksen take more this year, we are coming close to the next round,” head coach Mikael +47 400 21299 Appelgren says. [email protected] Seven players have joined, while six have left. While the squad might have deepened, it has to be considered that experienced left wing Andre Lindboe and talented right wing Kevin Gulliksen were among the players who have left. www.ehh.no Replacing them will not be easy as coach Appelgren will need some time anyway to elverumhandball put his new team together. “I do think we are stronger than last season, however, it may take some time to make the team click,” he says. @ElverumHandball In the past three Champions League seasons, Andre Lindboe scored 159 goals (64, 42 and 53, respectively) for Elverum. So replacing him, one of the club’s @elverumhandball outstanding players in recent years, is a tough ask. But newcomer Alexander Oerjevik Westby is up for the challenge. The 25-year-old left wing has joined Elverum from league rivals Bodø HK in Northern Norway on a two-year contract. Kit colours While Westby has some EHF Cup experience with Bodø, he is coming from a team Light with a rather fast attacking playing style, using their wings a lot. If he can adapt Player shirt: white well, he might become a strong force for Elverum. Player short: black GK shirt: yellow Past achievements Dark VELUX EHF Champions League Player shirt: black Participations (including 2018/19 season): 5 Player short: black Group Phase (3): 2015/16, 2016/2017, 2017/18 GK shirt: green Qualification (1): 2013/14

Other Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2010/11 EHF Cup: Group Phase 2012/13

Playing hall Norwegian play off: 9 titles (1995, 2008, Terningen Arena 2012-18) Hamarvegen 112 Norwegian league: 3 titles (2013, 2017, 2018) 2418 Elverum Norwegian Cup: 1 title Norway Capacity: 2,400

194 Elverum Handball

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 40:32 (19:15) v Dinamo Bucuresti ROU (h), 08.10.2017 Biggest defeat 23:37 (12:18) v Skjern Handbold DEN (h), 27.09.2015 Longest winning run 3 matches (30.09.2017 – 15.10.2017) Longest unbeaten run 3 matches (02.10.2016 – 15.10.2016) 3 matches (30.09.2017 – 15.10.2017) MATCHES Longest losing run 4 matches (18.10.2015 – 22.11.2015) Longest winning run 3 Longest run without win 7 matches (27.09.2015 – 22.11.2015)

GOALS Most goals Most goals 40 v Dinamo Bucuresti ROU 40:32W (h), 08.10.2017 40 Most goals opponent 37 v Skjern Handbold DEN 23:37L (h), 27.09.2015

GOALS Most goals both teams 72 v Dinamo Bucuresti ROU 40:32W (h), 08.10.2017 72 Most goals both teams Fewest goals 17 v HC Metalurg MKD 18:17L (a), 24.09.2016 Fewest goals opponent 18 v HC Metalurg MKD 18:17L (a), 24.09.2016 Fewest goals both teams 35 v HC Metalurg MKD 18:17L (a), 24.09.2016

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2015/16 Elverum Handball Herrer NOR 10 3 1 6 274:289 –15 7:13 5th Gr. D 2016/17 Elverum Handball NOR 10 3 2 5 257:274 –17 8:12 5th Gr. C 2017/18 Elverum Handball NOR 10 5 0 5 287:304 –17 10:10 4th Gr. C Total 30 11 3 16 818:867 –49 25:35

195 Elverum Handball

Michael Apelgren coach • joined Elverum as playing head coach in the 2014/15 season • succeded former Norwegian international Christian Berge, who became Norway national team coach • former successful playmaker for Puerto Sagunto in the Spanish ASOBAL • also represented BM Granollers as well as several clubs in his native Sweden, winning five Swedish championships as a player • played five matches for the Swedish national team

@Apel84

Newcomers: Left the club: Lukas Sandell (Ystad IF/SWE) Andre Lindboe (ØIF Arendal/NOR) Jesper Johan Gulliksen (Herkules/NOR) Aleksander Børresen (retired) Simen Holand Pettersen (Sandefjord/NOR) Kevin Gulliksen (GWD Minden/GER) Sigvaldi Gudjonsson (Århus/DEN) Nikolaj Mehl (Fredericia HK/DEN) Jonas Myreng Elverhøy (Elverum youth team/NOR) Richard Hanisch (IFK Skövde/SWE) Alexander Westby (Bodø/NOR) Vegard Bakken Øien (Nærbø/NOR) Endre Langaas (Bodø/NOR)

196 Elverum Handball

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 18 Jonas Burud NOR R i g h t B a c k 20.10.1993 Oslo, NOR 195 95 19 Hakon Ekren NOR Centre Back 10.07.1994 Elverum, NOR 186 103 26 Jonas Elverhoy NOR L e ft B a c k 31.12.2000 Elverum, NOR 204 97 23 Magnus Frederiksen NOR Centre Back 24.05.1997 Horten, NOR 188 98 29 Sigvaldi Gudjonsson ISL R i g h t W i n g 04.07.1994 Reykjavik, ISL 193 88 1 Jesper Gulliksen NOR G o a l k e e p e r 07.09.1999 Skien, NOR 191 97 12 Emil Kheri Imsgaard NOR G o a l k e e p e r 06.03.1998 Hamar, NOR 199 103 55 Thrainn Orri Jonsson ISL L i n e P l a y e r 12.07.1993 Reykjavik, ISL 203 113 20 Endre Langaas NOR L i n e P l a y e r 05.10.1991 Trondheim, NOR 184 98 2 Didrik W. Linderud NOR R i g h t W i n g 07.12.1995 Oslo, NOR 182 84 6 Alexander Mitrovic NOR L e ft B a c k 12.03.1998 Mainz, GER 202 94 27 Stian Mogen NOR L e ft W i n g 22.02.1999 Elverum, NOR 180 72 C 87 Morten Nergaard NOR G o a l k e e p e r 26.02.1987 Elverum, NOR 189 98 17 Kristian Krag Örsted DEN L i n e P l a y e r 22.05.1995 Århus, DEN 210 125 9 Simen Holand Pettersen NOR L e ft B a c k 08.04.1998 Tønsberg, NOR 189 93 21 Tine Poklar SLO L e ft B a c k 05.10.1990 Koper, SLO 190 93 14 Audun Breen Roragen NOR L e ft B a c k 27.07.1998 Hamar, NOR 194 110 11 Lukas Sandell SWE R i g h t B a c k 03.02.1997 Reslöv, SWE 193 92 3 Stiven Thorsteinsson NOR L e ft W i n g 04.06.2000 Elverum, NOR 183 84 7 Alexander Westby NOR L e ft W i n g 26.03.1993 Lørenskog, NOR 180 82

197 Elverum Handball

Morten Nergaard goalkeeper • has spent most of his career with Elverum, but had a short foreign adventure with Danish side Aalborg in 2012 • played eight international games for Norway • has extensive European experience, was already part of the team that played CL Qualification in 2012/13, also played the EHF Cup Group Phase

Jesper Gulliksen goalkeeper • joined from second-division club Herkules in the summer of 2018 • has considerable experience from the Norway junior national team • is seen as back-up for experienced Morten Nergaard • at 18 years of age, is seen as one of Norway’s most promising goalkeeping talents

Alexander Westby left wing • transferred from league rivals Bodø in the summer of 2018 • replacing Norwegian international Andre Lindboe, who has left the club after many years • a very talented wing, effective on fast breaks and with a great variety of shots from his position

Simen Holand Pettersen left back • arrived from Sandefjord in the summer of 2018 • at only 19 years of age, is currently seen as one of the greatest left back talents in Norway • scored 16 goals in 16 attempts in one junior international • is one of the very few back-court players who shoots on an almost equal level with both hands

198 Elverum Handball

Magnus Fredriksen centre back • joined in the summer of 2017 from Falk Horten on a three-year contract • only 21 years old and seen as one the most promising talents in Norwegian handball • has a considerable variation of shots, as well as an impressive ability to read the game and improve his teammates’ play • was a key player in Norway’s national team at the 2017 Junior World Championship in Algeria

Endre Lagaas line player • arrived in the summer of 2018 from Bodø along with Alexander Westby • has been on the fringe of Norway coach Christian Berge’s national team roster for some time • usually scores more than 100 goals per season from the line in the Norwegian league • also very strong in defence, where his 100 kg compensate for his rather modest height of 184 cm

Lukas Sandell right back • joined from Swedish side Ystad in the summer of 2018 as replacement for Danish player Nikolaj Mehl • was sharpened by competition in his position in Ystad from none other than Kim Andersson • 21 years old with considerable potential, and already has a great shot and speed

Sigvaldi Gudjonsson right wing • joined Elverum from Danish club Aarhus Handball in the summer of 2018 • was signed as replacement for Norway’s Kevin Gulliksen, who left for the Bundesliga • at just 23 years of age, the Icelandic wing still possesses plenty of potential to develop further • his shot from the wing as well as his experience in the Danish league are his greatest assets

199 Wacker Thun

GROUP D Wacker Thun

They start their second ever VELUX EHF Champions League campaign after gaining international experience in the previous EHF Cup Group Phase: Wacker Thun have dethroned Kadetten Schaffhausen in the Swiss league, and though they lost their two stars Lenny Rubin and Lukas von Deschwanden to the German Bundesliga, optimism is high. When Thun played their so far only CL season in 2013/14, they faced opponents such as Barcelona, PSG, Vardar Skopje and Dinamo Minsk – and all the hurdles Club Address: Wacker Thun were too high. The final outcome was a single draw (24:24) against Metalurg and Geschäftsstelle 11 defeats. Now, playing in the Group C/D system, the chances for Wacker to take 3600 Thun their first ever Champions League victory are much higher. Cocks, Elverum and Switzerland Bucuresti are definitely within reach for the Swiss side in their home matches. In the 2017/18 season for example, Thun beat Spanish club Granollers in the home Media contact: leg of the EHF Cup Group Phase. Marc Santschi “For us, being part of the VELUX EHF Champions League is a gift from the sporting +41 79 310 25 12 point of view, but the biggest challenge in terms of organisation and money the [email protected] club ever had,” says manager Remo Badertscher. “We – a club with only some professionals – will enjoy every minute of the group phase.” www.wackerthun.ch 26-year-old Dane Philip Holm is the only foreigner in Wacker Thun’s squad. Left back Holm will replace Swiss international Lukas von Deschwanden, who wackerthun transferred to German side Stuttgart. Holm arrived from Ribe-Esbjerg, and it was @wackerthun by chance that coach Martin Rubin received some information on him. “After two training sessions we knew that he would fit in the team,” Rubin says. Alongside his handball life, the Dane will continue working as a physiotherapist. It is the year 2018, and if you pay 2,018 Swiss Franc you can be something like Kit colours a team sponsor for Wacker Thun’s Champions League campaign, as you receive a special experience at one of the club’s VELUX EHF Champions League away Light Player shirt: green matches. You will accompany the team to the match, fly with them, be in the Player short: black same hotel, get a match ticket and be as close as possible with all players. As this GK shirt: blue campaign was a success in the EHF Cup 2017/18 Group Phase, the club repeated it for the Champions League. Dark Player shirt: black Player short: black Past achievements GK shirt: red VELUX EHF Champions League Participations (including 2018/19 season): 2 Group Phase (1): 2013/14

Other EHF Cup: Group Phase 2017/18, Last 16 2005/06 Cup Winners’ Cup: Last 16 2006/07 Challenge Cup: Winners 2004/05, Runners-up Playing hall 2011/12 Mobiliar Arena Rohrmattstrasse 12 Swiss league: 2 title (2013, 2018) 3073 Gümligen Swiss Cup: 5 titles Switzerland Capacity: 2,500

200 Wacker Thun

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win N/A Biggest defeat 45:26 (21:14) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 28.09.2013 Longest winning run N/A Longest unbeaten run 1 match (01.12.2013) Longest losing run 6 matches (21.09.2013 – 23.11.2013) MATCHES Longest run without win 10 matches (21.09.2013 – 23.02.2014) 10 Longest run w/o win Most goals 28 v PSG Handball FRA 28:34L (h), 17.11.2013 GOALS Most goals Most goals opponent 45 v FC Barcelona ESP 45:26L (a), 28.09.2013 28 Most goals both teams 71 v FC Barcelona ESP 45:26L (a), 28.09.2013

GOALS Fewest goals 20 v HC Dinamo Minsk BLR 27:20L (a), 10.10.2013 71 Most goals both teams Fewest goals opponent 23 v HC Metalurg MKD 22:23L (h), 21.09.2013 Fewest goals both teams 45 v HC Metalurg MKD 22:23L (h), 21.09.2013

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2013/14 Wacker Thun SUI 10 0 1 9 242:329 -87 1:19 6th Gr. C Total 10 0 1 9 242:329 -87 1:19

201 Wacker Thun

Martin Rubin coach • Is third best scorer of all time in the Swiss national league, with 2,172 goals in 446 matches; and played 239 international matches for Switzerland, also a third-highest mark • has been with Wacker since 1990, first as a player, then as a coach • led the team to its first ever CL Group Phase participation in 2013/14 • awarded best Swiss handball coach three times • son Lenny was part of the Wacker squad but he moved to Wetzlar in the German Bundesliga in the summer of 2018

Newcomers: Left the club: Philip Holm (Ribe-Esbjerg/DEN) Lenny Rubin (HSG Wetzlar/GER) Ron Delhees (Kadetten Schaffhausen/SUI) Lukas von Deschwanden (TBV Stuttgart/GER) Simon Huwyler (TV Endingen/SUI) Viktor Glatthard (Haslum HK/NOR) Gabriel Felder (TV Steffisburg/SUI) Roman Caspar (retired) Ivan Wyttenbach (TV Steffisburg/SUI)

202 Wacker Thun

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 22 Roman Caspar SUI Centre Back 16.04.1986 Klosters-Serneus, SUI 187 90 18 Joël Christinat SUI L e ft B a c k 08.06.1996 Vully-les-Lac, SUI 196 90 6 Jonas Dähler SUI R i g h t W i n g 22.06.1989 Seftigen, SUI 193 81 26 Ron Delhees SUI R i g h t B a c k 28.08.1995 Zug, SUI 195 100 4 Gabriel Felder SUI R i g h t W i n g 27.09.1998 Entlebuch, SUI 182 85 C 13 Reto Friedli SUI L i n e P l a y e r 20.10.1988 Trachselwald, SUI 187 100 8 Marco Giovanelli SUI R i g h t B a c k 19.06.1998 Frutigen, SUI 188 88 18 Nino Gruber SUI L e ft W i n g 19.01.1997 Stans, SUI 185 80 17 Damien Guignet SUI L e ft B a c k 10.01.1997 Essertes, SUI 180 90 2 Philip Tandrup Holm DEN L e ft B a c k 16.09.1991 Fredensborg, DEN 198 100 19 Stefan Huwyler SUI L i n e P l a y e r 24.02.1993 Sins, SUI 196 96 15 Simon Huwyler SUI L i n e P l a y e r 21.03.1991 Sins, SUI 191 90 20 Sven Krainer SUI R i g h t W i n g 15.08.1991 Lotzwil, SUI 182 80 10 Thomas Matthias Lanz SUI L e ft W i n g 18.09.1994 Huttwil, SUI 184 78 3 Luca Linder SUI L e ft W i n g 23.11.1988 Brienz, SUI 178 78 21 Cedric Manse SUI Centre Back 16.08.1997 Buttisholz, SUI 181 82 5 Nicolas Raemy SUI R i g h t B a c k 25.02.1992 Plaffeien, SUI 185 81 22 Janick Sorgen SUI L i n e P l a y e r 14.07.1996 Hermrigen, SUI 186 90 7 Nicolas Jann Suter SUI Centre Back 07.12.1994 Gränichen, SUI 190 90 23 Flavio Wick SUI G o a l k e e p e r 18.06.1995 Zuzwil, SUI 202 95 16 Marc Winkler SUI G o a l k e e p e r 02.01.1988 Blumenstein, SUI 188 85 12 Dominique Wyss SUI G o a l k e e p e r 26.04.2000 Landiswil, SUI 195 90 11 Ivan Wyttenbach SUI Centre Back 29.01.1995 Thun, SUI 181 84

203 Wacker Thun

Marc Winkler goalkeeper • has played his entire career for Thun, since 2007 in the first team • regarded the best Swiss-born goalkeeper in the Swiss league • first played in the national team in 2017, at age 29 • is the No. 2 goalkeeper in the national team, behind CL winner Nikola Portner from Montpellier HB

Luca Linder @luca_wt3 left wing • plays his 13th straight season for Wacker • scored the decisive goal in the final against Schaffhausen in June 2018 to make Wacker the Swiss champions 2017/18 • works for an insurance company, one of Thun’s main sponsors • is a fan of mountains and skiing

Philipp Holm left back • was Thun’s only international transfer before the 2018/19 season, arriving from Danish side Esbjerg • started his career at another Danish side, Skjern Handball • has to replace Lenny Rubin and Lukas von Deschwanden, who both left the club • is a physiotherapist in daily life

Nicolas Raemy centre back • was MVP at the European Open 2011, where he helped Switzerland to bronze • best Swiss scorer at the Junior EURO and WCh 2011 and 2012 • had his debut in the national team at the age of 20 • joined Wacker in 2014, arriving from Kriens • is a lefthander, who can also play in the right back position

204 Wacker Thun

Nicolas Sutter centre back • plays as a centre back for Thun since 2016, but is a left wing in the national team • studies banking and finance in Zurich, and loves literature and art expositions • shares a house with fellow centre back Nicolas Raemy

Reto Friedli line player • plays his 12th straight season for Wacker, and was chosen as the most popular player by Thun fans in 2016 • is the team’s defence specialist, but also plays in attack • studies social sciences • famous for wearing a long beard

Ron Delhees right back • arrived from dethroned Swiss champions Kadetten Schaffhausen in the summer of 2018 • one of the biggest Swiss talents, who previously played for Luzern and Zürich • went through all national younger age category teams, and has been part of the men’s senior team since 2016

Jonas Dähler right wing • became team captain after Roman Caspar ended his career • has been with Wacker since 2008, and has played more than 320 Swiss league matches for the club • is a physiotherapist for a living, and loves cooking in his spare time • shares his name with a famous Swiss squash player

205 Dinamo Bucuresti

GROUP D Dinamo Bucuresti Not even the most optimistic Dinamo fan hoped for the Red Dogs to win their third consecutive title in the Romanian league halfway through last season. The team was in turmoil and the players looked like they could not care less. Coach Eliodor Voica was ultimately replaced by Constantin Stefan, and everything got back on track. After a tumultuous final against archrivals Steaua, Dinamo snatched the title. Now, the Romanian champions are facing another challenge on European level: qualifying for the VELUX EHF Champions League Group C/D Play- Club Address offs for the first time. Dinamo Bucuresti In Romanian football, Dinamo Bucharest is being dubbed the ‘New Dinamo’ as Sos.Stefan cel Mare n° 7-9 ,sec2 the team are constantly shapeshifting and rehashing their roster. This season, the Bucuresti handball team can also be called the New Dinamo, with seven newcomers ushered Romania in, including three Tunisian players. Media contact It is a change of strategy for the Romanian champions, who lost two of their best Alexandru Enciu players after Iranian brothers Sajad and Allahkaram Esteki signed for domestic ri- +40 754 929 106 vals CSM Bucuresti. Communication might become an issue with no less than eight [email protected] different nationalities from three continents in Dinamo’s roster. When Dinamo were in a desperate need of change a few months ago, coach www.csdinamo.eu Eliodor Voica was replaced by Constantin Stefan. It will be Stefan’s third stint as Dinamo coach. The 50-year-old coach was also in charge when the Red Dogs won csdinamo the title in 2004/05. In the following Champions League season, Stefan and Dinamo won only one game in a group which also included Ciudad Real, Veszprém and @fcdinamobucuresti Presov. A natural born scorer, Hugo Descat was a major transfer coup for Dinamo last season after they convinced him to leave France for the first time in his career. The Kit colours 25-year old left wing is fast, has a huge handball IQ and his technique seems to be off the chart. Descat was the second-best top scorer in the French League three Light seasons ago, only nine goals behind Uwe Gensheimer. The French wing has carried Player shirt: white that form to Dinamo, and scored 40 times in the Champions League last season. Player short: white GK shirt: green Dark Past achievements Player shirt: red Player short: red VELUX EHF Champions League GK shirt: black Participations (including 2018/19 season): 6 Group phase (3): 2005/06, 2016/17, 2017/18 Qualification (2): 1995/96, 1997/98

Other EHF Cup: semi-finals 2003/04, Last 16 2001/02, 2004/05 Cup Winners’ Cup: quarter-finals 2002/03 Playing hall Challenge Cup: runners-up 2000/01, semi-finals Dinamo Bucuresti Arena 2007/08 Soseaua Stefan cel Mare 7-9 City Cup: Semi-finals 1999/2000 Sector 2, 020121 Bucuresti European Champions’ Cup: 1 title (1965) Romania IHF Cup Winners’ Cup: runners-up 1983 Capacity: 2,538 Romanian league: 15 titles (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1978, 1986, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2016, 2017, 2018) Romanian cup: 4 titles (1979, 1982, 1988, 2017)

206 Dinamo Bucuresti

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win 35:29 (20:15) v ABC/UMinho POR (h), 01.12.2016 Biggest defeat 40:17 (19:9) v BM Ciudad Real ESP (a), 06.11.2005 Longest winning run 1 match (15.10.2005) 1 match (29.09.2016) 1 match (17.11.2016) MATCHES 1 match (01.12.2016) Longest winning run 1 1 match (27.09.2017) Longest unbeaten run 3 matches (25.09.2016 – 09.10.2016) GOALS Most goals Longest losing run 7 matches (08.10.2017 – 30.11.2017) 35 Longest run without win 7 matches (08.10.2017 – 30.11.2017)

GOALS 72 Most goals both teams Most goals 35 v HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 35:31W (h), 29.09.2016 35 v ABC/UMinho POR 35:29W (h), 01.12.2016 Most goals opponent 40 v BM Ciudad Real 40:17L (a), 06.11.2005 40 v Elverum Handball NOR 40:32L (a), 08.10.2017 Most goals both teams 72 v Elverum Handball NOR 40:32L (a), 08.10.2017 Fewest goals 17 v BM Ciudad Real 40:17L (a), 06.11.2005 Fewest goals opponent 24 v Tatran Presov SVK 28:24W (h), 15.10.2005 Fewest goals both teams 50 v HBC Nantes FRA 26:24L (a), 13.11.2016

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2005/06 Dinamo Baumit Bucuresti ROU 6 1 0 5 148:198 -50 2:10 4th Gr. F 2016/17 Dinamo Bucuresti ROU 10 3 2 5 294:294 0 8:12 4th Gr. D 2017/18 Dinamo Bucuresti ROU 10 1 0 9 278:324 –46 2:18 6th Gr. C Total 26 5 2 19 720:816 -96 12:40

207 Dinamo Bucuresti

Constantin Stefan coach • returned to Dinamo for a third term to replace Eliodor Voica • the 50-year-old coach has worked at many different clubs, varying from men’s teams like HC Odorhei and Poli Timisoara to women’s teams like HCM Ramnicu Valcea and CSM Roman • also led Dinamo in the CL in 2005/06 • was a Dinamo player in his active years, hence the loyal support from the fans

Newcomers: Left the club: Makrem Missaoui (Club Africain Tunis/TUN) Sajad Esteki (CSM Bucuresti/ROU) Amine Bannour (Chambery/FRA) Allahkaram Esteki (CSM Bucuresti/ROU) Kamel Alouini (Al Ahli/SAU) Marius Mocanu (HC Dobrogea Sud Constanta/ROU) Ante Kuduz (Pfadi Winterthur/SUI) Liviu Mironescu (HC Buzau/ROU) Nicu Negru (CSM Bucuresti/ROU) Vadim Gayduchenko (St.-Raphael/FRA) Andras Szasz (CSM Bucuresti/ROU) Daniel Bera (CSM Bucuresti/ROU) Muhamed Zulfic (MYK Hentbol SK/TUR) Milan Sajin (tbd) Florin Acatrinei (CSM Fagaras/ROU)

208 Dinamo Bucuresti

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 89 Florin Acatrinei ROU R i g h t B a c k 26.07.1989 Piatra Neamt, ROU 193 97 10 Kamel Alouini TUN Centre Back 06.07.1988 La Marsa, TUN 187 86 9 Amine Bannour TUN R i g h t B a c k 21.02.1990 Mahdia, TUN 196 95 4 Hugo Descat FRA L e ft W i n g 16.08.1992 Paris, FRA 182 75 29 Razvan Gavriloaia ROU R i g h t W i n g 25.07.1983 Iasi, ROU 186 90 12 Stefan Grigoras ROU G o a l k e e p e r 18.12.1990 Bacau, ROU 194 98 23 Saeid Heidarirad IRI G o a l k e e p e r 22.09.1990 Khorramabad, IRI 194 95 34 Vitaly Komogorov RUS L e ft B a c k 28.08.1991 Volgograd, RUS 196 95 47 Ante Kuduz CRO L e ft B a c k 11.04.1995 Osijek, CRO 202 103 1 Makrem Missaoui TUN G o a l k e e p e r 14.02.1981 Tunis, TUN 188 94 88 Seyed Mousavi IRI L i n e P l a y e r 27.04.1990 Esfahan, IRI 197 100 24 Andrei Negru ROU L e ft W i n g 24.05.1994 Resita, ROU 180 77 27 Ciprian Sandru ROU Centre Back 27.02.1991 Sighisoara, ROU 192 92 C 17 Dan Andrei Savenco ROU L i n e P l a y e r 12.10.1985 Galati, ROU 198 105 20 Andras Szasz ROU L i n e P l a y e r 24.01.1994 Odorheiu Secuiesc, ROU 195 107 44 Muhamed Zulfic BIH R i g h t W i n g 13.05.1992 Sarajevo, BIH 188 80

209 Dinamo Bucuresti

Makrem Missaoui goalkeeper • member of Tunisian national team which had its best result ever by finishing 4th at WCh 2005 • three-time African champion with Tunisia, in 2006, 2012 and 2018 • best goalkeeper of African Championship 2018 • always played in Tunisian league, except for two seasons (2005-07) with Tremblay in France

Hugo Descat @hdescat left wing • French player, who was All-star left wing at Junior WCh 2011 • joined Dinamo in 2017/18, which was his first season outside France after spending the previous six years with US Creteil • played twice for the French national team in the past but did not become a regular • was a prolific scorer in the French league, ended his last season at Creteil in second place on the top scorers list, just behind PSG start Uwe Genheimer

Ciprian Sandru left back • won gold with Romania at the World University Games 2016 in Spain • with a powerful shot and tactical cleverness, he is Dinamo’s leading scorer with more than 200 goals for the club • can also play left back, to alternate with Vitaly Komogorov

Vitaly Komogorov left back • played EHF Cup Finals 2016 with Nantes before moving to HC Odorhei in Romania • had trouble adapting in France as he spoke only Russian, but learned Romanian during his spell at Odorhei • played in the Cup Winners’ Cup with Kaustik Volgograd and in the EHF Cup with Nantes, but first played in the CL with Dinamo in 2017/18, scoring 35 times in his debut season

210 Dinamo Bucuresti

Kamel Alouini centre back • has joined a European club for the second time in his career, after playing for Istres OPH in France from 2008-10 • won African champion twice with Tunisian national team, in 2012 and 2018 • fast and skilful player, who is not just a playmaker but can also move to the left back position

Dan Savenco line player • a defensive specialist, he is well-known in Romania for his power and robustness • gained CL experience well before joining Dinamo, with Steaua MFA Bucuresti in 2008 • the veteran line player played in Spain for Antequera before coming back to Romania in 2014 to join Dinamo

Amine Bannour right back • nicknamed the ‘Tunisian hammer’ for his powerful shots • played for Chambery Savoie in 2017/18, scoring 54 goals in the French league and four goals in the Men’s EHF Cup • two-time African champion with Tunisia, in 2012 and 2018 • was top scorer of Super Globe in 2012, scoring 42 goals for Saudi team Mudhar Club

Muhamed Zulfic right wing • returned to Dinamo in the summer of 2018 after an earlier stint in 2015/16 • the 26-year-old wing has played in the Bosnian, Romanian, Greek and Turkish leagues over the past seven years • scored 83 goals in the Romanian league in his previous season with Dinamo

211 Riihimäen Cocks

GROUP D Riihimäen Cocks (FIN) After failing to qualify twice, Riihimäen Cocks have gained direct access to the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase this season for the first time. Out of all 28 participants, Cocks are the only team to make their group phase debut when play gets underway in September. With their debut, the 10-time Finnish champions and three-time Baltic League winners are taking a further step up the European ladder. The team have been dominating handball in Finland for years and gathering Club Address international experience in various European Cup competitions. But entering Cocks Europe’s top flight is a new dimension. “It is very important to us. This raises our Teollisuuskatu 16 club’s handball activity and culture to another, much higher level. We are looking 11120 Riihimäki forward to the VELUX EHF Champions League season with great enthusiasm,” says Finland team manager Jari Viita. Media contact “We aim to be competitive in every single game despite the fact that we are Jari Viita debutants in the Champions League,” Viita says. “Being in the underdog role +358 500 480744 among more experienced teams in the group, we should feel more freedom and [email protected] less pressure than our opponents. Every single game for us will be like a final. Therefore we have to prepare us well, push ourselves to the limits and hunt for our www.cocks.fi points with a good, fighting attitude.” Cocks are upbeat, and they have every reason to be. They won the Finnish riihimakicocks championship for the 10th time and the Baltic league for the third time, and they @riihimakicocks are going into their first group phase. The team captain, experienced left wing Teemu Tamminen, has no doubt about Cocks’ targets for the upcoming European @riihimaencocks season. “Our objective is to get some points and to show everyone who we are,” Tamminen says. “But, of course, all our opponents are great teams so I obviously Kit colours expect many tough games.” Light Even after the arrival of two new playmakers, Oleksandr Kyrylenko and Sasja Player shirt: yellow Puljizovic, who are likely to become strong reinforcements, Cocks will again rely Player short: red heavily on Nico Rönnberg. The 26-year-old, experienced left back has been a Goalkeeper shirt: green crucial part of the team’s DNA for years. Rönnberg scored 62 goals for Cocks in the EHF Cup last season, and he will have to play and shoot well again if the Finnish Dark champions are going to be successful in their group phase debut season. Player shirt: red Player short: red Past achievements Goalkeeper shirt: orange VELUX EHF Champions League Participations (including 2018/19 season): 3 Qualification (2): 2016/17, 2017/18

Other EHF Cup: group phase 2016/17 Challenge Cup: quarter-finals 2013/14, 2014/15

Baltic league: winners 2016-18, runners-up Playing hall 2012/13

Vantaa Energia Areena Finnish league: 10 titles (2007, 2008, 2009, Rajatorpantie 23 2010, 2013-18) Vantaa, Finland Finnish cup: 9 titles Capacity: 3,500

212 Riihimäen Cocks

EHF Champions League club records

Biggest win N/A Biggest defeat N/A Longest winning run N/A Longest unbeaten run N/A Longest losing run N/A Longest run without win N/A MATCHES N/A Longest winning run Most goals N/A GOALS Most goals opponent N/A N/A Most goals Most goals both teams N/A

GOALS Fewest goals N/A N/A Most goals both teams Fewest goals opponent N/A Fewest goals both teams N/A

VELUX EHF Champions League record

MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 N/A

213 Riihimäen Cocks

Gintaras Savukynas coach • joined Cocks in the summer of 2016 from a job as coordi- nator of the handball section of Norwegian club Bergsøj IL, where he was also head coach • was national coach of Lithuania from 2009 to 2014, and was also in charge of Belarusian side Meshkov Brest from 2010 to 2012 • during his time on court, he played in Iceland, Switzerland and Norway, apart from his native country, Lithuania

Newcomers: Left the club: Oleksandr Kyrylenko (Spojnia Gdynia/POL) Aleksandr Bochko (Meshkov Brest/BLR) Sasa Puljizovic (OV Helsingborg/SWE) Robin Sjöman (BK-46/FIN) Aleksandr Potsykailik (tbd)

214 Riihimäen Cocks

Team roster

No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of birth Place of birth Height Weight 30 Kalle Alander FIN G o a l k e e p e r 13.06.1995 Riihimäki, FIN 197 94 44 Davor Basaric SRB L i n e P l a y e r 03.11.1990 Nis, SRB 189 101 31 Victor Kovalenko RUS Centre Back 13.01.1982 Leningrad, RUS 193 99 9 Oleksandr Kyrylenko UKR Centre Back 21.06.1986 Zaporozhye, UKR 177 87 17 Yury Lukyanchuk BLR L i n e P l a y e r 05.01.1990 Brest, BLR 195 103 32 Giedreius Morkunas LTU G o a l k e e p e r 07.11.1987 Utena, LTU 186 96 23 Vitalie Nenita MDA R i g h t B a c k 04.06.1987 Chisinau, MDA 192 96 20 Andrei Novoselov RUS R i g h t W i n g 25.08.1986 Yougorenok, RUS 177 77 29 Sasa Puljizovic BIH Centre Back 22.12.1989 Derventa, BIH 192 94 22 Nico Rönnberg FIN L e ft B a c k 14.04.1992 Karjaa, FIN 191 94 87 Vitalii Shitsko RUS G o a l k e e p e r 09.09.1987 St. Petersburg, RUS 198 93 19 Roni Syrjälä FIN R i g h t W i n g 28.03.1995 Riihimäki, FIN 184 85 C 15 Teemu Tamminen FIN L e ft W i n g 27.08.1987 Riihimäki, FIN 191 94 55 Aliaksandr Tsitou BLR L i n e P l a y e r 28.10.1986 Mahilev, BLR 193 101 8 Andre Udd FIN L e ft B a c k 05.06.1996 Karjaa, FIN 196 93 33 Theo Westerlund FIN R i g h t B a c k 30.07.1996 Tammisaari, FIN 193 96 2 Viktar Zaitsau BLR L e ft B a c k 27.08.1992 Bobruisk, BLR 204 114 18 Bojan Zupanjac SRB L e ft W i n g 16.10.1983 Kraljevo, SRB 188 84

215 Riihimäen Cocks

Vitalii Shitsko goalkeeper • playing his fourth season for Cocks after joining from St.-Petersburg HC in 2015 • promoted into first-choice keeper for Cocks in 2016/17 • has CL experience from several years with St.-Petersburg HC • at 32 years of age, he possesses the perfect experience for a goalkeeper

Teemu Tamminen @temeartem87 left wing • scored a total of 22 goals – 11 in each match – when Finland defeated Luxembourg in the play-offs for EHF EURO 2018 Qualification Phase 2 • born in Riihimäki, Cocks’ home town, and has always played for the club • scored no less than 14 goals when Cocks defeated HC West in the decisive match for the Finnish championship 2015/16

Nico Rönnberg left back • younger brother of well-known playmaker Andreas Rönnberg • originally a Cocks player, but had a short foreign adventure in Norway with ØIF Arendal in the 2013/14 season • with a total of 10 goals, he played his part when the Finnish national team made it through to Qualification Phase 2 for the EHF EURO 2018 • was top scorer, with 12 goals, when Cocks defeated SKA Minsk 36:32 in the final of the Baltic Handball League 2015/16

Sasa Puljizovic centre back • joined from Swedish club OV Helsingborg in the summer of 2018 • was signed on a one-year contract with the option of another year after a trial with Cocks early in the summer of 2018 • at 28 years of age, the Bosnian playmaker is already highly experienced • a versatile and fast centre back with a good eye for the game and a strong shot

216 Riihimäen Cocks

Oleksandr Kyrylenko centre back • joined from Polish club Spojnia in the summer of 2018 • is seen as a perfect supplement for Sasa Puljizovic in the playmaker position • has previous CL experience with Belarusian side HC Meshkov Brest • the experienced Ukrainian playmaker is capable of creating opportunities for his teammates and has an ability to be dangerous on his own

Davor Basaric line player • joined Cocks from Spanish club Bidasoa in the summer of 2017 • demonstrated his attacking qualities by scoring 40 goals in 29 ASOBAL matches for Bidasoa in the 2016/17 season • has European experience from playing in the EHF Cup for Serbian clubs RK Nis and Spartak Vojput, and he has had also several appearances in the Serbian national team

Theo Westerlund right back • joined Cocks in the summer of 2017 from Finnish club Sjundeå IF on a two-year contract with the option of an additional year • at age 22, has already made several appearances in Finland’s senior national team • Cocks is his first club as a full-time professional • flexibility, a good shot and the ability to break through the opposing defence are his main assets

Andrei Novoselov right wing • arrived in 2015 as one of an increasing number of Eastern Europeans playing for Cocks • has previous CL experience with St.-Petersburg • at 177 cm, he is not among the tallest in men’s international handball – not even as a wing – but he compensates with his speed and his variety of shots

217 2017/18 top scorers

2017/18 top scorers

Rank Player Club Goals 1 Uwe Gensheimer (GER) Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) 92 2 Markuss Olsson (SWE) Skjern Handbold (DEN) 88 3 Andre Schmid (SUI) Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER) 83 4 Nedim Remili (FRA) Paris Saint-Germain Handball 80 5 Alex Dujshebaev (ESP) PGE Vive Kielce (POL) 79 Eduardo Gurbindo (ESP) HBC Nantes (FRA) 79 7 Nicolas Tournat (FRA) HBC Nantes (FRA) 76 8 Mate Lekai (HUN) Telekom Veszprém HC (HUN) 75 9 Michal Jurecki (POL) PGE Vive Kielce (POL) 74 Bjarte Myrhol (NOR) Skjern Handbold (DEN) 74 Vuko Borozan (MNE) HC Vardar (MKD) 74 12 Dika Mem (FRA) FC Barcelona Lassa (ESP) 73 David Balaguer (ESP) HBC Nantes (FRA) 73 14 Nikola Karabatic (FRA) Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) 72 15 Momir Ilic (SRB) Telekom Veszprém HC (HUN) 71 16 Hampus Wanne (SWE) SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) 70 Kasper Sondergaard (DEN) Skjern Handbold (DEN) 70 Timur Dibirov (RUS) HC Vardar (MKD) 70 19 Albin Lagergren (SWE) IFK Kristianstad (SWE) 69 Marko Vujin (SRB) THW Kiel (GER) 69 Patrick Wiencek (GER) THW Kiel (GER) 69 Sander Sagosen (NOR) Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) 69 23 Holger Glandorf (GER) SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) 68 Karol Bielecki (POL) PGE Vive Kielce (POL) 68 25 Valero Rivera (ESP) FC Barcelona Lassa (ESP) 66 Niclas Ekberg (SWE) THW Kiel (GER) 66 Luka Cindric (CRO) HC Vardar (MKD) 66 28 Tim Sörensen (DEN) IFK Kristianstad (SWE) 65 Rasmus Lauge Schmidt (DEN) SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) 65 Anders Eggert (DEN) Skjern Handbold (DEN) 65

218 All-star team vote

All-star Team 2017/18

All-star Teams overview

Season 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 Niklas Landin Roland Gonzalo Perez de Darko Stanic Niklas Landin Arpad Sterbik Goalkeeper (Rhein-Neckar Mikler (MKB-MVM Vargas (FC Barcelona (HC Metalurg) (THW Kiel) (HC Vardar) Löwen) Veszprem) Lassa) Anders Eggert Uwe Gensheimer Uwe Gensheimer Uwe Gensheimer Timur Dibirov Manuel Strlek (SG Flensburg-Han- (Rhein-Neckar (Paris Saint-Germain (Paris Saint-Germain (HC Vardar) (Vive Tauron Kielce) Löwen) Handball) Handball) Momir Ilic Mikkel Hansen Sander Sagosen Filip Jicha Momir Ilic (MKB-MVM Vesz- (Paris Saint-Germain (Paris Saint-Germain (THW Kiel) (FC Barcelona) (MVM Veszprem) prem) Handball) Handball) Nikola Karaba�c Centre Daniel Narcisse Mikkel Hansen Mikkel Hansen Dean Bombac (Paris Saint-Germain (Paris Saint- back (THW Kiel) (PSG Handball) (PSG Handball) (MOL-Pick Szeged) Handball) Germain Handball) Renato Sulic Renato Sulic Julen Aguinagalde Rastko Stojkovic Ludovic Fabregas Bjarte Myrhol Line player (MKB-MVM Vesz- (MKB-MVM Vesz- (HC Meshkov Brest) (Montpellier) (Skjern Håndbold) prem) prem) Laszlo Nagy Kiril Lazarov Kiril Lazarov Kiril Lazarov Alex Dujshebaev Dika Mem Right back (MKB Veszprem) (FC Barcelona) (FC Barcelona) (FC Barcelona Lassa) (HC Vardar) (FC Barcelona Lassa) Ivan Cupic Luc Abalo Victor Tomas Gasper Marguc Victor Tomas David Balaguer Right wing (Vive Targi Kielce) (PSG Handball) (FC Barcelona) (MVM Veszprem) (FC Barcelona Lassa) (HBC Nantes) Nedim Remili Young Alex Dujshebaev Darko Djukic Romain Lagarde N/A N/A (Paris Saint-Germain player (HC Vardar) (Besiktas JK) (HBC Nantes) Handball)

Timuzsin Istvan Luka Karaba�c Timuzsin Istvan Schuh Schuh Timuzsin Istvan Schuh Defender (Paris Saint-Germain (Paris Saint- (MKB Veszprem) (MKB-MVM Vesz- (THW Kiel) (MVM Veszprem) Handball) Germain Handball) prem) Patrice Canayer Talant Dujshebaev Xavier Sabate Raul Gonzalez Coach N/A N/A (Montpellier (Vive Tauron Kielce) (MVM Veszprem) (HC Vardar) Handball)

219 Be smart. Shop clever.

Get up to 5% Cashback and Shopping Points at 90,000 Loyalty Merchants worldwide.*

*For every purchase made at a Loyalty Merchant listed at cashbackworld.com, based on the relevant total purchase price. Past time winners

Past winners

2018 Montpellier HB (FRA) 2017 HC Vardar (MKD) 2016 Vive Tauron Kielce (POL) 2015 FC Barcelona (ESP) 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)

221 Timeline 1993 - 2018

Number of goals

Number of matches 387,550 347,647 375,030 Number of spectators 8,014 7,799 7,699

242,087 221,539 225,450 209,700 185,231 199,700 198,055 157,975 5,181 5,103 60,365 104,000 4,871 4,942 4,973 4,805 4,907

3,822 3,827 3,614 136 136 140

102 100 96 98 94 94 94 80 80 80

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

17/11/1991 EHF founded 26/04/1996 Thomas Svensson defends the title as 2003/2004 29/08/1993 the first player after repeating his Elgorriaga group phase with first EHF CL match Bidasoa 1995 success 32 teams, Last 16 (qualification): Pelister with FC Barcelona added Bitola (MKD) vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO) 2005 1996/1997 April 2002 EHF Marketing Olafur Stefansson scores founded, the EHF’s 1993/1994 group phase with 16 daughter company teams, quarter- and 16 goals against Fotex dealing with the semi-finals added Veszprém in two final group phase with legs to lead SC Magde- marketing rights of eight teams in two burg to the title as the the CL groups, followed by first non-Spanish team a final 1997 in history first official website launched

1993 EHF takes over all the club and national team competitions including the former marketing, TV, media, organisation IHF European Champions Cup renaming it to the EHF Champions League competition and players

222 882,621 854,237

750,850 726,287 708,349 693,883 705,251 672,418 11,522 11,560 11,506 648,196 532,500 520,889 9,795 9,849 9,652 412,850 9,311 9,216 9,407 9,201 8,989 8,306

204 208 204

169 166 164 166 168 166 160 140 158

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

29/04/2007 07/09/2010 2017/18 2013/14 Andrei Xepkin raises contract signing Sportradar enters the trophy for the all- with the VELUX Media rights deal the CL matches time record seventh Group, the title signed with MP time sponsor Silva 2017/18 2015/16 2009/10 31/05/2013 ehfCL.com relaunched 2007/08 total TV group phase (24 first opening audience of group matches(32 teams) followed by party at the FINAL4 383 millions teams) followed by Last 16; first FINAL4 takes place at the spectators 27/05/2018 event main round (16) and LANXESS arena with EHF signs a 10-year semi-finals over 5,000 fans deal from 2020 with celebrating Infront/Perform with the CL in the 30/05/2010 2016 package 2006/07 2014/15 THW Kiel win the 2011/12 first use of the goal- group matches (32 premiere VELUX Kiril Lazarov line and goal-light teams) followed by EHF FINAL4 new corporate becomes the first technology and 04/06/2018 main round (16) and identity and new player to reach referees cameras semi-finals competition’s logo 1,000 goals on Ivan Cupic becomes the way to the the first player in FC Barcelona’s the FINAL4 history eighth title to win back-to-back May 2017 titles 2007 300,000 likes on the 2012/13 official Facebook first match page streamed live on 20,000 fans take part 31/08/2018 ehfTV.com in the first All-star team online vote Nordstream 2 joins the CL family

223 History: 25 years of EHF Champions League

History: 25 years of EHF Champions League

1993 - 2005

1993/94 In their second consecutive EHF Champions League Final: ABC Braga vs TEKA Santander 22:22/21:23 Final Barcelona dominated both matches against (43:45) Badel Zagreb. And while the Spanish side celebrated The inaugural year of the Men’s EHF Champions their second EHF Champions League triumph, the League saw the classic home and away knockout Croatian side had lost their second final. Also in matches being replaced with a totally new system. 32 1996/97 the so called “fast break” was born due to teams went into two qualification rounds, eliminating a rule change, making handball more attractive and 24 clubs. The remaining eight teams were placed into athletic than ever before. two groups of four teams each playing in a round- robin system. TEKA Santander and ABC Braga topped 1997/98 their respective groups and faced each other in the Final: FC Barcelona vs Badel Zagreb 28:18 / 28:22 final. Santander narrowly kept the upper hand and (56:40) started what should become an eight-year Spanish Barcelona beat Zagreb once more to win their third club winning streak in the Men’s EHF Champions consecutive EHF Champions League title. But at least League. as much news as the repeated triumph made the wedding of Barcelona player Inaki Urdangarin who 1994/95 married Christina, youngest daughter of Spanish King Final: Elgorriaga Bidasoa Irun vs Badel Zagreb 30:20 Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, on 4th October 1997. / 26:27 (56:47) The final of the EHF Champions League’s second 1998/99 season became the match of a lifetime for Irun’s Final: Badel Zagreb vs FC Barcelona 22:22 / 18:29 Nenad Perunicic, nicknamed “the canon” or “Il (40:51) Conquistadore” by the fans. He was his team’s key Once again there were tears in Zagreb and joy in player in the final and, in his first year in Spain, not Barcelona. The Spanish team beat Zagreb in their only he lifted the EHF Champions League but also the third consecutive final and lifted the EHF Champions national championship trophy with Irun. League trophy for the fourth time in a row. Zagreb’s coach Velimir Klajic had to admit that Barcelona “at 1995/96 this moment in time, were quite simply the best club Final: FC Barcelona vs Elgorriaga Bidasoa Irun 23:15 team in the world.” / 23:23 (46:38) In the season that was marked by the “Bosman 1999/00 decision”, which had substantial effects on transfer Final: THW Kiel – FC Barcelona 28:25 / 24:29 (52:54) regulations and transfer fees in sport, FC Barcelona THW Kiel became the first German team to make it won their first EHF Champions League title. No other into the Final but even a 28:25-victory in the final’s should be capable of dethroning the Catalan side for first leg was not enough to end Barcelona’s EHF the next four years. Champions League winning streak. Backed by half of the Spanish national team and international stars like 1996/97 Christian Schwarzer and Tomas Svensson, Barcelona Final: FC Barcelona vs Badel Zagreb 31:22 / 30:23 won their fifth title. (61:45)

224 History: 25 years of EHF Champions League

2000/01 2003/04 Final: Portland San Antonio – FC Barcelona 30:24 / Final: Celje vs Flensburg- Handewitt 34:28 / 28:30 22:25 (52:49) (62:58) For Barcelona it was a whole new feeling to In March 2003 the EHF had decided on a new watch another team celebrating at the end of the structure for the competition. Three teams from Champions League Final. Following five consecutive Spain and Germany now had a starting slot. Two titles an era came to end when Spanish King Juan representatives from Hungary, Slovenia, Denmark Carlos handed the huge tropy to Portland San and Croatia would start in the Group Phase. Overall Antonio at the end of all-Spanish Final. 32 teams (8 groups of 4 teams each) made up the Group Phase. Flensburg had profited from the new 2001/02 system but Slovenian side Celje was too strong in Final: Fotex Veszprem vs SC Magdeburg 23:21 / the final. 25:30 (48:51) One year after Barcelona’s dominance had ended 2004/05 in the EHF Champions League, the dominance Final: BM Ciudad Real vs FC Barcelona Cifec 28:27 / of Spanish clubs also came to an end, when SC 27:29 (55:56) Magdeburg became the first German team to win Following four years without being present in the the competition. And late at night, at the end of a final, Barcelona won their sixth EHF Champions glittering party, Stefan Kretzschmar and coach Alfred League title. And while the spectator record for one Gislason were still up for jokes: “Training is on the match was 10,000 fans, the whole city celebrated agenda. The entire team is going to run through the Barcelona’s victory. “We did a lap of honour in the whole town until 08:00 tomorrow morning,” they Stadion Nou Camp in front of 100,000 spectators and both proclaimed. were celebrated by the whole town,” remembers Barcelona’s Dane Lars Krogh Jeppesen. 2002/03 Final: Portland San Antonio – Montpellier HB 27:19 2005/06 / 19:31 (46:50) Final: Portland San Antonio vs BM Ciudad Real A new star was born during the finals of the 2002/03 19:25 / 28:37 (47:62) EHF Champions League season. Montpellier’s Nikola Spanish businessman and BM Ciudad Real president, Karabatic scored 11 goals in the first leg in Spain and Domingo Diaz de Mera, had put together a team that another six in front of his home fans, enabling his proved to be unbeatable in the 2005/06 Champions team to turn around the eight goal defeat from the League season. Mera bought superstars from all first leg and to become the first French side to win over Europe and the team around Olafur Stefansson, the EHF Champions League. Mirza Dzomba, Didier Dinart et al. paid justified Mera’s expenses when they beat Spanish rival San Antonio in the final.

225 History: 25 years of EHF Champions League

History: 25 years of EHF Champions League

2006 - 2018

2006/07 2009/10 Final: SG Flensburg- Handewitt vs THW Kiel 28:28 / Final: FC Barcelona Borges vs HW Kiel 34:36 27:29 (55:57) In the 2009/10 season the number of participating The EHF Champions League, through the efforts of teams in the first Group Phase was reduced from 32 the 2005 founded EHF Marketing GmbH, became a to 24. Four groups of six teams each were formed unified look. Since 2006, TV spectators across Europe and the first four teams qualified for the knockout know they are watching a men’s EHF Champions phase which replaced the second group phase. For League match when they see the distinct blue lagoon the first time the VELUX EHF FINAL4 tournament, and black supplied by flooring specialists Gerfloor in which combined the Semi-finals and the Final, was addition to the season’s individual yellow and blue held in Cologne, Germany, to decide the champion. handball supplied by adidas. On the sport side of THW Kiel won their second title when they beat things, Kiel won their first EHF Champions League Barcelona. title, beating arch rival Flensburg-Handewitt. 2010/11 2007/08 Final: FC Barcelona vs Renovalia Ciudad Real 27:24 Final: BM Ciudad Real vs THW Kiel 27:29 / 31:25 Since 2010 the event is known as the VELUX EHF (58:54) Champions League. 40,000 fans stormed to Cologne In the 2007/08 season a second Group Phase with to attend the VELUX EHF FINAL4 weekend and TV four groups of four teams each replaced the Last viewing audience figures went to a new height. 16-matches and the quarter-finals. The first teams 310 million viewers from 76 countries worldwide of each group qualified for the semi-finals and in watched 2,800 hours of TV transmissions 2010/11. the final 2006 champion Ciudad Real faced 2007 Barcelona extended their lead as the most successful champion THW Kiel. The Spanish side prevailed club in EHF Champions League history when won and could win their second EHF Champions League their seventh title, beating Ciudad Real in the Final. trophy. 2011/12 2008/09 Final: THW Kiel vs BM Atletico Madrid 26:21 Final: THW Kiel vs BM Ciudad Real 39:34 / 27:33 The German powerhouse sensationally lost in their (66:67) first home match of the season against Montpellier, THW Kiel and BM Ciudad Real faced each other in the but no other team was able to overcome THW Kiel final for the second year in a row and even though throughout the remaining of the season. Gíslason Kiel had won the first leg of the final by five goals, it led his team to the third trophy in the club’s history was Ciudad Real that won the EHF Champions League becoming the first coach who won with two different for a second consecutive time. Kiel were still in the teams. Defending champions from Barcelona were lead by 20:16 after 39 minutes but with a series of eliminated in the quarter-finals by AG København, 10:3 goals within 11 minutes Ciudad Real turned the but the Danish side was stopped in the semi-final match in their favour. by Atlético Madrid, who made it to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 for the fourth time in a row.

226 History: 25 years of EHF Champions League

2012/13 2015/16 Final: FC Barcelona vs HSV Hamburg 29:30 AET KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs MVM Veszprem 39:38 after HSV Hamburg go into the new season as the 7m shootout defending champion. For the first time the extra- This final went down to history books of the time had to decide the winner. In 20 years of EHF Champions League as a breathtaking classic. Deep in Champions League history there have only been two the second half Veszprem were leading by nine goals, champions, Montpellier in 2003 and Celje in 2004, still Kielce put up a spritid fight to force the extra- who neither came from Spain nor from Germany. time. Even the additional ten minutes could not The All-Stars team of the 20 years were announced: solve the thriller and in the 7m shootout Kielce were Goalkeeper Tomas Svensson (SWE), Left Wing Stefan luckier with Julen Aguinagalde’s last effort clinched Kretzschmar (GER), Left Back Filip Jícha (CZE), Line the maiden title for the Polish champions adding only Player Andrei Xepkin (ESP), Centre Back Jackson fifth country to the list of winners. Richardson (FRA), Right Back (Oláfur Stefansson), Right Wing Mirza Džomba (CRO), Best defender 2016/17 Didier Dinart (FRA) Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs HC Vardar 23:24 For the first time in history no German team made 2013/14 it to the VELUX EHF FINAL4. The sold-out LANXESS Final: SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel 30:28 arena still saw yet another edition of some showcase For the third year in a row a team from Northern handball and three out of four matches ended in only Germany prevailed as SG Flensburg-Handewitt took one goal differences. HC Vardar beat the buzzer for both of their opponents at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 two days in a row as Luka Cindric sank FC Barcelona by surprise. In the semi-final the “Vranjes boys” Lassa in the semi-final and Ivan Cupic clinched eliminated giants of FC Barcelona after a penalty- the maiden title for the Macedonian team in the shoot-out thriller and made the Cinderrella story final against PSG sending the whole country into a perfect by beating their neighbours from Kiel 30:28 handball frenzy. in the final. 2017/18 2014/15 HBC Nantes vs Montpellier HB 27:32 Final: FC Barcelona vs MKB-MVM Veszprem 28:23 In its 25th anniversary the European top flight once The defending champions from SG Flensburg- again underlined the rule that favourites cannot take Handewitt were eliminated already in the Last 16 as anything for granted in this fierce competition. No well as Rhein-Neckar Löwen. fewer than three French teams made it to the final The end of the three-year-old reign of Bundesliga was tournament in Cologne and after both finalists from sealed only in Cologne as THW Kiel were unable to the previous edition (Vardar and PSG) failed in the repeat their 2014 semi-final win against Veszprem. semi-finals it was a showdown between two pre- However, the effort of Hungarian champions for season underdogs HBC Nantes and Montpellier HB in their premiere trophy were denied by FC Barcelona the final. Mainly courtesy of a brilliant performance who rose to the throne for the eighth time in the EHF of their playmaker Diego Simonet Montpellier history. returned to the European throne after 15 years and became the first team from Group C or D with this achievement.

227 All-time stats VELUX EHF Champions League

All-time stats VELUX EHF Champions League

31 Biggest wins Hamburg GER @ Fyllingen 29 ZTR Zaporozhye UKR @ AS Conversano 2003 ITA 12:41 (5:19), 29.11.2003 Handball NOR 17:48 (10:25), 14.11.2009 26 Montpellier HB FRA vs AC PAOK GRE 46:20 (26:9), 04.10.2009 26 FC Barcelona Intersport ESP @ HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH 17:43 (9:21), 19.11.2011 26 Biggest home wins Montellier HB FRA vs AC PAOK GRE 46:20 (26:9), 25 FC Barcelona ESP vs Hapoel Rishon Le Zion ISR 42:17 (18:10), 15.11.1997 04.10.2009 25 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI vs HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH 43:18 (23:8), 09.02.2012

31 Biggest away wins Hamburg GER @ Fyllingen Handball NOR 17:48 29 ZTR Zaporozhye UKR @ AS Conversano 2003 ITA 12:41 (5:19), 29.11.2003 (10:25), 14.11.2009 26 FC Barcelona Intersport ESP @ HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH 17:43 (9:21), 19.11.2011

18 Biggest lead at half-time RK Zagreb CRO vs Pelister Bitola MKD 37:13 (23:5), 17 Montpellier HB FRA vs AC PAOK GRE 46:20 (26:9), 04.10.2009 16.10.2005

50 Most goals THW Kiel GER @ HC Banik OKD Karvina CZE 26:50 48 HSV Hamburg GER @ Fyllingen Handball NOR 17:48 (10:25), 14.11.2009 (13:24), 22.10.2006 47 THW Kiel GER vs CS HCM Constanta ROU 47:31 (24:18), 12.11.2006

82 Most goals both teams Barcelona Borges ESP vs KIF Kolding DEN 46:36 81 FC Barcelona ESP vs THW Kiel GER 44:37 (19:20), 13.04.2008 (23:19), 17.10.2009 80* FC Barcelona ESP vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 39:41 (17:18, 32:32, 36:36), 31.05.2014

11 Fewest goals: Aalborg Handball DEN vs FC Barcelona ESP 11:31 12 AS Conversano 2003 ITA vs ZTR Zaporozhye UKR 12:41 (5:19), 29.11.2003 (5:16), 15.03.2015 12 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD vs FC Barcelona ESP 12:26 (8:15), 06.11.2004

32 Fewest goals both teams: Wallau-Massenheim GER vs UHK West Wien AUT 32 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN vs Panellinios AC Athens GRE 19:13 (9:7), 17.11.2002 17:15 (7:6), 20.03.1994 33 Panellinios AC Athens GRE vs Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 16:17 (8:9), 30.11.2002

-9 Biggest deficit overcome after losing first half to win a game KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL @ HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 27:28 (19:10), 18.02.2015

-6 Biggest deficit overcome after losing first half to draw a game FC Barcelona ESP @ -6 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO vs HC Vardar PRO – Skopje MKD 28:28 (10:16), 07.10.2007 GOG Gudme DEN 22:22 (16:10), 14.02.1996 -6 Pevafersa Valladolid ESP vs Pick Szeged HUN 35:35 (13:19), 27.02.2010 -6 Naturhouse La Rioja ESP vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 32:32 (13:19), 19.10.2013

228 All-time club standings 1993 - 2018

All-time club standings 1993 - 2018

TR Name of the club MP W D L GF:FA GD P NP % 1 Barça Lassa ESP 278 205 20 53 8513:7154 +1359 430:126 (21)* 77,34% AB

2 THW Kiel GER 276 184 18 74 8375:7417 +958 386:166 (21) 69,93% 3 Telekom Veszprém HC HUN 258 173 14 71 7459:6720 +739 360:156 (22)* 69,77% AB 4 HC PPD Zagreb CRO 256 115 27 114 6684:6628 +56 257:255 (24)* 50,20% AB 5 Montpellier HB FRA 204 117 13 74 5883:5563 +320 247:161 (18)* 60,54% AB 6 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 184 112 16 56 5468:5065 +403 240:128 (13)* 65,22% AB 7 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 216 107 14 95 6171:5927 +244 228:204 (20)* 52,78% AB 8 BM Atletico Madrid ESP 144 111 5 28 4502:3803 +699 227:61 (10) 78,82% 9 PGE Vive Kielce POL 144 83 13 48 4250:4065 +185 179:109 (11)* 62,15% AB 10 MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 168 76 13 79 4650:4644 +6 165:171 (15)* 49,11% AB 11 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 156 67 18 71 4690:4613 +77 152:160 (16)* 48,72% CD 12 HSV Hamburg GER 98 68 9 21 3088:2670 +418 145:51 (7) 73,98% 13 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 118 64 17 37 3492:3302 +190 145:91 (8)* 61,44% AB 14 Portland San Antonio ESP 100 64 6 30 2929:2594 +335 134:66 (9) 67,00% 15 Paris Saint-Germain HB FRA 98 63 7 28 2896:2696 +200 133:63 (7)* 67,86% AB 16 HC Vardar MKD 122 55 14 53 3347:3397 –50 124:120 (11)* 50,82% AB 17 Abanca Ademar Leon ESP 112 56 6 50 3188:3135 +53 118:106 (11)* 52,68% CD 18 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 118 54 9 55 3330:3361 -31 117:119 (12) 49,58% 19 HC Metalurg MKD 92 34 6 52 2270:2418 -148 74:110 (9)* 40,22% CD 20 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 110 30 10 70 2913:3183 –270 70:150 (11)* 31,82% CD

21 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 60 30 7 23 1757:1728 +29 67:53 (5)* 55,83% AB 25 HC Meshkov Brest BLR 80 23 10 47 2172:2319 -147 56:104 (8)* 35,00% AB 28 HBC Nantes FRA 34 22 6 6 1014:935 +79 50:18 (2)* 73,53% AB 29 Skjern Handbold DEN 42 20 5 17 1190:1120 +70 45:39 (4)* 53,57% AB 39 Tatran Presov SVK 56 13 5 38 1504:1707 -203 31:81 (8)* 27,68% CD 44 Besiktas Mogaz TUR 44 12 2 30 1203:1375 –172 26:62 (4)* 29,55% CD 47 Elverum NOR 30 11 3 16 818:867 -49 25:35 (3)* 41,67% CD

50 IFK Kristianstad SWE 44 9 5 30 1191:1316 -125 23:65 (3)* 26,14% AB 58 58 Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN 38 8 0 30 974:1109 -135 16:60 (3)* 21,05% CD 68 62 Sporting Lisbon POR 16 6 0 10 425:446 –21 12:20 (2)* 37,50% CD 96 64 Dinamo Bucuresti ROU 26 5 2 19 720:816 -96 12:40 (3)* 23,08% CD 117 114Wacker Thun SUI 10 0 1 9 242:329 -87 1:19 (1)* 5,00% CD NR NR Riihimäen Cocks FIN 0 0 0 0 0:0 0 0:0 (0)* 0,00% CD

229 Notes

EHF Media & Communications 06/09/18 Vlado Brindzak +43 1 80 151 161 [email protected]

Contributors: Björn Pazen, Peter Bruun, Tomas Cuncik, Adrian Costeiu, Nemanja Savic, Béla Müller, Kevin Domas, Sergey Nikolaev, Jelena Bagaric, Amina Idrizi, Magda Pluszewska, Tiago Nogueira, Fulya Oktem, Eric Willemsen, Courtney Gahan. All stats by Roy Knoppert.

230 Thinkonepassion can reach countries.many

The UNIQA Group is one of the leading insurance groups in its core markets of Austria and Central and Eastern Europe with over 40 companies in 18 countries and around 10 million customers.

www.uniqagroup.com

231

33_18_Ins_Handball_Think_one_passion_flags2_A4.indd 1 22.01.18 16:44 232