Media Information VELUX EHF Champions League Season 2017/18
Qualification Tournament
Group 1 - Presov, SVK
2-3 September 2017
1 Table of contents
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V11944-045_EHF-FINAL-4-official-magazine-148x210mm.indd 1 22/08/2017 15:41:34 Table of contents
Map of participating clubs 4
Foreword - Michael Wiederer, EHF President 5
Media contacts 6
Playing system diagram - stages and dates 8
Seeding list 10
Important regulations 11
GROUP 1
Facts, preview and head-to-head stats 12
Sporting CP 14
Tatran Presov 20
Alpla HC Hard 26
Cocks 32
Past winners 39
2016/17 Top scorers 40
BE A LEGEND All-time clubs standings 41 GET FREE HANDBALLS Know a local youth handball team from 8-14 years old that could use some high-quality handballs? Apply for a whole bag of them from the official VELUX EHF Champions League supplier SELECT. Anyone can apply, whether a player on a youth team or a parent, friend or local supporter.
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V11944-045_EHF-FINAL-4-official-magazine-148x210mm.indd 1 22/08/2017 15:41:34 UKR HUN RUS Telekom POL SVK Dinamo BLR Besiktas Besiktas Veszprém, HUN Veszprém, MOL-PickSzeged MOL-PickSzeged HC MotorZaporozhye Bucuresti, ROU Bucuresti, Tatran Presov Tatran MOGAZ HT, TUR MOGAZ HT, MKD KS Vive Tauron Kielce Tauron Vive KS Chekhovskie Medvedi Chekhovskie Plock, POL Plock, Orlen Wisla HC Meshkov Brest HC Meshkov HC Vardar GER THW Kiel THW FIN Cocks MKD HC Metalurg HC Metalurg SWE HC PPD IFK Kristianstad Zagreb, CRO Zagreb, ZAGREB RUKOMETNI KLUB PRVO PLINARSKO DRUŠTVO RK Gorenje Velenje, SLO Velenje, Lasko, SLO Lasko, SG Flensburg- Handewitt GER Handewitt RK Celje Pivovarna RK Celje NOR Elverum HH Elverum Alpla HC Hard, AUT Hard, Aalborg Handball, DEN Skjern Kadetten VELUX EHF FINAL4 Handball, DEN Host City Cologne, GER Schaffhausen SUI Schaffhausen Lassa ESP Lassa FC Barcelona FC GER Handball, FRA FRA Leon, ESP Leon, Rhein-Neckar Löwen Rhein-Neckar Montpellier Paris Saint-Germain Paris CL, POR Sporting Handball, FRA HBC Nantes ABANCA Ademar ABANCA Groups teams A+B Groups teams C+D Qualificationteams VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CHAMPIONS EHF VELUX Season 2017/18 4 Foreword Alpla HC Hard have very old records among the European elite as their sole season dates back to 2003/04 and in addition the Austrian side has yet to gain their premiere point as they lost all six matches in the past.
Sporting CP from Lisbon have even older memories from 16 years ago, but they managed to snatch two victories out of their six matches in 2001/02. Their quest for the long-awaited return will start against Cocks, the Finnish club who are striving to enter the highest level of the European Cup hierarchy Dear media representatives, for the first time. Interestingly enough Cocks Welcome to the qualification tournament for played their first qualification tournament last the VELUX EHF Champions League 2017/18. year, also in Presov, and they put up a great Your long wait for VELUX EHF Champions fight against the Slovenian runners-up from League handball is over and I welcome you Gorenje Velenje before clinching the third rank on board for a new season and the beginning a day later. Handball pundits may tout Tatran of another exciting story. The tradition of and Sporting for the tournament’s final but Europe’s premier club competition enters our sport has never lacked stunning surprises, its 25th season under the EHF umbrella, and shocking defeats, unexpected falls of which gives both the competition and this favourites or sudden rises of dark horses. qualification tournament in Presov, Slovakia Thus, the upcoming 240 minutes or more a special flavour. The new story will start to of handball guarantee pure entertainment unfold in the local City Hall, which will see the with all four teams in possession of the same first action and first goals of the anniversary chances on the starting grid. season and will propel the winning team to the group phase where 27 other teams await, We pride ourselves on our positive and including defending champions HC Vardar. cooperative relationship with the press and media and I am sure this will continue and Out of the four teams listed for the first round develop in the future. Should you require of elimination, only the group winners will be any information, help or assistance during honoured to turn their 2017/18 season into the course of the season, your first point of a proper Champions League adventure. In contact is the EHF Media and Communications the qualification tournament, we welcome a Department based in our office in Vienna. variety of clubs, from the group phase regulars They will be more than happy to assist you vying for their return to the continental with any questions you might have. top flight to the absolute newcomers. Only We look forward to working with you in the the tournament’s hosts Tatran can boast a upcoming season! reasonable EHF Champions League history with seven seasons in the continental top flight Michael Wiederer under their belts. Their semi-final opponents EHF President
5 EHF/M Media contacts Media matters TV and Radio
Vlado Brindzak Miguel Mateo Marcellan Media and Communications Media Manager European Handball Federation EHF Marketing GmbH +43 1 80 151 161 +43 1 80 151 224 Twitter:@ehf [email protected] [email protected]
Qualification Clubs – Media contacts
GROUP 1
Sporting CP Alpla HC Hard Andre Leitao Harald Armellini +351 914665 572 +43 664 88931586 [email protected] [email protected] Cocks Tatran Presov Jari Viita Miroslav Benicky +358 500 480744 +421 948 196 385 [email protected] [email protected]
VELUX EHF Champions League 2017/18 Qualification
Media Information by
EHF Media & Communications, 01/09/2017
Contributors: Björn Pazen, Peter Bruun, Filipa Sousa, Tomas Cuncik, all stats by Roy Knoppert
6 ULTIMATE Completely controlled bounce. Extreme durability. Optimal roundness. Perfect grip and soft feel. Official match ball of the VELUX EHF Champions League.
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7 Group Phase Last 16 Quarter-nals VELUX EHF FINAL4 rou A B (draw) (no draw) (no draw) Semi-nals Season 2017/18 A1 B1 M1 K1 vs A2 M6 vs A1 (draw) playing system A2 B2 M2 K2 vs B2 M5 vs B1 vs
A3 B3 M3 B6 vs A3 M4 vs M1 vs
A4 B4 M4 A6 vs B3 M3 vs M2 3rd place match A5 B5 M5 B5 vs A4 vs A6 B6 M6 A5 vs B4
A7 B7 Final vs A8 B8
Group Phase Group Phase rou (draw) Matche (no draw)
C1 D1 K1 C2 vs D1
C2 D2 K2 D2 vs C1
C3 D3 Qualication Tournaments (draw) C4 D4
C5 D5
C6 D6
Season 2017/18 playing schedule Qualication Tournaments Group Phase Last 16 Quarter-nals VELUX EHF FINAL4 01. 0 .0 .2017 1 . 17.0 .2017 22. 2 .11.2017 first leg first leg 2 ./27.05.2018 20. 2 .0 .2017 2 .11. .12.2017 21. 25.0 .2018 18. 22.0 .2018 27.0 . 01.10.17 07. 11.02.18 Group A & B only 0 . 08.10.17 1 . 18.02.18 Group A & B only 11. 15.10.2017 21. 25.02.2018 Group A & B and second leg second leg 01. 05.11.2017 KO Group C & D 28.0 . 01.0 .2018 25. 2 .0 .2018 08. 12.11.2017 28.2. 0 .0 .18 Group A & B and 15. 1 .11.2017 KO Group C & D The best of European HANDBALL LIVE and on demand!
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A mat es o t e C amp o s ea ue a C amp o s ea ue se e te games of European Cups, and other competitions live and on demand. Don’t miss the best highlights, compilations, 9interviews, features, behind the scenes and more. VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2017/18 Qualification Tournament Group Phase Last 16 Quarterfinals FINAL4 13.-17.09.2017 (1); 20.-24.09.2017 (2); 01.-03.09.2017 27.09.-01.10.17 (3); 04.-08.10.17 (4) 21.-25.03.2018 18.-22.04.2018 26./27.05.2018 tournament 11.-15.10.2017 (5); 01.-05.11.2017 (6) first leg first leg tournament 08.-12.11.2017 (7); 15.-19.11.2017 (8) played in semi finals and finals 22.-26.11.2017 (9); 29.11.-3.12.2017 (10) 28.03.-01.04.2018 25.-29.04.2018 played in in one venue 07.-11.02.18 (11-A/B); 14.-18.02.18 (12-A/B) second leg second leg semi finals and finals 21.-25.02.2018 (13); 28.2.-04.03.18 (14) DRAWS: 29 June 2017 in Vienna/AUT 30 June 2017 in Ljubljana/SLO no draw no draw 01.05.2018 Group A and B (16 teams) 4 teams 12 teams 8 teams 4 teams 2 groups with 8 teams
1 HUN 1 Telekom Veszprem HC 2 ESP 1 FC Barcelona Lassa 3 POL 1 KS Vive Tauron Kielce 4 MKD 1 HC Vardar 5 FRA 1 Paris Saint-Germain Handball 6 GER 1 Rhein-Neckar Löwen 7 CRO 1 HC PPD Zagreb 8 DEN 1 Aalborg Handball 9 BLR 1 HC Meshkov Brest 10 POL 2 Orlen Wisla Plock 11 SLO 1 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 12 HUN 2 MOL-Pick Szeged 13 SWE 1 IFK Kristianstad 14 GER 2 SG Flensburg-Handewitt 15 FRA 2 HBC Nantes 16 GER 3 THW Kiel Group C and D (12 teams) 2 groups with 6 teams 17 ESP 2 Abanca Ademar Leon 18 MKD 2 HC Metalurg 19 DEN 2 Skjern Handball 20 UKR 1 HC Motor Zaporozhye 21 SLO 2 RK Gorenje Velenje 22 FRA 3 Montpellier Handball KO matches from C D Group and qualify for the Last 16
23 SUI 1 Kadetten Schaffhausen 16 Last League Champions EHF VELUX of Winners 6 24 TUR 1 Besiktas Mogaz HT 4 Winners of VELUX EHF Champions League Quarterfinals League Champions EHF VELUX of Winners 4 25 RUS 1 Chekhovskie medvedi 26 ROU 1 Dinamo Bucuresti 1st placed team of qualify B Group and A directly for the Quarterfinals; 27 NOR 1 Elverum Handball 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th 6th and placed well team as B and A of Group winners as of 28 POR 1 Sporting CP 29 SVK 1 Tatran Presov
30 AUT 1 ALPLA HC Hard the Winner of tournament
31 FIN 1 Cocks Qualification
1 groups with 4 teams
4th placed team of CL Qualification Tournament goes to the 1st and 2nd placed teams of CL Group Phase Group C EHF Cup Qualification Rd 2, 2nd and 3rd placed team of CL and D play Group KO matches. Winners of these Qualification Tornament goes to EHF Cup Qualification Rd 3 matches qualify for L16
status: 26.06.2017
10 Important regulations
SCORING OF MATCHES AND RANKING
GENERAL
All matches of the VELUX EHF Champions League shall be played in 2 x 30 minutes with a half-time break of 10 minutes.
The EHF reserves the right to extend the half-time break in special circumstances to 15 minutes.
QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENTS
If a semi-final match or the final (place 1/2) ends in a draw, there will be a five-minute break fol- lowed by one extra-time of 2x5 minutes, there will be a one-minute half-time break at the half-time for the changeover of teams. If the placement match (place 3/4) ends in a draw, there shall be no extra-time, the match will be decided directly by penalty throws. In the semifinals and/or final (place 1/2), if there is no winner after the extra-time, the match will be decided by penalty throws.
RULES FOR EXECUTION OF PENALTY THROWS
- Prior to penalty throwing, each team shall name five players eligible to play at the end of the match by handing the referees a list of numbers. These players shall then take one throw each, alternating with their opponents. Each team is free to determine the sequence in which throwers will take their throws
- The goalkeepers may be freely selected from the match report and exchanged in accordance with the Rules of the game. Goalkeepers may take throws and throwers may play as goalkeepers.
- The referees shall choose the goal at which throws are taken. The team taking the first penalty throw shall be determined by the referees by drawing lots. The team winning the draw may choose whether it wishes to throw first or last.
- If scores are equal after the first round of penalty throwing, it shall be continued until a decision is reached. In the second round, the other team shall start. Again five players shall be named who are eligible to play (the players named before may be named once again).
- In the second round, a decision is reached when a goal difference arises after both teams have taken one throw each.
- Eligible players are players entered in the match report who have not been disqualified or sus- pended at the time of the final whistle.
- Serious infractions committed during penalty throwing shall be sanctioned by disqualification. If a thrower is disqualified or suffers an injury, an eligible substitute player shall be named supplemen- tary.
- While the throws are being taken, only the player taking the throw, the current goalkeeper and the referees may enter the respective half of the playing area.
- If the number of eligible players falls below five, players may be named to take a second throw in the same round.
11 Qualification Tournament 1 Qualification Tournament 1 Group D Sporting CP (POR) HC Metalurg (MKD) Cocks (FIN) HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR) Tatran Presov (SVK) Montpellier Handball (FRA) Alpla HC Hard (AUT) Besiktas MOGAZ HT (TUR) Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) Winner QT 1 Playing hall 2nd ranked team - EHF Cup, Qualification Round 3 City Hall Presov 3rd ranked team - EHF Cup, Qualification Round 3 Jana Pavla II 2 th 0801 Presov 4 ranked team - EHF Cup, Qualification Round 2 vs Winner of Slovakia Round 1: RK Partizan 1949 Tivat (MNE) vs Achilles Bocholt (BEL) Capacity: 3,500
Match schedule (all times local) Head-to-head stats in European Cup Saturday, 2 September 2017: competitions Semi-finals No previous encounters in European 1 13:30 hrs Sporting CP vs Cocks Cup competitions 2 16:00 hrs Tatran Presov vs Alpla HC Hard Sporting CP vs Cocks Sunday, 3 September 2017: Tatran Presov vs Alpla HC Hard 3rd place match Sporting CP vs Tatran Presov 13:30 hrs Loser semi-final 1 vs loser semi-final 2 Sporting CP vs Alpla HC Hard Final Cocks vs Tatran Presov 16:05 hrs Winner semi-final 1 vs winner semi-final 2 Cocks vs Alpla HC Hard
Preview: 4 teams, 1 spot: Champions QUALIFICATION GROUP 1: League season throws off in Slovakia Sporting CP (POR) v Cocks (FIN) All is set in Presov to welcome four teams who Saturday 2, September, 13:30 hrs local time, share the same target: entering the VELUX EHF live on ehfTV.com Champions League Group Phase. The Challenge Cup 2016/17 champions from Only the winner of this weekend’s Qualification Portugal will open the qualifying group in the Group 1 event in Slovakia will advance to first semi-final against Cocks from Finland. Group D and join HC Metalurg, Montpellier HB, Whilst Hugo Canela’s men are the clear HC Motor Zaporozhye, Besiktas Mogaz HT and favourites, Cocks have the experience of Chekhovskie Medvedi. playing in the Tatran Handball Arena last year. However, they remain the only side of the Hosts Tartran Presov and Sporting CP are quartet that have yet to qualify for the VELUX considered favourites against Alpla Hard HC EHF Champions League Group Phase. and Cocks respectively on Saturday to set up an all-deciding match on Sunday. All four “We are a year older now, and we have matches will be streamed live on ehfTV. become wiser and more experienced, not least from the tough matches we played last year,” • Cocks are the only team without Nico Rönnberg tells ehfcl.com. group phase experience so far • Prešov aim for their third straight The Finnish left back scored 46 goals during group phase appearance Cock’s EHF Cup campaign last season. The • Sporting played group matches in team failed to pick up any points but gained 2001/02, Hard in 2003/04 invaluable European experience.
12 Their traditional training camp in August with “Presov are under pressure, they must win. the Danish side KIF Kolding København helped We have no pressure, we hope to win. But still them prepare for the special occasion coming I guess the chances to proceed to the final are up. 40:60 from our point of view,” Hard centre back Gerald Zeiner says. “For the club and for me it is obviously a big thing. It is the biggest tournament in handball, Croatian Tatran coach Slavko Goluža, who and my personal goal is to someday play in the replaced Rastislav Trtík, has said that “Tatran Champions League,” Rönnberg says. will fight in every match until the very last second. Our goal is to qualify for the group The mood in the Sporting camp went down a stage.” bit on Sunday after they lost 26:21 to Braga in the Portuguese Super Cup. Alpla Hard coach Petr Hrachovec shares the same opinion: “Presov are physically strong Canela addressed his team with a clear and have a great defence, but I am sure and message after the bitter defeat: “We have to confident that we have our chances and will improve a lot, and quickly. We have to improve continue our Champions League dream.” our attitude and we have to be smart.” Head-to-head stats in European Cup No Austrian side have qualified for the group competitions A must, if Sporting were to end their 16-year stage since 2008/09, adding extra motivation wait for playing in the group phase after their for the visitors. previous appearance in 2001/02. What are the main weapons of the most Additionally, right wing Pedro Portela sprained experienced side of this tournament? The his ankle against Braga. outstanding goalkeeper Igor Chupryna made 15 saves against Brest, and organised the “We expect a physical game from them,” said aggressive defence and fast counter attacks. Sporting line player Michal Kopčo says. “ We will count on our weapons: strong defence, And watch out for Dominik Krok, who excelled rotation and great team spirit. All four teams on Wednesday and replaced Oliver Rábek well. play with different styles, which makes it more Some experts think Presov might have a exciting for the fans.” problem with their busy schedule, yet coach Goluža has already showed he has a good Speaking about fans, Kopčo will have the sense for rotation. support of family and friends in Presov as he spent three years at the Eastern Slovakian club. Tatran Prešov (SVK) vs Alpla Hard HC (AUT) Saturday, 2 September, 16:00 hrs local time, live on ehftv.com Tatran will cross paths with the Austrian champions and fresh winners of the Super Cup, Hard, in the second semi-final. Boosted by last week’s triumph in the Czech-Slovakian Cup in Plzen and Wednesday’s quality 24:23 win in the opening SEHA league match against another Champions League contender, Meshkov Brest (24:23), Presov are the heavy favourites on home court. However, former Tatran and current Sporting CP line player Michal Kopčo warns that the Austrians should not be underestimated. “Alpla were preparing two months for Presov,” says Kopčo, sharing first hand info from his Austrian team Janko Bozovic.
13 Sporting CP
GROUP 1 Sporting CP (POR)
Road to the VELUX EHF Champions League: Sporting CP started the 2016/17 season with new names and everything aligned to avoid mishaps. However, after a less-than-perfect first phase and some disagree- ments with the club, coach Zupo Equisoain left the team and was replaced by Hugo Canela.
Club Address FC Porto controlled the first phase of the national championship, as they led the Pavilhao do Ginasio Clube do Sul competition undefeated. But they lost the lead in the last games, and Sporting Rua de Angola No 23 2805-086 Almada took advantage of the slip and did not falter. The likes of Carlos Ruesga and Matej Portugal Asanin stood out, especially at the end of the season, as Sporting went on to win the national championship in the final round against SL Benfica. Media contact Andre Leitao +351 914665 572 Last season, Canela’s team also won the Challenge Cup, claiming the second Euro- [email protected] pean trophy in the club’s history with only victories in that competition.
www.sporting.pt SportingClubePortugal @Sporting_CP Past achievements VELUX EHF Champions League Participations (including 2017/18 season): 2 Group Matches (1): 2001/02 Kit colours Light Other Player shirt: grenn/white Player short: black EHF Cup: quarter-finals 2000/01, 2013/14 Goalkeeper shirt: black/ Cup Winners’ Cup: 2003/04 quarter-finals white/green Playing hall Challenge Cup: winners 2009/10, 2016/17, Dark Pavilhao do Ginasio Clube semi-finals 2011/12 Player shirt: black do Sul Player short: black Rua de Angola No 23 Goalkeeper shirt: black/ 2805-086 Almada Portuguese league: 18 titles (1952, 1956, green/white Portugal 1961, 1966-67, 1969-73, 1978-81, 1984, 1986, Capacity: 1,800 2001, 2017) Portuguese cup: 15 titles
14 Sporting CP
EHF Champions League club records
Biggest win 24:23 (11:12) v Kolding IF DEN (h), 24.11.2001 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) 2 Longest winning run Longest run without win 2 matches (11.11.2001 – 17.11.2001) 2 matches (08.12.2001 – 16.12.2001) GOALS Most goals 28 v Portland San Antonio ESP 28:31L (h), 08.12.2001 28 Most goals Most goals opponent 36 v Portland San Antonio ESP 36:26L (a), 11.11.2001
GOALS Most goals both teams 62 v Portland San Antonio ESP 36:26L (a), 11.11.2001 62 Most goals both teams 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 6 2 0 4 132:149 –17 4:8
1515 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
16 Sporting CP
Team roster
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight 23 Edmilson Araujo POR Left Back 06/01/1994 Lisboa, POR 187 82 1 Matej Asanin CRO Goalkeeper 04/09/1993 Zagreb, CRO 206 118 7 Bosko Bjelanovic POR Left Back 21/10/1985 Knin, CRO 195 100 18 Felipe Borges BRA Left Wing 04/05/1985 Sao Bernardo, BRA 186 88 77 Janko Bozovic AUT Right Back 14/07/1985 Bar, MNE 203 101 18 Carlos Carneiro POR Centre Back 03/03/1982 Guimaraes, POR 183 83 13 Frankis Carol CUB Left Back 07/09/1987 Guantanamo, CUB 192 90 16 Aljosa Cudic SLO Goalkeeper 09/03/1988 Celje, SLO 190 94 26 Bruno Gaspar POR Left Wing 17/07/1998 Lisboa, POR 176 72 24 Manuel Gaspar POR Goalkeeper 09/12/1998 Setubal, POR 189 85 5 Michal Kopco SVK Line Player 27/01/1988 Kosice, SVK 195 115 37 Ivan Nikcevic SRB Left Wing 11/02/1981 Niksic, MNE 181 81 10 Claudio Pedroso POR Right Back 14/03/1986 Lisboa, POR 198 87 4 Pedro Portela POR Right Wing 06/01/1990 Leiria, POR 186 80 17 Tiago Rocha POR Line Player 17/10/1985 S. Paio Oleiros, POR 196 104 11 Carlos Ruesga ESP Centre Back 10/03/1985 Gijon, ESP 185 94 15 Pedro Solha POR Left Wing 22/11/1981 Porto, POR 184 80 22 Francisco Tavares POR Right Wing 14/11/1996 Almada, POR 176 72 2 Pedro Veitia CUB Left Back 17/08/1994 Habana, CUB 188 92
17 Sporting CP
Matej Asanin goalkeeper • started playing handball at RK Zagreb and played in Croatia until 2012 • played for Ademár Leon (Spain) and HBW Balingen-Weilstetten (Germany) • won the European Junior Championship (2010) and the Croatian league • in his first season with Sporting won the Portuguese league and the Challenge Cup and was a decisive player in both finals
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017
Bosko Bjelanovic left back • born in Croatia, started playing handball as a goalkeeper • played for several Portuguese teams like FC Porto, Madeira SAD and Águas Santas • one of the most important players in Sporting’s defence • won two Challenge Cups with Sporting
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2010, 2017
Carlos Ruesga centre back • has played for Portland San Antonio, MKB Veszprém KC and FC 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, was a key player in the team wins last season
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017 EURO: B 2014, WCh: G 2013
Janko Bozovic right back • played for several European teams in Spain, Italy, Germany and Slovenia • won the Italian league and Italian Cup and the Belarus league and Belarus Cup • Sporting is the 13th team on his resume • great offensive player known as the “Austrian bomber” because of his offensive power
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017
18 Sporting CP
Ivan Nikcevic left wing • played for several teams of Servia, Spain and Poland • won a Yugoslavian league and cup • in 2012, won the silver medal at the European Championship • one of the team’s biggest offensive threats, best scorer of the Challenge Cup final 2017
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017 EURO: S 2012
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 Cup, Portuguese league • versatile player with great technique and impulsion
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2017
Tiago Rocha line player • after 12 years at FC Porto, joined Wisla Plock where he stayed until last season • 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
Pedro Portela right wing • started playing handball 10 years ago and arrived at Sporting aged 17 • won two Challenge Cups with Sporting • has won several titles in the last 10 years with Sporting • known for his offensive power and efficiency, he is one of the team’s stars and most loved players by the fans
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2010, 2017
19 Tatran Presov
GROUP 1 Tatran Presov (SVK)
Road to the VELUX EHF Champions League: It is difficult to find a more successful club in Slovakia than TATRAN Presov, but their power is apparently unstoppable. Presov won their 13th Slovakian title in 2016/17, which was their 11th in a row in addition to claiming the Slovakian and Czecho-Slovakian Cups.
Club Address The title series was slightly different compared to previous seasons, as Presov met TATRAN Presov Challenge Cup quarter-finalists HKM Sala for the first time rather than traditional Holleho 3 080 01 Presov finals rivals Sporta Hlohovec. Presov won the best-of-five series 3-0. Slovakia
Media contact Coach Rastislav Trik collected his fifth Slovakian title with TATRAN Presov, which Miroslav Benicky makes him the most successful coach in the history of the Slovakian Extraliga. Still, +421 948 196 385 he has been replaced by Croatian Slavko Goluza for the new season. [email protected]
Past achievements www.tatranpresov.sk VELUX EHF Champions League TatranPresovHandball Participations (including 2017/18 season): 14 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 Kit colours Qualification (5): 2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15 Light Player shirt: white Playing hall Other Player short: white EHF Cup: Quarter-final 2011/12 City Hall Presov Goalkeeper shirt: green Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2005/06 Jana Pavla II 2 Dark 0801 Presov Slovak league: 13 titles (2004, 2005, 2007-17) Player shirt: green Slovakia Slovak cup: 14 titles Player short: green Capacity: 3,500 Goalkeeper shirt: black
20 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 winning 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) 37 Most goals 7 matches (16.11.2008 – 20.11.2010)
GOALS Longest run without win 16 matches (16.11.2008 – 10.10.2015) 74 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 1/8-finals 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 56 13 5 38 1504:1707 -203 31:81
21 TATRAN Presov
Slavko Goluza coach • was a player of the Croatian team that won Olympic gold in Atlanta (2000) and Athens (2004); as a coach he won Olympic bronze in London (2012) • one of the most successful Croatian athletes, often compared to Alpine skier Janica Kostelić in terms of number of medals • wants to give Presov a similar playing style to the Croatian national team during his five-year spell (2010-2015) • won the CL twice with Zagreb (1992 and 1993) • awarded Best Croatian Handball Coach in 2012, 2013 and 2014
EC trophies: CL 1992, 1993 OG: G 2000, 2004, B 2012
22 TATRAN Presov
Team roster
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight 89 Ante Babic CRO Centre Back 09/02/1997 Osijek, CRO 193 97 20 Vadym Brazhnyk UKR Goalkeeper 25/02/1975 Brovary, UKR 200 100 35 Bruno Butorac CRO Left Back 01/10/1994 Zagreb, CRO 188 82 73 Igor Chupryna UKR Goalkeeper 25/04/1990 Illychevsk, UKR 200 96 21 Tomas Cip CZE Right Wing 05/10/1989 Zubri, CZE 189 94 1 Mario Cvitkovic CRO Goalkeeper 09/08/1994 Sinj, CRO 192 90 6 Jakub Hrstka CZE Left Wing 17/03/1990 Zubri, CZE 188 91 33 Stefan Jankovic BIH Line Player 20/08/1992 Banja Luka, BIH 189 86 41 Michal Kasal CZE Left Back 03/04/1994 Nove Mesto na Mor. 207 100 9 Dominik Krok SVK Left Back 22/01/1991 Bardejov, SVK 189 79 19 Radovan Pekar SVK Left Back 27/12/1980 Presov, SVK 196 107 22 Alexey Peskov RUS Right Back 16/12/1983 Moscow, RUS 199 99 2 Oliver Rabek SVK Left Back 30/09/1987 Nove Zamky, SVK 204 102 10 Tomas Recicar SVK Left Back 30/11/1998 Presov, SVK 189 82 13 Lubos Sarpataky SVK Right Wing 15/01/1996 Presov, SVK 183 87 3 Milos Sarpataky SVK Left Wing 15/01/1996 Presov, SVK 183 87 77 Roman Tsarapkin RUS Left Back 09/05/1995 Moscow, RUS 197 95 17 Lukas Urban SVK Line Player 22/06/1995 Presov, SVK 198 85 23 Leon Vucko CRO Centre Back 09/01/1995 Zagreb, CRO 192 115
23 Tatran Presov
Igor Chupryna goalkeeper • Ukrainian national team goalkeeper, moved to Presov in 2015 from Ukrainian club HC Portovik • formed strong Ukrainian goalkeeping duo with experienced veteran Vadym Brazhnyk • extended his contract with Presov until 2019 despite an offer from Flensburg • played crucial role in Presov’s two CL seasons since 2015 and is called ‘The Magician’ by teammates and media
Oliver Rabek left back • nicknamed Oly, his handball idol is Danish left back Mikkel Hansen • leading international scorer for Tatran in 2016/17 with 52 goals • known for very accurate and hard shots from distance • has won Slovakian league and cup all five years since arriving in 2012
Dominik Krok left back / centre back • one of three current players involved in last three CL Group Phase adventures in Prešov (2010/2011, 2015/2016, 2016/2017) • one of the longest serving Tatran player after joining in 2009 • his name Krok means ‘step’ in Slovak • big tennis fan and eager to improve his skills and accuracy with a racket • missed three of seven of Presov’s Slovakian league final series due to injuries
Alexey Peskov right back • two-metre tall Russian who replaced Latvian giant Danis Kristopans at Presov in 2015 • scored 34 goals in the CL last season • most experienced player in the squad, appeared in CL for Chekhovski Medvedi and Celje, also spent three seasons at Zaporozhye • skilful left-handed player who is an effective finisher • EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006
24 Tatran Presov
Jakub Hrstka left wing • born in Zubří, Czech Republic, from where he left for Presov in 2011 together with Tomáš Číp • second best Presov scorer in CL group phase in the 2016/17 season with 42 goals • voted Czech handball talent of the year in 2010 • very fast on the wing with ability to score regularly
Radovan Pekar left back • born and raised in Presov, left the club twice – for Povazska Bystrica and Kosice – but returned each time • scored first ever Slovakian goal at World Championships – against Argentina in 2009 • team captain who has won more domestic league titles than any other player in the squad – 11 • known for his dedication, he is a key player in defence
Ante Babic line player • became Presov’s first new signing after agreeing on the move in October 2016 but completed the season at RK Dubrava Zagreb • missed part of the pre-season preparations as he was playing for Croatia at the Men’s 21 World Championship in Algeria • did a lot of swimming and karate as a kid, which helped him develop into a dynamic handball player
Tomas Cip right wing • Czech international who played in his hometown Zubří until joining Prešov in 2011 • has won six Slovakian titles with Tatran Presov, every year since he joined the club • scored 46 European goals for Presov since joining the team, adding to his 747 Slovakian top flight goals • able to defend on the wing as well as attack
25 Alpla HC Hard
GROUP 1 Alpla HC Hard (AUT)
Road to the VELUX EHF Champions League: Alpla HC Hard dethroned defending champions Fivers Margareten from Vienna in a thrilling final series to claim their sixth title. After winning the first leg in their arena 27:26, Hard became the first team to beat the Fivers at home in more than two years. But Hard needed two periods of extra-time to finish the match with a 32:30 advantage. Club Address Alpla HC Hard For coach Petr Hrachovec, who took over at Hard before the 2016/17 season, it Seestraße 60 6971 Hard was the first trophy in Austria, after he steered Swiss neighbours Kadetten Schaff- Austria hausen to three championship titles.
Media contact Harald Armellini Austrian international Roland Schlinger finished his successful career with his 10th +43 664 88931586 Austrian championship title. Only his teammate Michael Knauth beats his record [email protected] with 11 trophies.
www.hchard.at Though Fivers did not reclaim their title, their top star Vytautas Ziura defended his trophy as Austrian handball player of the year for the seventh time. The top scorer alplahchard of the league was Tobias Schöpf (Krems) with 188 goals.
Past achievements VELUX EHF Champions League Kit colours Participations (including 2017/18 season): 6 Group matches (1): 2003/04 Light Qualification (4): 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, Player shirt: white 2015/16 Player short: black Goalkeeper shirt: black, Other green, blue Challenge Cup: final 2007/08, semi-final Dark 2004/05 Player shirt: red Playing hall Player short: red Austrian league: 6 titles (2003, 2012-2015, Sporthalle am See Goalkeeper shirt: black, 2017) See Straße 60 green, blue 6971 Hard Austria Capacity: 2,300
26 Alpla HC Hard
EHF Champions League club records
Biggest win N/A Biggest defeat 33:22 (15:09) v Chekhovski Medvedi RUS (a), 29.11.2003 Longest winning run N/A Longest unbeaten run N/A Longest losing run 6 matches (17.10.2003 – 29.11.2003) MATCHES Longest run without win 6 matches (17.10.2003 – 29.11.2003) 6 Longest losing run Most goals 26 v Chehovski Medvedi Moscow RUS 26:30L (h), 07.11.2003 Most goals opponent 33 v Chehovski Medvedi Moscow RUS 33:22L (a), 29.11.2003 GOALS Most goals both teams 56 v Chehovski Medvedi Moscow RUS 26:30L (h), 07.11.2003 26 Most goals 56 v C.BM. Ademar Leon ESP 24:32L (h), 21.11.2003
GOALS Fewest goals 18 v Montpellier HB FRA 18:27L (h), 17.10.2003 56 Most goals both teams Fewest goals opponent 27 v Montpellier HB FRA 18:27L (h), 17.10.2003 Fewest goals both teams 45 v Montpellier HB FRA 18:27L (h), 17.10.2003
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage1994/95 2003/04 Alpla HC Hard AUT 6 0 0 6 138:180 -42 0:12 4th Gr. D 6 0 0 6 138:180 -42 0:12
27 Alpla HC Hard
Petr Hrachovec coach • played for Rhein-Neckar Löwen and Kadetten Schaffhausen before starting his coaching career at the Swiss club • led Schaffhausen in his era (2009-2013) to three Swiss league titles and one cup victory, and steered them to the EHF Cup 2010 Final • was awarded Swiss Handball Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2011 • was part of the coaching staff of Pfadi Winterthur and be came assistant coach of the Swiss national team in 2013 • last year he took over from Markus Burger at Hard after Burger had led the team to four straight league titles
28 Alpla HC Hard
Team roster
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight 12 Risto Arnaudovski MKD Left Back 09/07/1981 Zagreb, CRO 196 100 24 Daniel Dicker AUT Left Back 05/06/1995 Graz, AUT 199 98 32 Golub Doknic MNE Goalkeeper 16/04/1982 Vrbas, SRB 195 112 20 Tim Gangloff AUT Goalkeeper 13/08/1999 Bregenz, AUT 185 80 26 Lukas Herburger AUT Line Player 19/12/1994 Bregenz, AUT 198 100 1 Thomas Hurich AUT Goalkeeper 06/04/1992 Wien, AUT 182 88 21 Michael Knauth AUT Right Wing 07/01/1983 Bregenz, AUT 178 80 5 Manuel Maier AUT Left Wing 17/05/1998 Bregenz, AUT 165 70 25 Matthias Maier AUT Right Wing 06/01/1997 Bregenz, AUT 180 61 16 Michael Pouget AUT Goalkeeper 27/02/1998 Salzburg, AUT 190 99 7 Luca Raschle AUT Left Wing 06/11/1990 St. Gallen, SUI 175 75 11 Niklas Schiller AUT Left Back 26/05/1998 Bregenz, AUT 180 80 6 Dominik Schmid AUT Left Back 07/09/1989 Bregenz, AUT 190 80 18 Paul Schwärzler AUT Right Back 07/05/2000 Hohenems, AUT 187 80 35 Domagoj Surac CRO Line Player 04/03/1984 Zadar, CRO 196 101 13 Marko Tanaskovic SRB Right Back 06/06/1985 Jagodina, SRB 200 96 27 Thomas Weber AUT Left Wing 07/06/1987 Bregenz, AUT 180 79 10 Frederik Wüstner AUT Left Back 07/09/1992 Bregenz, AUT 191 94 3 Konrad Wurst AUT Right Back 30/01/1998 Bregenz, AUT 198 85 22 Marcel Zech AUT Left Wing 29/05/1995 Bregenz, AUT 190 65 28 Gerald Zeiner AUT Centre Back 28/06/1988 Krems/Donau, AUT 190 87 9 Boris Zivkovic AUT Right Back 02/05/1992 Bregenz, AUT 195 90
29 Alpla HC Hard
Golub Doknic goalkeeper • Montenegrin goalkeeper who joined Hard in 2011 • started his international career at Vardar, later played for Conversano in Italy and Kolubara in Serbia • has won at least one domestic title in every country he played: cup winner in Macedonia, champion and cup winner in Italy, two-time champion and cup winner in Serbia, four-time champion and one-time cup winner in Austria • voted Best Foreign Player of the Austrian league HLA twice (2012, 2013)
Risto Arnaudovski left back • born in Zagreb, but became Macedonian citizen and national team player for FYR Macedonia • has played in Croatia, France, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Germany before, and became top scorer of the Croatian league in 2004 and 2009 • previously played for Austrian clubs Bärnbach and Ferlach before joining Hard this season
Gerald Zeiner centre back • previously played for Austrian clubs Krems, Tulln and Leoben before, and participated in the Challenge Cup and the EHF Cup with Krems • first signed for Hard in 2013, and has just extended his contract until 2019 • has won the Austrian league three times and the cup once • No. 1 playmaker in national team since former team captain Victor Szilagyi ended his career
Marko Tanaskovic right back • part of the youth programme at Crvena Zvezda Belgrade • at age 19 he joined Ystad in Sweden and was expected to sign with 2002 CL winners SC Magdeburg but tore his cruciate ligament right before the transfer • joined Hard in 2010 after one season at Smederevo in Serbia (SRB) and has been part of the squad for each of the five titles that Hard have won in the past six years
30 Alpla HC Hard
Thomas Weber left wing • brother of Austrian international Robert Weber, who was twice the top scorer of the German Bundesliga while playing for SC Magdeburg • both Thomas and Robert are fast-paced wings – but on the opposite sides of the court • born in Bregenz but started his career at Hard • later joined Westwien in Vienna, also to complete his studies in the capital, and returned in 2012 • part of Austrian national team coach Patrekur Johannesson’s squad
Frederic Wüstner back • like many of his teammates, he started his career at the local rivals Bregenz • signed for Hard in the middle of the 2011/12 season • mainly playing in defence, rarely in attack
Domagoj Surac line player • has replaced fellow Croat Kresimir Kozina, who joined Füchse Berlin • played for Croatian clubs in Split and Zadar as well as Terrano in Italy before moving to Austria • played four seasons (until 2015) in Leoben, followed by one year at Krems • scored 77 goals in his first season at Hard, making him key for the Austrian championship
Michael Knauth right wing • born in Bregenz, he played 15 years (1993-2008) for the local club • starting in his 10th season at Hard, making him one of the most experienced players in the squad • has won record 11 Austrian league titles – six with Bregenz, five with Hard • has played 28 international matches for Austria • chasing the 1,000-goal mark in the Austrian league this season, having scored 973 times so far
31 Cocks
GROUP 1 Cocks (FIN)
Road to the VELUX EHF Champions League: Once again, Cocks won the championship in Finland. The 2017 title came after what was probably the most successful season in the history of the club from the town of Riihimäki. First, Cocks had their first try in the qualification tournament for the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase, before qualifying for the EHF Cup Group Phase for the first time ever in the autumn. Club Address In the domestic play-offs, Cocks had no real trouble in either the semi-final or final, Cocks which were both played ‘best of five’. Three matches were enough to eliminate Teollisuuskatu 16 SIF in the semis, and three matches were also all Cocks needed to defeat former 11120 Riihimäki champions BK-46 in the final. Finland Cocks started by winning 31:25 at home, then 32:28 away, and on May 20, the Media contact lifted the trophy on home ground after another four-goal win at 28:24. Jari Viita “The experience we gained from the Champions League qualifiers and the EHF Cup +358 500 480744 gave us an extra boost, which we could use further on in the season this time,” [email protected] Cocks left back Nico Rönnberg said.
www.cocks.fi riihimakicocks @riihimakicocks
Past achievements VELUX EHF Champions League Kit colours Participations (including 2017/18 season): 2 Qualification (1): 2016/17 Light Player shirt: yellow Other Player short: red EHF Cup: group phase 2016/17 Goalkeeper shirt: green Challenge Cup: quarter-finals 2013/14, 2014/15 Dark Player shirt: red Baltic league: winners 2015/16, 2016/17, Player short: red Playing hall runners-up 2012/13 Goalkeeper shirt: orange Elenia Areena Finnish league: 9 titles (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, Härkätie 17 B 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) 13130 Hämeenlinna Finnish cup: 8 titles Finland Capacity: 1,960
32 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 Most goals N/A Most goals opponent N/A Most goals both teams N/A Fewest goals N/A Fewest goals opponent N/A Fewest goals both teams N/A
33 Cocks
Gintaras Savukynas coach • joined in the summer 2016 from a job as coordinator of the handball section of the Norwegian club Bergsøj IL, where he was also head coach • has signed a two-year contract with Cocks with an option for another two years • was national coach of Lithuania from 2009-2014, simultanously also in charge of Belarusian Meshkov Brest from 2010-2012 • during his time as a player, he played in Iceland, Switzerland and Nor- way, apart from his native country • particularly known for his professional approach to his job and for his tactical skills
34 Cocks
Team roster
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight 30 Kalle Alander FIN Goalkeeper 13/06/1995 Riihimäki, FIN 197 93 7 Aliaksandr Bachko BLR Centre Back 15/08/1989 Grandichi, BLR 190 93 44 Davor Basaric SRB Line Player 03/11/1990 Nis, SRB 190 99 31 Victor Kovalenko RUS Centre Back 13/01/1982 Leningrad, RUS 193 95 17 Yury Lukyanchuk BLR Line Player 05/01/1990 Brest, BLR 195 102 32 Giedreius Morkunas LTU Goalkeeper 07/11/1987 Utena, LTU 186 90 23 Vitalie Nenita MDA Right Back 04/06/1987 Chisinau, MDA 192 95 20 Andrei Novoselov RUS Right Wing 25/08/1986 Yougorenok, RUS 175 75 22 Nico Rönnberg FIN Left Back 14/04/1992 Karjaa, FIN 191 95 87 Vitalii Shitsko RUS Goalkeeper 09/09/1987 St. Petersburg, RUS 198 95 21 Robin Sjöman FIN Line Player 25/08/1992 Karjaa, FIN 195 95 19 Roni Syrjälä FIN Right Wing 28/03/1995 Riihimäki, FIN 183 82 15 Teemu Tamminen FIN Left Wing 27/08/1987 Riihimäki, FIN 191 92 55 Aliaksandr Tsitou BLR Line Player 28/10/1986 Mahilev, BLR 193 102 3 Jani Tuominen FIN Left Wing 30/01/1992 Riihimäki, FIN 182 85 8 Andre Udd FIN Left Back 05/06/1996 Karjaa, FIN 196 90 33 Theo Westerlund FIN Right Back 30/07/1996 Tammisaari, FIN 193 96 4 Viktar Zaitsau BLR Left Back 27/08/1992 Bobruisk, BLR 204 120
35 Cocks
Vitalii Shitsko goalkeeper • playing his third season for Cocks after joining from St. Petersburg HC in 2015 • promoted into first-choice keeper already last season and more undisputed in the seat after Kiril Morozov has left. • has CL experience from several years with St. Petersburg HC • with his 32 years of age, he also possesses the perfect experience for a goalkeeper
Nico Rönnberg left back • younger brother of nearly legendary playmaker Andreas Rönnberg, but has managed to made his own name known in handball circles too • originally a Cocks player, but had a short foreign adventure by Norwegian ØIF Arendal in the 2013-14 season • with a total of 10 goals, he played his part, as the Finnish national team made it through to Qualification Tournament 2 for the EHF EURO 2018 • became top scorer with 12 goals, as Cocks defeated SKA Minsk 36:32 in the final of the Baltic Handball League 2015/16
Victor Kovalenko centre back • versatile back court player with a lot of experience and an obvious back-up for all back court players in the expected starting line-up • rich CL experience from Montenegrin Buducnost, Belarusian Dinamo Minsk, Ukrainian Dinamo Poltava and Russian HC St. Petersburg • joined Cocks from St. Petersburg in 2015 • scored 40 goals in 12 matches, as Cocks won the Baltic Handball League in the 2015-16 season
Theo Westerlund right back • joined Cocks in the summer 2017 from Finnish league colleagues Sjundeå IF on a two-year contract with an option of a further year. • only 20 years old but has already had his appearances in Finland’s senior national team • replacing Portuguese international Tiago Silva who has left after just one season • his stay with Cocks is his first as a full time professional • flexibility, a good shot and the ability to break through the opposing defence are his main assets
36 Cocks
Teemu Tamminen left wing • scored a total of 22 goals – 11 in each match – as Finland defeated Luxembourg in the play-offs for the Qualification 2 for the EHF EURO 2018 • born in Riihimäki, the home town of Cocks, and has played for the club always • scored no less than 14 goals, as Cocks defeated HC West in the decisive match for the Finnish championship 2015-16 • recently extended his contract for another two years, so the Cocks should be sure to benefit from his skills at least until the summer of 2018
Aliaksandr Bachko centre back • joined in the 2016 summer from SKA Minsk in his homeland • was a particular key player for Minsk in the group phase of the EHF Cup last season, where he topped a great season as playmaker by scoring 34 goals himself • expected to fill out the otherwise big footprints of Andres Rönnberg who has left for Finnish league rivals BK-46 Karis • was part of the Belarusian national team at the 2015 World Championship in Qatar
Davor Basaric line player • joined Cocks this summer from Spanish Bidasoa one a one year contract with the option of a further year • demonstrated his attacking qualities by scoring 40 goals in 29 Asobal matches for Bidasoa last season • has European experience from playing the EHF Cup for the Serbian clubs RK Nis and Spartak Vojput; has further international experience from several appearances in the Serbian national team
Andrei Novoselov right wing • further member of an increasing number of Eastern European players by Cocks • just like goalkeeper Morozov, he has previous CL experience, in his case from HC St. Petersburg • joined Cocks from St. Petersburg in 2015 • with his 177 cm, he is not among the tallest in men’s international handball, not even as a winger, but he compensates with his speed and his variety of shots from the wing as well as on counter attacks • scored 34 goals in 14 matches in the Baltic Handball League last season while staying clear of any suspensions and warnings
37 Official Partner of the EHF and the EHF Champions League
KOBRA MID Black / Safety Yellow
salminghandball.com 38 2016/17 Top Scorers
2016/17 Top Scorers Rank Player Club Goals 1 Uwe Gensheimer (GER) Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) 115 Official Partner of the EHF and the EHF Champions League 2 Mikkel Hansen (DEN) Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) 99 3 Momir Ilic (SRB) Telekom Veszprém (HUN) 89 4 Zsolt Balogh (HUN) MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN) 88 Jure Dolenec (SLO) Montpellier HB (FRA) 88 6 Kiril Lazarov (MKD) FC Barcelona Lassa (ESP) 85 7 Gabor Csaszar (HUN) Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI) 84 8 Alex Dujshebaev (ESP) HC Vardar (MKD) 83 9 Nedim Remili (FRA) Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) 81 Rastko Stojkovic (SRB) HC Meshkov Brest (BLR) 81 11 Nikola Karabatic (FRA) Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) 79 12 Julen Aguinagalde (ESP) KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL) 78 13 Banc Janc (SLO) RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO) 77 14 Dainis Kristopans (LAT) HC Meshkov Brest (BLR) 76 Valero Rivera (ESP) FC Barcelona Lassa (ESP) 76 16 Laszlo Nagy (HUN) Telekom Veszprém (HUN) 73 17 Magnus Bramming (DEN) TTH Holstebro (DEN) 72 Jerry Tollbring (SWE) IFK Kristianstad (SWE) 72 Marko Vujin (SRB) THW Kiel (GER) 72 20 Karol Bielecki (POL) KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL) 71 Timur Dibirov (RUS) HC Vardar (MKD) 71 Stipe Mandalinic (CRO) HC PPD Zagreb (CRO) 71 23 Mathieu Grebille (FRA) Montpellier HB (FRA) 70 Jonas Källman (SWE) MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN) 70 Andre Schmid (SUI) Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER) 70 26 Sergei Gorbok (RUS) MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN) 69 27 Nicolas Claire (FRA) HBC Nantes (FRA) 68 Niclas Ekberg (SWE) THW Kiel (GER) 68 Sajad Esteki (IRI) Dinamo Bucuresti (ROU) 68
KOBRA MID 30 Nikolaj Markussen (DEN) Bjerringbro-Silkeborg (DEN) 67 Black / Safety Yellow
salminghandball.com 39 Past winners
Past winners
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)
40 All-time club standings 1993 - 2017
All-time club standings 1993 - 2017
TR Name of the club MP W D L GF:FA GD P NP % 1 FC Barcelona Lassa ESP 262 195 18 49 8050:6721 +1329 408:116 (20)* 77,86%
2 THW Kiel GER 258 175 16 67 7897:6950 +947 366:150 (20)* 70,93% 3 Telekom Veszprém HUN 242 164 12 66 6993:6281 +712 340:144 (21)* 70,25% 4 HC PPD Zagreb CRO 242 113 25 104 6335:6232 +103 251:233 (23)* 51,86% 5 BM Atletico Madrid ESP 144 111 5 28 4502:3803 +699 227:61 (10) 78,82% 6 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 202 104 13 85 5773:5493 +280 221:183 (19)* 54,70% 7 Montpellier HB FRA 186 103 12 71 5353:5099 +254 218:154 (17)* 58,60% 8 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 166 103 11 52 4960:4571 +389 217:115 (12)* 65,36% 9 KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 126 75 10 41 3695:3541 +154 160:92 (10)* 63,49% 10 MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 152 69 12 71 4179:4177 +2 150:154 (14)* 49,34% 11 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 146 65 17 64 4419:4307 +112 147:145 (15)* 50,34% 12 HSV Hamburg GER 98 68 9 21 3088:2670 +418 145:51 (7) 73,98% 13 Portland San Antonio ESP 100 64 6 30 2929:2594 +335 134:66 (9) 67,00% 14 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 102 58 12 32 3029:2834 +195 128:76 (7)* 62,75% 15 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 118 54 9 55 3330:3361 -31 117:119 (12) 49,58% 16 Reale Ademar Leon ESP 100 50 6 44 2875:2817 +58 106:94 (10)* 53,00% 17 Paris Saint-Germain Handball FRA 80 49 6 25 2346:2198 +148 104:56 (6)* 65,00% 18 HC Vardar MKD 104 45 11 48 2846:2943 –97 101:107 (10)* 48,56% 19 HC Metalurg MKD 82 32 5 45 2008:2125 -117 69:95 (8)* 42,07% 20 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 96 28 7 61 2533:2775 –242 63:129 (10)* 32,81%
21 Chambery Savoie Handball FRA 74 29 3 42 2028:2133 -105 61:87 (8) 41,22% 22 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 86 25 7 54 2423:2582 -159 57:115 (9)* 33,14% 23 RK Gorenje Velenje SLO 62 26 1 35 1779:1775 +4 53:71 (6)* 42,74% 26 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 48 23 4 21 1405:1402 +3 50:46 (4)* 52,08% 27 HC Meshkov Brest BLR 64 19 7 38 1746:1853 -107 45:83 (7)* 35,16% 37 TATRAN Presov SVK 56 13 5 38 1504:1707 -203 31:81 (8)Q 27,68% 44 Skjern Handbold DEN 26 10 4 12 686:691 –5 24:28 (3)* 46,15% 47 HBC Nantes FRA 14 10 2 2 433:387 +46 22:6 (1)* 78,57% 48 Aalborg Handball DEN 34 8 5 21 917:993 -76 21:47 (3)* 30,88% 56 Elverum Handball NOR 20 6 3 11 531:563 -32 15:25 (2)* 37,50%
57 IFK Kristianstad SWE 28 6 3 19 790:848 -58 15:41 (2)* 26,79% 58 Besiktas Mogaz HT TUR 34 7 1 26 910:1079 –169 15:53 (3)* 22,06% 68 Dinamo Bucuresti ROU 16 4 2 10 442:492 -50 10:22 (2)* 31,25% 96 Sporting CP Lisboa POR 6 2 0 4 132:149 –17 4:8 (1)Q 33,33% 117 Alpla HC Hard AUT 6 0 0 6 138:180 -42 0:12 (1)Q 0,00% NR Cocks FIN 0 0 0 0 0:0 0 0:0 (0)Q 0,00%
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UNQ_Handball_2015_A4.indd 1 20/03/15 16:44 Thinkonepassion can reach many WE BELIEVE LIFE countries. SHOULD BE SIMPLER. The UNIQA Group is one of the leading insurance groups in its core markets of Austria and Central and Eastern Europe LESS THINGS We pay attention to every meaningful detail, to manage with over 40 companies in chores and daily life a bit simpler, so that you can have more time to do the things you love. To worry less and 19 countries and more than TO CONSIDER. enjoy more. Our mission is to simplify your everyday life. 10 million customers. MORE TIME TO ENJOY. www.uniqagroup.com
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UNQ_Handball_2015_A4.indd 1 20/03/15 16:44 For further information please contact: Vladislav Brindzak EHF Media & Communications +43 1 80151 161 [email protected]
European Handball Federation EHF Marketing GmbH Hoffingergasse 18 Hoffingergasse 18 1120 Vienna 1120 Vienna Austria Austria
Tel +43 1 80151 0 Tel +43 1 80151 224