Media Information - European Handball Federation

Transcription

Media Information
VELUX EHF Champions League
Season 2015/16
Group Phase
VELUX EHF Champions League 2015/2016
OFFICIAL PROGRAMME
Title sponsor
Premium sponsor
Regional
Premium sponsor
Partners
VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
SPONSORS
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Table of contents
Foreword6
Media contacts
7
Map of participating clubs 8
Playing system diagrams - stages and dates
9
Where to follow - live ticker, live streaming, EHF_live
11
List of TV stations
13
ehfTV.com relaunches, first MOTWs announced
14
VELUX EHF FINAL4 countdown
16
Ticket partners for VELUX EHF FINAL4 announced
18
Qualification review
19
Facts & Figures of the Group Phase
20
Important regulations - scoring of matches and ranking
23
GROUP A
Preview
25
Head-to-heads in the EC
26
THW Kiel
30
MVM Veszprem 34
Paris Saint-Germain Handball
38
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko
42
Orlen Wisla Plock
46
HC Prvo Plinarsko Drustvo Zagreb
50
Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu 54
SG Flensburg-Handewitt
58
GROUP B
Preview
63
64
FC Barcelona Lassa
67
KS Vive Tauron Kielce
71
HC Vardar
75
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn
79
MOL-Pick Szeged
83
Rhein-Neckar Löwen
87
IFK Kristianstad
91
Montpellier HB
94
4
Table of contents
GROUP C
Preview
99
100
Naturhouse La Rioja
101
HC Meshkov Brest
105
Chekhovskie Medvedi
109
Futebol Clube do Porto
113
HC Vojvodina
117
Tatran Presov
120
GROUP D
Preview
125
126
HC Metalurg
127
Skjern Handbold
131
HC Motor Zaporozhye
135
Kadetten Schaffhausen
139
HCM Baia Mare
143
Elverum Handball Herrer
146
HISTORY
2014/15 Top scorers
150
2014/15 All-Star Team
150
Past winners
151
History of the EHF Champions League
152
All-time club standings
154
5
Foreword
Dear handball friends,
On behalf of the European Handball Federation, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the
Group Phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League 2015/16. As we enter the opening stages
of the 23rd season, we are looking forward to a fresh challenge for Europe’s top teams as a
new playing system has been introduced with more teams and many more tough and exciting
matches for fans to enjoy.
Starting the season are 28 of the continent’s leading teams, the expanded field representing 20
countries from across Europe. Denmark, Spain, France, Hungary, FYR Macedonia and Poland
each have two teams in the competition this season, whilst Germany is the only country
represented by three clubs. Thanks to the expanded number of participants, fans can look
forward to a record-breaking number of 176 matches in the Group Phase, which is an increase
of 56 games compared to last season.
The VELUX EHF Champions League is a living product, and as such it needs to adapt and change
over time, which is why it was decided introduce these important changes this season. The
new system will involve more teams and more markets whilst at the same time creating a
playing modus that produces close matches throughout the competition.
Sixteen teams will compete in Groups A and B in the new playing system, while Groups C and
D contain six teams each. The best two teams from C and D will make it through to the Last 16
where they will join the teams placed two to six from Groups A and B. The two group winners
qualify directly for the quarter-finals stage.
There are five clubs in the competition with a EHF Champions League title to their name. The
defending champions and record winners, FC Barcelona Lassa, will launch their new campaign
in Group B together with the 2002/03 trophy holders Montpellier Handball, whilst three-time
winners THW Kiel will play in Group A with 2013/14 champions, SG Flensburg-Handewitt, and
the 2003/04 winners Celje Pivovarna Lasko.
IFK Kristianstad, Vojvodina, HCM Baia Mare and the qualifier Elverum will also make their
premiere amongst the heavyweights of European handball, but there will be no time for the
newcomers to find their feet with tough clashes promised right from the very first round.
The dream of Cologne and the VELUX EHF FINAL4 may seem a distant one as the season throws
off but there is much to look forward to over the months ahead. I wish all teams the very best
of luck on their VELUX EHF Champions League journey and wish you, the fans, a very enjoyable
season!
Jean Brihault
EHF President
6
EHF/M media contacts
Media matters
TV and Radio
Vlado Brindzak
Media and Communications
European Handball Federation
+43 1 80 151 161
brindzak@eurohandball.com
Miguel Mateo Marcellan
Media Manager
EHF Marketing GmbH
+43 1 80 151 224
mateo@ehfmarketing.com
Clubs media contacts
GROUP A
GROUP B
GROUP C
GROUP D
THW Kiel (GER)
Christian Robohm
+49 1635306300
christian.robohm@thw-handball.de
FC Barcelona Lassa (ESP)
Gustau Galvache
+34 618522789
gustau.galvache@fcbarcelona.cat
Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)
Jaime Luis Gonzalez Gutierrez
+34 63 77 66 107
naturhouselarioja.ehf@gmail.com
HC Metalurg (MKD)
Ana Neloska
+389 723 103 98
a.neloska@rkmetalurg.mk
Veszprém HC (HUN)
Zsolt Sevinger
+36 305024547
mkbmvmveszprem@chello.hu
KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL)
Sebastian Kozubek
+48 505031244
s.kozubek@vivetargi.pl
HC Meshkov Brest (BLR)
Alexandr Kulbaka
+375 29 350 74 79
media@bgk-meshkova.com
Skjern Handbold (DEN)
Jette Alstrup
+45 606 602 59
jette@skjernhaandbold.dk
Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA)
Louise Cosnard
+33 675 591 939
lcosnard@psg.fr
HC Vardar (MKD)
Marko Savovski
+389 75 200 088
markosavovski@live.com
Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS)
Olga Belysheva
+7 909 6391 839
victi@bk.ru
HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR)
Dmitriy Karpushchenko
+380 50 5581181
hkmotor@yandex.ru
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO)
Nejc Ajdnik
+386 40687766
nejc.ajdnik@rk-celje.si
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN)
Thomas Christensen
+45 22 629062
tc@kif.dk
Futebol Clube do Porto (POR)
Joana Moreira
+351 22 508 32 68
joana.moreira@fcporto.pt
Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)
Barbara Imobersteg
+41 787203247
imo.schule@gmx.ch
Orlen Wisla Płock (POL)
Tomasz Bauman
Tel: +48 723 100 787
t.bauman@sprwislaplock.pl
MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN)
Levente Juhasz
+36 70 543 0979
levente.juhasz@pickhandball.hu
HC Vojvodina (SRB)
Dan Fracile
+381 65 861 8533
rkvojvodina1@gmail.com
HCM Baia Mare (ROU)
Paul Ursachi
+40 757 275 832
paul@minaur.ro
HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)
Goran Roknic
+385 95 9999 334
glasnogovornik@rk‐zagreb.hr
Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER)
Christopher Monz
+491744288849
monz@rhein-neckar-loewen.de
Tatran Presov (SVK)
Branko Benko
+421 911 620435
manager@tatranpresov.sk
Elverum Handball Herrer (NOR)
Erik Henriksen
+47 400 21299
erik@ehh.no
Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu (TUR)
Berk Karahan
+90 535 358 8747
berk.karahan@bjk.com.tr
IFK Kristianstad (SWE)
Anders Hallengren
+46 734 33 11 88
anders.hallengren@ifkkristianstad.se
SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER)
Sandra von Wallis
+49 4611609625
s.vonwallis@sg-flensburg-handewitt.de
Montpellier HB (FRA)
Suzy Demonte
+33 499 610 358
suzy.demonte@montpellier-handball.com
7
VELUX EHF FINAL4
Naturhouse
La Rioja, ESP
Futebol Clube
do Porto, POR
Montpellier
HB, FRA
Paris Saint-Germain
Handball, FRA
Rhein-Neckar
Löwen, GER
FC Barcelona
Lassa, ESP
Host City Cologne, GER
OCI-Lions,
NED
Skjern
Handbold, DEN
Kadetten
Schaffhausen, SUI
KIF Kolding
Kobenhavn, DEN
Teams eliminated in qualification
Groups C&D teams
Groups A&B teams
Season 2015/16
VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
8
Alpla
HC Hard, AUT
Elverum Handball
Herrer, NOR
A G
R
E
B
IFK Kristianstad,
SWE
HC PPD
Zagreb,CRO
RK Celje Pivovarna
Lasko, SLO
Z
P RVO P L I N A R S KO D R U Š T VO
R U KO M E T N I K L U B
SG FlensburgHandewitt, GER
RK Borac m:tel
Banja Luka, BIH
THW Kiel,
GER
HC Metalurg,
MKD
HC Vojvodina
Novi Sad, SRB
MOL-Pick
Szeged, HUN
Veszprem HC,
HUN
HCM Baia Mare,
ROU
HC Motor
Zaporozhye, UKR
Tatran Presov,
SVK
Chekhovskie
Medvedi, RUS
KS Vive Tauron
Kielce, POL
Besiktas Jimnastik
Kulubu, TUR
HC Meshkov
Brest, BLR
HC Vardar
MKD
Orlen Wisla
Plock, POL
9
B5
B6
B7
B8
A5
A6
A7
A8
02.-06.03.2016
second leg
27.04-01.05.2016
second leg
23.03.-27.03.2016
Group A & B only
Group A & B only
Group A & B and
KO Group C & D
Group A & B and
KO Group C & D
M2
M1
B1
A1
Quarter-finals
ﬁrst leg
20.-24.04.2016
25.-29.11.2015
02.-06.12.2015
10.-14.02.2016
17.-21.-02.2016
24.-28.02.2016
Season 2015/16 playing schedule
vs
vs
Last 16
D6
C6
M3
M4
vs
vs
ﬁrst leg
16.03.-20.03.2016
D5
C5
C1
B4
A4
B3
A3
B2
A2
M5
M6
16.-20.09.2015
23.-27.09.2015
30.09.-04.10.2015
07.-11.10.2015
14.-18.10.2015
21.-25.10.2015
11.-15.11.2015
18.-22.11.2015
D4
C4
vs
D1
vs
vs
vs
vs
vs
vs
bye
bye
05.-06.09.2015
D3
C3
K2 D2
vs
M6 A5
M5 B5
M4 A6
M3 B6
M2 K2
M1 K1
B1
A1
Quarter-finals
(no draw)
Group Phase
D2
C2
D1
K1 C2
B4
A4
C1
B3
A3
Group Phase
KO Matches (no draw)
B2
A2
Group Phase
Groups C & D (draw)
B1
A1
Last 16
(no draw)
Qualification Tournament
Qualification
Tournament
(no draw)
Season 2015/16
playing system
Group Phase
Groups A & B (draw)
vs
28.-29.05.2016
FINAL4
Final
vs
3rd place match
vs
vs
Semi-finals
(draw)
VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2015/16
Qualification
Tournament
Group Phase
Last 16
Quarterfinals
FINAL4
16.-20.03.2016
first leg
20.-24.04.2016
first leg
28./29.05.2016
tournament
23.-27.03.2016
second leg
27.04.-01.05.2016
second leg
played in
semi finals and finals
in Cologne
16.-20.09.15 (1); 23.-27.09.2015 (2);
05./06.09.2015
tournament
10.-14.02.2016 (11 - A/B); 17.-21.02.2016 (12 -A/B)
24.-28.02.2016 (13); 02.-06.03.2016 (14)
26 June 2015 in Vienna/AUT
26 June 2015 in Vienna/AUT
no draw
no draw
03.05.2016
Group A and B (16 teams)
2 groups with 8 teams
12 teams
8 teams
4 teams
4 Winners of VELUX EHF Champions League Quarterfinals
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
25.-29.11.2015 (9); 02.-06.12.2015 (10)
in one venue
6 Winners of VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16 + 2 Winners of Group A + B
DRAWS:
14.-18.10.2015 (5); 21.-25.10.2015 (6)
11.-15.11.2015 (7); 18.-22.11.2015 (8)
1st placed team of Group A and B qualify directly for the Quarterfinals;
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th placed team of Group A and B as well as winners of
KO matches from Group C and D qualify for the Last 16
played in semi finals and finals
30.09.-04.10.2015 (3); 07.-11.10.2015 (4)
GER 1
ESP 1
HUN 1
POL 1
MKD 1
FRA 1
DEN 1
SLO 1
HUN 2
POL 2
CRO 1
GER 2
SWE 1
TUR 1
FRA 2
GER 3
THW Kiel
FC Barcelona Lassa
MKB-MVM Veszprem
HC Vardar
Paris Saint Germain HB
MOL-Pick Szeged
Orlen Wisla Plock
HC PPD Zagreb
Rhein-Neckar Löwen
IFK Kristianstad
Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu
Montpellier HB
Group C and D (12 teams)
2 groups with 6 teams
ESP 2
MKD 2
DEN 2
BLR 1
RUS 1
UKR 1
SUI 1
POR 1
ROU 1
SRB 1
SVK 1
NOR 1
AUT 1
BIH 1
NED 1
Naturhouse La Rioja
HC Metalurg
Skjern Handball
HC Meskov Brest
Chekhovskie medvedi
HC Motor
HCM Baia Mare
Vojvodina
Tatran Presov
ALPLA HC Hard
RK Borac m:tel
OCI/Lions
Winner of
the
Qualification
tournament
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
1 group with 4 teams
4th placed team of CL Qualification Tournament goes to EHF
1st and 2nd placed team of CL Group Phase Group C
Cup Qualification Rd 2,
and D play Group KO matches. Winners of these
2nd and 3rd placed team of CL Qualification Tornament go to
matches qualify for L16
EHF Cup Qualification Rd 3
status: 24.06.2015
EHF Champions League information
New ways to follow the VELUX EHF Champions League
Accreditation for Group Phase
When Elverum Handball Herrer face OCI-Lions in the opening semifinal of the VELUX EHF Champions League Qualification Tournament
on Saturday at 17:30 CET, the live stream on ehfTV.com will not be
the only way fans can follow the action.
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.
The tournament in Banja Luka will be covered on a variety of
platforms, ensuring that anyone interested will not miss a beat,
wherever they are.
Online information
www.ehfCL.com
www.ehfTV.com
www.ehfFINAL4.com
Regulations of the VELUX EHF Champions League
Twitter: @ehf, @ehfcl
Facebook: ehf.champions.league
The EHF Live Ticker will track the scores of all four matches this
weekend and for the rest of the season. Every goal, missed shot
and yellow card will be documented and live statistics made
available online for the first time at this stage of Europe’s elite club
competition.
EHF Live launched
Official name
The EHF’s social media channels will provide a very different view of
the chase for the final group phase place.
The official name of the competition is: VELUX EHF Champions
League. The full name of the competition should always be used.
VELUX and the three letter abbreviation for the European Handball
Federation should always be displayed in capital letters before the
name of the competition.
As well as the coverage on the EHF Champions League Facebook page
and Instagram EHF journalist Nemanja Savic will be on site to launch
coverage of the matches, reserved typically for the final weekends of
major competitions, on two new channels.
Please note: If the season is required, it has to be positioned after
“Champions League” e.g. VELUX EHF Champions League 2014/15. The
wording “Champions League” should be written with a capital letter
at the beginning of each word, i.e. Champions League. The remaining
letters should be in lower case. The word Champions does not have
an apostrophe after the ‘s’.
This season fans can follow the @EHF_Live Twitter account to keep up
to date with all aspects of the event and add EHF_Live on Snapchat
for a behind the scenes look. Team line-ups and match reports
Online match reports
From the opening matches of the season, the complete team line-up
is available online at eurohandball.com and available to download
as a PDF document. The change has been made possible thanks to
the introduction of a new online solution, which sees the EHF match
delegate complete the final team line-up immediately after the
technical meeting. This development means that team line-ups are
available for commentators and reporters hours before each match
throws-off.
A further change means that a short time after each match, a
completed match report will also be available online with details such
as goal scorers and number of spectators.
Team line-ups and match reports can be viewed by clicking on a
particular match on the eurohandball.com or ehfCL.com websites.
The online system is also under further development with the
ultimate aim being to provide live scores and statistics from EHF
competitions and to be available on the EHF website.
11
Hol Dir Sky und freu Dich auf die VELUX EHF Champions League.
Erlebe alle Spiele der deutschen Teams
sowie das VELUX EHF FINAL4 live,
exklusiv und in HD.
sky.de/sports
TV stations to broadcast matches all over the world
The matches of the upcoming season will be shown live or delayed almost all over the world. Not less than 47 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 and Brazil), Asia and Africa (countries of Middle East and North Africa, Malaysia and Singapore) can look
forward to a television coverage.
See the list of TV stations and countries below:
EUROPE
•
ISR Charlton Sport / Sport 1
•
SRB
Arena Sport
•
BEL Eleven Sports
•
ITA sportitalia
•
SUI
Teleclub
•
BIH Arena Sport
•
MKD MKRTV
•
SVK/CZE
Sport 1
•
BLR BYRBCT Belarus 5
•
MKD Arena Sport
•
SWE
Viasat 10
•
CRO HRT
•
MNE Arena Sport
•
TUR
Dsmart
•
CRO Arena Sport
•
NOR Viasat Sport
•
UKR
Xsport
•
DEN DR
•
POL NC+
AMERICA
•
ESP TV3 Catalunya
•
POR Sport TV Portugal
•
ESP TVE/ teledeporte
•
POR Porto TV
•
FRA beIN Sports 1/ 3
•
ROU Digisport Romania
•
GER Sky Germany
•
ROU Dolce Sport
•
GRE OTE
•
RUS NTv+ Sport
•
HUN sport1/2
•
SLO Sport TV Slovenia
•
ISL
•
SRB RTS
STod2
13
•
BRA
Esporte Interactivo
•
USA
beIN Sports USA
ASIA
•
MENA
beIN Sports MENA
•
MYS
Eleven Sports
•
SGP
Eleven Sports
Important regulations
Scoring of the matches and ranking
General
Group Phase KO matches
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.
If, after the completion of the two matches, both clubs have won
the same number of points (no extra time will be played), the teams’
standings shall be determined by the following criteria:
a) goal difference
b) higher number of plus goals scored in away match
c) penalty throws
The matches shall be scored as follows:
a) win = 2 points
b) draw = 1 point
c) loss = 0 points
Rules of execution of penalty throws
- Prior to the penalty throws, 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 take their throws.
Teams’ rankings are obtained by adding up the number of points won.
Group Phase
If two or more teams have scored the same number of points, the
ranking will be determined as follows:
- 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 perform as goalkeepers.
During the Group Phase:
a) higher goal difference in all matches;
b) higher number of plus goals in all matches;
- 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.
After completion of the Group Phase if two teams have scored the
same number of points:
a) number of points in matches of the two teams directly involved;
b) goal difference in matches of the two teams directly involved;
c) higher number of goals scored in the away match of the two teams directly involved;
d) goal difference in all matches of the group;
e) higher number of plus goals in all matches of the group;
- If the scores are equal after the first round of penalty throws, 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.
After completion of the Group Phase if three or more teams have
scored the same number of points:
a) number of points in matches of all teams directly involved;
b) goal difference in matches of all teams directly involved;
c) higher number of plus goals in matches of all teams directly involved;
d) goal difference in all matches of the group;
e) higher number of plus goals in all matches of the group;
- Eligible players are players entered in the match report that have
not been disqualified or suspended at the time of the final whistle.
- Serious infractions committed during penalty throws shall be
sanctioned by disqualification. If a thrower is disqualified or suffers an
injury, an eligible substitute player shall be named.
- 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 court.
If the ranking of one of these teams is determined, the criteria are
consecutively followed until the ranking of all teams is determined.
If no ranking can be determined, a decision shall be obtained by
drawing lots. Lots shall be drawn by the EHF, if possible in the
presence of a representative of each club.
- If the number of eligible players falls below five, players may be
named to take a second throw in the same round.
14
Relaunch
>>
Compatible with smartphones and tablets
>>
New design and user-friendly menu
>>
All matches of the VELUX EHF Champions
League and Women’s EHF Champions
League live and on-demand
>>
Additional matches from EHF competitions
incl. EHF EURO events
ehfTV.com
VELUX EHF FINAL4 countdown
millions of fans at home watched four unforgettable handball games
and a unique entertainment show.
The VELUX EHF FINAL4 is the culmination of the European club
handball season. The two-day event sees the best four men’s teams
in Europe playing to decide the ultimate winner of the VELUX EHF
Champions League.
Tickets for the 2015 edition of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 went on sale on
the opening day of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2014. Now, eight months
before the participating teams are known, only a very limited number
of tickets remain.
Introduced in the 2009/10 season and to be played until at least 2020
in the LANXESS arena, Cologne, the decision to create a new format
for the final phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League was seen as
crucial for the growth of handball across Europe.
The success of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 is also thanks to the
commitment of a great number of volunteers who have been active
on the weekend of the event. The application procedure for next
edition has already started and applications are invited also in the
area of media.
The aim was to create a flagship event, one that could compete on
the international sports market and make the Europe’s leading club
competition even more attractive to fans, partners and sponsors.
Full information at: www.ehfFINAL4.com
The success of the first six editions of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 showed
that this new format was the right strategy. It has set new standards
in organisation and entertainment: it is not just four games played
over two days but a true entertainment event.
VELUX EHF FINAL4 Media Accreditation
The accreditation procedure of media representatives for the VELUX
EHF FINAL4 will start in March 2016.
Yet again the 2015 VELUX EHF FINAL4 was the season’s highlight in
European handball – 20,000 spectators in the LANXESS arena and
16
· SHOW ·
ATMOSPHERE
· YOUR
EXCITEMENT
PERIENCE
THRILLING EX
VELUX EHF
FINAL4 2016
28 / 29 May 2016 LANXESS arena Cologne
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F FI N A L4 is the
The V ELU X EH
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fans from all ov
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.
fmarketing.com
ehfFIN A L4 @eh
www.facebook.com/ehf.champions.league www.ehfFINAL4.com
VELUX EHF FINAL4 travel and ticket
partners announced
With over 12,000 tickets already sold for the next edition of the VELUX EHF FINAL4, those unlucky enough not yet to have secured
their place in the LANXESS arena, Cologne on 28/29 May 2016 have been waiting for a chance to buy their ticket.
The event’s organiser, EHF Marketing GmbH, has released details of the first of its official travel and ticket partners, through which
fans will be able to purchase not just tickets but also hotel and travel packages.
The first nine official partners covering Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary and Switzerland have been announced, and will
be offering complete packages for fans wanting to travel to Cologne in May 2016.
Additional official ticket partners will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans wanting to make a booking with one of the official
travel partners should contact one of the following companies direct:
Vietentours
The well-known German sports travel specialist, Vietentours, has
been a partner of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 since 2010 and offers
travel packages to all major handball and sports events worldwide.
Contact:
+49 211 17 7000
handball@vietentours.com
www.vietentours.com.
Handbollsresor.nu
Official partner for both the Swedish and Danish markets and has
been a partner for several years.
Contact:
+46 70-524 10 20
info@handbollsresor.nu
www.handbollsresor.nu.
Hemispheres Voyages
A new partner, Hemispheres Voyages is the exclusive travel
partner for the French market. Specialising in sports travel, the
company has been organising travel arrangements to major rugby,
football, tennis and handball events for the past 18 years.
Contact:
+ 33 4 38 37 22 21
sport@hemispheres-voyages.fr
www.hemispheres-voyages.fr
Travel Sense A/S
Travel partner for the Danish market and official partner of the
VELUX EHF FINAL4 for the second time is Travel Sense A/S. The
company has tickets available in all categories.
Contact:
+ 45 70 23 06 44
info@travelsense.dk
www.travelsense.dk
Treff AG
Official travel partner for the Swiss market for a number of years
Contact:
+41 32 387 00 87
travel@treff.ch
OPProductions (OlliP)
Partner for both Swedish and Danish markets
(Travel packages available from October)
Contact:
opprod61@gmail.com
www.opproductions.se
Tensi Kft
Partner for the second time and covering the Hungarian market
Contact:
Tel: +36 30 686 9407
www.tensi.hu
Ticket2Final
A partner for several years, offering unique reservation packages,
which entitle you to tickets should your team qualify.
Contact:
+44 2033180475
service@ticket2final.com
www.ticket2final.com
TF travels
A long-standing partner covering the Swedish market.
tf@lysekil.nu
Kagan’s Turist Aps
Travel partner for the Danish market
Contact:
+45 24 41 93 50
info@kagan.dk
www.busudlejning.dk
www.koncertbussen.dk
18
Qualification Tournament review
Qualification Tournament
OCI-Lions (NED)
Alpla HC Hard (AUT)
RK Borac m:tel (BIH)
Playing hall
Sportska Dvorana “Borik”
Aleja Svetog Save 48
78000 Banja Luka
Bosnia Herzegovina
Capacity: 3,500
Group D
HC Metalurg (MKD)
HCM Baia Mare (ROU)
2nd ranked team - Alpla HC Hard - EHF Cup, Qualification Round 3
3rd ranked team - OCI-Lions - EHF Cup, Qualification Round 3
4th ranked team - RK Borac m:tel - EHF Cup, Qualification Round 2 vs Winner of Round 1:
HB Dudelange (LUX)/Haslum Handballklubb (NOR)
Review: Elverum qualify for group phase
It was literally a two-man show in the Borik Hall, as Stegavik and
Lindboe scored 13 of their team’s 15 goals in the first half, the
former leading the way with eight.
Elverum Handball Herrer ended a long five-year barren spell for
Norwegian clubs by reaching the VELUX EHF Champions League
group phase after winning the qualification tournament in grand
style.
Having tamed Dutch rivals OCI-Lions in Saturday’s semi-final,
Elverum overpowered Austrian outfit Alpla HC Hard in the final on
Sunday thanks to majestic performances by centre back Steffen
Stormo Stegavik and left wing Andre Lindboe. RK Metalurg, Skjern
Handbold, Kadetten Schaffhausen, Motor Zaporozhye and HCM Baia
Mare await them in Group D of the European top flight.
The Lions finished third after a well deserved win over tournament
hosts RK Borac m:tel in the day’s curtain raiser, as both teams joined
Alpla in the EHF Cup preliminary rounds.
VELUX EHF Champions League Qualification Tournament
Final:
Elverum Handball Herrer (NOR) vs Alpla HC Hard (AUT) 28:25 (15:11)
Elverum made Norway proud after capping a memorable weekend
in Banja Luka with a decisive victory against battling Alpla HC
Hard in the qualifying tournament’s final, which fully lived up to
expectations.
Buoyed by Saturday’s dramatic extra-time win over Borac, Alpla
made the brighter start and took an early 4:2 lead after Roland
Schlinger scored three quick goals for the Austrian team.
But the Norwegian side’s playmaker Steffen Stormo Stegavik quickly
outshone his counterpart, rifling in one goal after another to put
Elverum in the driving seat and give them a 9:6 advantage midway
through the first half.
He scored five of his team’s opening six goals and when Andre
Lindboe joined the party, Elverum scored four without reply in
the closing stages of the opening period to give themselves a
comfortable cushion at the interval.
19
As Alpla pressed hard after the break, Lindboe took over and scored
his eighth to keep the Norwegian outfit 18:15 ahead in the 35th
minute.
Clearly missing some fuel in the tank after Saturday’s strengthsapping encounter with Borac, Alpla looked deflated in the next few
minutes and allowed Elverum to pull away to 21:16.
Alpla were not to be trampled, however, and they hauled
themselves back into the contest with a 3:0 run which forced
Elverum to call a time-out midway through the second half.
With Stegavik and Lindboe tightly marked and stifled out in the last
quarter of the game, the support cast stepped up to keep Elverum
ahead as Alpla launched a fierce fightback.
Lindboe scored Elverum’s final goal to put the icing on the cake
for the determined Norwegian side, who can now look forward to
mixing it with Europe’s best in the forthcoming months.
Alpla’s consolation is a berth in the EHF Cup third qualifying
round and the Austrian club can head home with their heads high
after leaving at all on the court against a pair of more heralded
opponents.
Third place match:
OCI-LIONS (NED) vs RK Borac m:tel (BIH) 33:29 (16:14)
Semi-finals match:
Elverum Handball Herrer (NOR) vs OCI-Lions (NED) 35:30 (14:15)
Alpla HC Hard (AUT) vs RK Borac m:tel (BIH) 35:33 AET (30:30, 17:14)
Facts and figures of the group phase
200 matches on the road to the VELUX EHF FINAL4
To celebrate the return of the VELUX EHF Champions League,
here are the most important facts and figures of the upcoming
group phase and beyond:
0 times since the inauguration of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2010
has the champions defended their title. The last team to do so
was BM Ciudad Real in 2009.
1 draw only will be held this season - the one for the VELUX EHF
FINAL4 semi-finals in Cologne. Due to the new playing system,
all pairings of the Last 16 and quarter-finals are set by the
rankings of the groups phase.
1 coach led two different teams to the EHF Champions League
trophies: Icelandic born Alfred Gislason (2002 SC Magdeburg,
2010 and 2012 THW Kiel)
1 person won the EHF Champions League as a player and a
coach: Talant Dujshebaev. The current coach of Vive Tauron
Kielce won the competition in 1994 as a player of Santander
(ESP) and 2006, 2008 and 2009 as a coach of Ciudad Real.
Veszprem coach Carlos Antonio Ortega was close to becoming
number 2 on 31 May 2015, but failed in the final against his
former club Barcelona, with which he took the title six times as
a player.
2 winners of Groups A and B for the first time skip the Last 16
and directly qualify for the quarter-finals due to the new playing
system.
4 teams are debutants of the VELUX EHF Champions League
Group Phase: Baia Mare (ROU), Kristianstad (SWE), Vojvodina
(SRB) and Elverum (NOR), winner of the qualification
tournament)
4 (which means all) participants of the VELUX EHF FINAL 2015
have qualified for the group phase again: Barcelona, Veszprem,
Kielce and Kiel.
4 countries are represented by the previous 22 EHF Champions
League champions: Spain (14 titles), Germany (6), Slovenia and
France (each 1).
4 cross matches of the two best ranked teams of Groups C and D
in March will decide the two Last 16 spots of those groups.
5 times have Barcelona and Kiel each qualified for the VELUX
EHF FINAL4. Both won the trophy twice in Cologne’s LANXESS
arena.
was Hungarian record champions Veszprem in 2015.
6 times with three different clubs (Celje, Ciudad Real/3,
Barcelona/2) Belarusian Siarhei Rutenka won the EHF
Champions League and thus is the most successful active player,
ahead of Thierry Omeyer (Paris Saint-Germain), who the trophy
four times (Montpellier, Kiel/3). If Rutenka and Barcelona win
again, he joins all-time record winner Andrej Xepkin (six trophies
with Barcelona, one with Kiel).
6 pairings will compose the Last 16 this season. Those teams on
the positions 2-6 of Groups A and B and those teams winning
the qualification matches of Groups C and D will face in the first
knock-out stage.
7 former or current top scorers of the VELUX EHF Champions
League are still playing in the 2015/16 season: Momir Ilic
(2014/15 - 114 goals, 2013/14 - 103 goals, Veszprem), Mikkel
Hansen (2011/12 - 98 goals for AG Kobenhavn, now PSG), Uwe
Gensheimer (2010/11- 118 goals, Rhein Neckar Löwen), Filip
Jicha (2008/09- 99 goals, and 2009/10 - 119 goals for Kiel,
now Barcelona), Kiril Lazarov (2007/08 - 96 goals for Zagrab
and 2005/06 - 85 goals for Veszprem, now Barcelona), Nikola
Karabatic (2006/07 - 89 goals for Kiel, now PSG), Siarhei
Rutenka (2003/04 - 103 goals, 2004/05 - 85 goals for Celje, now
Barcelona).
8 times (1995-2000, 2011, 2015) record winners FC Barcelona
have won the EHF Champions League.
8 former or current IHF World Handball Players of the Year are
part of the 28 squads of this Champions League season, four
of them are contracted by PSG: Arpad Sterbik (2005/Vardar),
Nikola Karabatic (2007, 2014/PSG), Thierry Omeyer (2008/PSG),
Slawomir Szmal (2009/Kielce), Filip Jicha (2010/Barcelona),
Mikkel Hansen (2011/PSG), Daniel Narcisse (2012/PSG) and
Domagoj Duvnjak (2013/Kiel). Kielce coach Talant Dujshebaev
was awarded twice (1994, 1996).
11 years ago, was the last time, a club not from Germany or
Spain won the EHF Champions League: RK Pivovarna Lasko Celje
(Slovenia).
14 times Spanish teams have won the EHF Champions League
- Barcelona (8), Ciudad Real (3), Santander, Irun and Portland
(each 1).
14 rounds will be played in Groups A and B, Groups C and D will
play 10 rounds.
5 former or current EHF Champions League champions with a
collection of 14 trophies are part of the 2015/16 group phase:
Barcelona, Kiel, Flensburg, Montpellier and Celje.
20 nations are represented by the 28 group phase participants.
Germany have three clubs, Spain, France, Denmark, Hungary,
FYR Macedonia and Poland each two. In the 2014/16 season
(with 24 participating teams) it had only been 15 different
nations.
5 times only Spanish and/or German teams had qualified for the
finals of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 (2010 Kiel vs Barcelona, 2011
Barcelona vs Madrid, 2012 Kiel vs Madrid, 2013 Hamburg vs
Barcelona, 2014 Flensburg vs Kiel). The first and only exception
21 teams, which had been part of the 2014/15 group phase,
have qualified for this stage again.
20
22 Champions League participations in 23 years since the start
of the competition in the 1993/94 season make RK Zagreb
become the record holder ahead of Veszprem and Celje (21
participations).
22 goals in the 43:21 quarter-final clash of Barcelona against
Zagreb was the biggest margin of all matches in the 2014/15
season.
25 players - an all-time record - left Macedonian runners-up
Metalurg Skopje before the 2015/16 season.
28 teams are part of the new look group phase, split into eight
teams each in Groups A and B and six teams each in Groups C
and D.
29 points in 16 matches was FC Barcelona’s record during their
successful 2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions League campaign (14
wins, one draw and one defeat).
56.18 goals were scored in average in all 160 matches of the
2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions League season.
Teams by age average
HC Vardar
HCM Baia Mare
HC Meshkov Brest
FC Barcelona Lassa
HC Motor Zaporozhye
Naturhouse La Rioja
Besiktas JK
TATRAN Presov
Orlen Wisla Plock
Rhein-Neckar Löwen
THW Kiel
MVM Veszprém
HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb
Skjern Handbold
Vojvodina
Montpellier HB
IFK Kristianstad
MOL-Pick Szeged
Chekhovskie Medvedi
HC Metalurg
CL average 28,74
28,25
28,24
28,05
28
27,78
27,55
27,41
26,96
26,76
26,67
26,57
26,52
26,29
26,29
26,27
26,11
25,68
25,26
25,1
24,89
24,81
24,76
23,95
23,92
23,11
22,86
22,21
25,9
204 matches will be carried out in the 2015/16 season of the
VELUX EHF Champions League - a large increase on the 160 last
season. After the four qualification matches, which took place
already, 172 group matches, four Group C/D cross matches, 12
Last 16 matches, eight quarter-finals and four matches at the
VELUX EHF FINAL4 will follow.
408 goals were conceded by Barcelona in their 16 matches of
the 2014/15 season - the best defensive record.
527 goals were scored by Barcelona in their 16 matches of the
2014/15 season - the best attacking record.
8,989 goals were scored the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions
League season, 657 in the qualification tournaments, 6816 in
the group phase, 850 in the Last 16 matches, 442 in the quarterfinals and 224 at the VELUX EHF FINAL4.
15,200 spectators attended the quarter-final Zagreb vs
Barcelona - the record attendance of the 2014/15 season prior
to the VELUX EHF FINAL4.
Teams by weight average
Teams by height average
HC Vardar
97,74
Orlen Wisla Plock
96,48
HC Meshkov Brest
95,7
Besiktas JK
95,48
Naturhouse La Rioja
95,35
Rhein-Neckar Löwen
95,29
THW Kiel
94,91
94,19
TATRAN Presov
94,19
FC Barcelona Lassa
93,35
92,94
HCM Baia Mare
92,63
IFK Kristianstad
92,19
HC Motor Zaporozhye
92
92
MVM Veszprém
91,93
HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb
91,91
91,79
91,62
Montpellier HB
91,56
HC Metalurg
91,44
91,17
MOL-Pick Szeged
90,77
90,21
Vojvodina
89,90
Skjern Handbold
89,81
89,21
Chekhovskie Medvedi
86,41
CL average92,37
Orlen Wisla Plock
Naturhouse La Rioja
THW Kiel
FC Barcelona Lassa
HC Motor Zaporozhye
HC Vardar
HC Meshkov Brest
TATRAN Presov
HC PPD Zagreb
Vojvodina
Besiktas JK
HC Metalurg
Rhein-Neckar Löwen
Chekhovskie Medvedi
Paris Saint-Germain Kadetten Schaffhausen
Montpellier HB
MVM Veszprém
Skjern Handbold
MOL-Pick Szeged
HCM Baia Mare
IFK Kristianstad
CL average
21
195,9
194,88
194,14
193,26
193,14
193,11
193
192,7
192,64
192,48
192,29
192,16
191,83
191,8
191,29
191,26
191,07
190,9
190,64
190,57
190,52
190,49
190,47
190,26
190,24
189,61
189,04
187,89
191,56
Facts and figures of the group phase
shortest vs tallest
Ljubomir Vranjes SG Flensburg-Handewitt
Tadej Matijasic
HC Metalurg
Adam Arokszallasi MOL-Pick Szeged
Balazs Molnar
MKB-MVM Veszprém
Davor Palevski
HC Metalurg
Rene T. RasmussenSkjern Handbold
Ugur Coban
Besiktas MOGAZ HT
Eljub Alagic
Gal Marguc
Victor Tomas
FC Barcelona Lassa
Miha Zarabec
Sergio Muggli
Ivan Cupic
Hugo Delgado
Benedek Szakaly MKB-MVM Veszprém
Zlatko Horvat
HC PPD Zagreb
Luka Rakovic
HC PPD Zagreb
SWE
SLO
HUN
HUN
MKD
DEN
TUR
SLO
SLO
ESP
SLO
SUI
CRO
POR
HUN
CRO
CRO
Dainis Kristopans
Angel Montoro Cabello
Mateusz Piechowski
Marko Kopljar
Antonijo Peshevski
Josip Sandrk
Alberto Val Sancho
Laszlo Nagy
Sergii Burka
Ivan Ivkovic
Michal Kasal
Milan Vuckovic
Kamil Syprzak
Aleksander Borresen
Gleb Kalarash
Rogerio Ferreira Moraes
Marco Oneto
168
174
174
175
175
176
177
177
177
178
178
178
178
178
178
179
179
HC Meshkov Brest
Orlen Wisla Plock
Orlen Wisla Plock
FC Barcelona Lassa
HC Metalurg
HC PPD Zagreb
Naturhouse La Rioja
MKB-MVM Veszprém
HC Motor Zaporozhye
TATRAN Presov
Vojvodina
FC Barcelona Lassa
HC Motor Zaporozhye
THW Kiel
Orlen Wisla Plock
LAT
ESP
POL
CRO
MKD
CRO
ESP
HUN
UKR
CRO
CZE
SRB
POL
NOR
RUS
BRA
ITA
213
213
210
210
209
209
208
208
208
207
207
207
206
206
205
204
204
HC Meshkov Brest
HC Vardar
Rhein-Neckar
Tatran Presov
FC Barcelona Lassa
Orlen Wisla Plock
HC Vardar
THW Kiel
Besiktas Besiktas
Orlen Wisla Plock
HC Meshkov Brest
Vive Tauron Kielce
Celje
IFK Kristianstad
La Rioja
Montpellier HB
LAT
SRB
ESP
SVK
POL
POL
ESP
BRA
CRO
TUR
ITA
BLR
ESP
SLO
SWE
ESP
SLO
135
132
128
127
120
120
119
118
118
118
117
116
116
116
116
115
115
Presov
CZE
Kristianstad
SWE
Flensburg
SWE
Besiktas
TUR
KIF DEN
Kadetten
AUT
PSG
FRA
THW Kiel
GER
Flensburg
GER
HC Vardar
MKD
FC Barcelona LassaBIH
La Rioja
ESP
Skjern
DEN
KIF
DEN
Presov
SVK
Flensburg
SWE
5.7.1973
27.7.1973
3.10.1973
4.10.1975
6.2.1976
29.8.1976
2.11.1976
23.12.1976
9.1.1977
8.3.1977
27.6.1977
26.10.1977
10.12.1977
3.2.1978
2.3.1978
29.3.1978
lightest vs heaviest
Timofei Maslennikov
Benedek Szakaly
Adam Arokszallasi
Artem Kozakevych
Simon Opstrup
Balazs Molnar
Roland Selmeczi
Davor Palevski
Michal Daszek
Hugo Delgado
Eduardo Cadarso
Kyllian Villeminot
Lukas Blohme
Gal Marguc
Martin Varju
Anze Dobovicnik
Tilen Dobovicnik
Chekhovskie Medvedi
MKB-MVM Veszprém
MOL-Pick Szeged
HC Motor Zaporozhye
Skjern Handbold
MKB-MVM Veszprém
MOL-Pick Szeged
HC Metalurg
Orlen Wisla Plock
Naturhouse La Rioja
Montpellier HB
MKB-MVM Veszprém
RUS
HUN
HUN
UKR
DEN
HUN
HUN
MKD
POL
POR
ESP
FRA
GER
SLO
HUN
SLO
SLO
60
65
66
68
70
70
70
70
70
70
71
72
72
72
73
73
73
Dainis Kristopans
Strahinja Milic
Rafael Baena
Andrej Petro
Kamil Syprzak
Zbigniew Kwiatkowski
Arpad Sterbik Capar
Rogerio Ferreira Moraes
Josip Buljubasic
Tolga Özbahar
Marco Oneto
Viachaslau Shumak
Julen Aguinagalde Akizu
Blaz Blagotinsek
Fredric Pettersson
Francisco Garcia Rubio
Matej Gaber
youngest vs oldest
Luka Savanovic
Bence Gödör
Eduardo Cadarso
Adam Dimovics
Martin Nagy
Grega Ocvirk
Gasper Dobaj
Eljub Alagic
Barnabas Nagy
Anze Dobovicnik
Todor Jandric
Tilen Dobovicnik
Kyllian Villeminot
Jakub Bulski
Stefan Trkulja
Branko Vujovic
Zoltan Szita
MKB-MVM Veszprém
Naturhouse La Rioja
MOL-Pick Szeged
MOL-Pick Szeged
MKB-MVM Veszprém
Vojvodina
Montpellier HB
Vojvodina
MKB-MVM Veszprém
BIH
HUN
ESP
HUN
HUN
SLO
SLO
SLO
HUN
SLO
SRB
SLO
FRA
POL
SRB
MNE
HUN
Alexandr Radcenko
Jesper Larsson
Ljubomir Vranjes
Ibrahim Demir
Kasper Hvidt
Nikola Marinovic
Thierry Omeyer
Torsten Jansen
Maik Machulla
Petar Angelov
Danijel Saric
Gurutz Aguinagalde
Thomas Klitgaard
Lars Jorgensen
Radoslav Antl
Mattias Andersson
16.1.2001
9.10.1999
13.2.1999
23.1.1999
9.1.1999
5.12.1998
13.11.1998
10.6.1998
8.6.1998
3.6.1998
2.6.1998
29.5.1998
20.5.1998
29.4.1998
28.4.1998
20.4.1998
10.2.1998
22
ehfTV.com
After a big premiere in Mannheim, Germany where he will follow the
first steps of the defending champions on their title-defence path as
FC Barcelona Lassa undergo a more than challenging opening test
with the hosts Rhein-Neckar Löwen.
All matches of new season live
Handball fans across Europe will not miss a single match in the
new season of both elite European club competitions. All matches
starting from Group Phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League
and Group Matches of the Women´s EHF Champions League will be
broadcast live on ehfTV.com and the videos of all matches will be
also on demand. Furthermore, like in the past season fully produced
highlights magazine - “Rewind - the handball show” will feature
stories and highlights from all Men´s top matches will be played out
on Monday 7:00 / 8:00 GMT after each playing round.
Matches in Veszprem, Hungary (Round 2), Montpellier, France (Round
3), Skopje, FYR Macedonia (Round 4), Kielce, Poland (Round 5) will
follow. The first stage of the European top flight will culminate in Paris
in Round 6 as the home star-studded team of Paris Saint-Germain
Handball receive last season’s runners-up from Veszprem.
Matches of the Week in Rounds 1-6
The complete coverage of all matches means that only during the
group stage of both competitions handball fans will be spoilt by 176
men’s and 84 women’s matches. Together with men´s knockout
stage, respectively women’s main round and knockout stage this is
supposed to create this season more than 260 hours of live handball
on ehfTV.com.
Round 1
Sunday, 20 September 2015 (19:30 hrs), SAP Arena (Mannheim, GER)
Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Lassa
Round 2
Saturday, 26 September 2015 (17:30 hrs), Veszprem Arena (Veszprem,
HUN)
Veszprem Handball Club vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt
New look ehfTV relaunches
The EHF Champions League Draw in Vienna on Friday, 26 June
signaled the start of the 2015/16 season and with it came a new look
for the video streaming platform, ehfTV.
Round 3
Sunday, 4 October 2015 (17:00 hrs), Palais des Sports Rene Bougnol
(Montpellier, FRA)
Montpellier HB vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn
Based on feedback from fans, the platform has been given a fresh
face and new features have been added to make the site much easier
to navigate.
Round 4
Saturday, 11 October 2015 (18:00 hrs), SC Jane Sandanski (Skopje,
MKD)
HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen
The new web page will offer a responsive design, with viewers able
to stream all of the content from the platform, both live matches and
on-demand videos, direct to their mobile devices.
Round 5
Saturday, 17 October 2015 (18:00 hrs), MOSIR Hala Legionow (Kielce,
POL)
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs FC Barcelona Lassa
ehfTV already offers a plethora of handball video content including
magazine shows, features and interviews as well as each and every
match from the VELUX EHF Champions League and Women’s EHF
Champions League.
Round 6
Sunday, 25 October 2015 (17:00 hrs), Halle George Carpentier (Paris,
FRA)
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs Veszprem Handball Club
Additionally, the platform offers streaming from other EHF
competitions including European Cups and the European
Championships.
All times are local.
In the new season there will also be a renewed focus on coverage
of top league competitions, with selected matches from both the
German Handball Bundesliga and Spain’s Asobal.
*Note that live matches will be geo-blocked in some territories.
First six stops of MOTW announced
The Match of the Week has become already a traditional feature
on ehfTV.com and all handball fans can already look forward to a
new series as the schedule for the first six rounds of the VELUX EHF
Champions League 2015/16 has been announced.
The ehfTV commentator Tom O’Brannagain, who guides the viewers
through the MOTW games with his unique way of commentating,
will not be able to complain for a lack of adventure as he is to visit six
handball arenas in five countries in just a five-week span.
23
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Group A preview
Z
A G
R
E
B
EUROPEAN HEAVYWEIGHTS CONGREGATE
“The strongest group ever in the history of the competition”, the Kiel manager says and many agree.
One half of Group A are aiming for the VELUX EHF FINAL4, the others are ‘merely’ aiming for the knock-out stages, and
with even six teams proceeding from the new playing system, two will miss out on their goals. “This group is the strongest
ever in the history of the EHF Champions League,” said Sabine Holdorf-Schust, director of THW Kiel after the draw event in
Vienna, and this was all before PSG Paris had started their shopping spree. There’s no lack of star power, with five former
of current IHF World Handball Players of the year and three former or current Champions League top scorers among
the Group A teams. In terms of transfers, the French champions did all they could to push themselves to Cologne: Noka
Serdarusic as the new coach and the Karabatic brothers carry all the hopes of this star-studded team. “If not now, then
when?” said TV expert Francois-Xavier Houlet, when asked if Paris would make it to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 for the first time
after missing out on it twice in a row.
Both times, MVM Veszprem was, where it ended for the Parisians, now they have the chance to take revenge in the group
phase. The 2015 Champions League finalist and SEHA Liga winner from Hungary have boosted their squad particularly with
Icelandic playmaker Aron Palmarsson (MVP of the 2014 VELUX EHF FINAL4). Palmarsson is the third former Kiel player after
Momir Ilic and Christian Zeitz to have made the move to Hungary. And those three will face their ex-club again. If we look
at their transfers, Kiel has lost power, despite signing goalkeeper Niklas Landin from Löwen. But losing Palmarsson, Rasmus
Lauge (to Flensburg) and Filip Jicha to Barcelona means a setback for the back court axis, in which Domagoj Duvnjak and
Joan Canellas will have to carry more responsibility, as young new arrival Christian Dissinger will need some time to adapt.
And in the left wing position, Dominik Klein and Torsten Jansen are currently out due to injuries. And Flensburg? The 2014
Champions League winners have bolstered their squad not only with Lauge, but with three arrivals from Hamburg: Henrik
Toft Hansen, Petar Djordjic and Kentin Mahe - but the French playmaker (MVP of the EHF Cup Finals 2015) will miss the start
of the Champions League due to an ankle injury. From the width of the squad, Flensburg even seem to be stronger than Kiel
and openly speak about the possible qualification for Cologne.
Those four are seen to be ‘seeded’ for the Last 16 or the quarter-final, for which the group winner qualifies directly. Zagreb,
Celje, Besiktas and Plock will fight for the two remaining spots for the knock-out stage. Zagreb again lost some key players,
but coach Veselin Vujovic is confident that his rejuvenated team can do it all again in their 22nd appearance in the EHF
Champions League. Last season, Zagreb managed to cause major upsets on home ground by beating Kiel, Paris and Kolding.
Celje (like Veszprem are for the 21st time part of the Champions League) have the same structure in their team, composed
by highly skilled Slovenian talents. Coach Brank Tamse can count on some experienced players too - as Celje have proved in
the previous seasons, when they beat Kiel and Hamburg at home, however, their away performances are much weaker than
at home. The same holds true for the Oilers from Plock, who were the only team in the 2014/15 season, which managed to
beat Barcelona. With some new arrivals and Manuel Cadenas as their coach they should be able to make it to the Last 16
again.
So Besiktas Istanbul - in their second ever appearance in the group phase - seems to be the big underdog, after the
Turkish champions had only won one of ten matches in the previous season. And from the names of their mostly Serbian
internationals added to the squad the chance of any upset does not seem too likely.
Björn Pazen
25
Group A head-to-heads
Historic encounters of the Group A opponents in the EC
THW Kiel vs MVM Veszprém 6-0-5 (326:318) 12:10
24.01.1996 THW Kiel vs Fotex Veszprém SE, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
13.02.1996 Fotex Veszprém SE vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
25.10.2002 THW Kiel vs Fotex KC Veszprém, European Championship for Club Teams – Semi-final
24.02.2007 MKB Veszprém KC vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
01.03.2007 THW Kiel vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
18.10.2012 MKB Veszprém KC vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
17.02.2013
THW Kiel vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
21.04.2013 THW Kiel vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
27.04.2013
MKB Veszprém KC vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
31.05.2014
MKB-MVM Veszprém vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final
30.05.2015 THW Kiel vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final
28:25 (17:15)
23:21 (11:9)
23:31 (11:15)
39:36 (19:20)
39:32 (22:15)
31:30 (14:15)
32:21 (17:13)
32:31 (15:16)
28:29 (14:12)
26:29 (13:13)
27:31 (13:13)
THW Kiel vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball 6-0-0 (198:160) 12:0
14.12.2003 THW Kiel vs Paris Handball, EHF Cup – Last 16
21.12.2003 Paris Handball vs THW Kiel, EHF Cup – Last 16
04.12.2005 Paris Handball vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
10.12.2005 THW Kiel vs Paris Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
16.11.2014
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
22.11.2014
THW Kiel vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
34:27 (19:12)
30:32 (14:19)
21:28 (11:13)
44:28 (22:12)
25:27 (13:12)
33:29 (14:15)
THW Kiel vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 4-0-2 (202:176) 8:4
28.11.2004 THW Kiel vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, European Championship for Club Teams – Final
21.10.2007 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs THW Kiel, Champions Trophy – Final
17.10.2010
HC Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
27.02.2011
THW Kiel vs HC Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
17.11.2012
Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
21.11.2012
THW Kiel vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
29:30 (17:15)
34:38 (17:23)
28:34 (10:18)
43:27 (23:16)
31:28 (12:12)
30:26 (13:12)
THW Kiel vs Orlen Wisla Plock 5-0-1 (199:160) 10:2
08.10.2005 Wisla Plock SSA vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group E
22.10.2005 THW Kiel vs Wisla Plock SSA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group E
14.03.2012 Orlen Wisla Plock vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
18.03.2012 THW Kiel vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
22.09.2013 Orlen Wisla Plock vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
01.12.2013
THW Kiel vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
32:31 (16:15)
37:22 (17:12)
24:36 (12:14)
27:24 (15:10)
33:34 (14:14)
34:25 (16:11)
THW Kiel vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 5-3-4 (325:309) 13:11
15.03.1997 THW Kiel vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final
23.03.1997 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final
19.03.2000 THW Kiel vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final
25.03.2000 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final
24.11.2002
RK Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
14.12.2002 THW Kiel vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
29.03.2009 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
04.04.2009 THW Kiel vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
21.04.2012 Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
29.04.2012 THW Kiel vs Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
28.09.2014 HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
26.11.2014
THW Kiel vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
23:23 (8:11)
25:23 (12:14)
32:21 (14:11)
22:13 (8:7)
23:28 (8:15)
24:28 (14:10)
28:28 (13:12)
31:27 (17:11)
31:31 (15:12)
33:27 (16:16)
27:25 (9:13)
34:27 (16:16)
26
Historic encounters of the Group C opponents in the EC
THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 6-1-3 (292:275) 13:7
18.04.1998 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel, EHF Cup – Final
22.04.1998 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Cup – Final
28.10.2001 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, European Championship for Club Teams – Place 3/4
28.02.2006 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
04.03.2006 SG Flensburg Handewitt vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
22.04.2007 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Final
29.04.2007 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Final
01.06.2014 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Final
15.03.2015 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
22.03.2015 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
25:23 (12:9)
26:21 (16:9)
33:31 (17:14)
28:32 (13:12)
32:34 (16:17)
28:28 (10:12)
29:27 (15:10)
30:28 (14:16)
21:30 (9:16)
33:28 (16:10)
MVM Veszprém vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball 3-1-0 (117:104) 7:1
19.04.2014 PSG Handball vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
26.04.2014 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs PSG Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
12.04.2015 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
19.04.2015 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
26:28 (14:12)
31:26 (12:12)
24:24 (10:12)
34:28 (16:12)
MVM Veszprém vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 8-1-1 (260:231) 17:3
09.10.1994
Fotex Veszprem vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 2
15.10.1994
Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Fotex Veszprem, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 2
29.09.2007 MKB Veszprém KC vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F
18.11.2007 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F
29.09.2012 MKB Veszprém KC vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
01.12.2012
Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
17.11.2013
Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
23.11.2013
MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
18.10.2014
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
15.02.2015 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
22:18 (8:9)
21:24 (12:10)
24:24 (14:11)
28:23 (15:14)
32:22 (16:11)
19:24 (9:11)
26:31 (14:15)
27:26 (13:10)
21:24 (9:14)
29:26 (15:10)
MVM Veszprém vs Orlen Wisla Plock 3-0-1 (132:109) 6:2
09.11.2002 Wisla Plock SSA vs Fotex KC Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
08.12.2002 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Wisla Plock SSA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
23.03.2014 Orlen Wisla Plock vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
29.03.2014
MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
25:30 (9:13)
38:24 (20:14)
34:33 (16:16)
31:26 (16:11)
MVM Veszprém vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 4-1-3 (206:201) 9:7
24.01.1995
Badel Zagreb vs Fotex Veszprem, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
15.02.1995 Fotex Veszprem vs Badel Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
06.12.1998 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
09.01.1999 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Fotex KC Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
19.02.2000 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
27.02.2000
Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Fotex KC Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
20.10.2013
HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
15.02.2014
MKB-MVM Veszprém vs HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
30:18 (16:8)
23:23 (11:12)
27:25 (14:14)
19:18 (14:8)
27:25 (13:12)
30:26 (16:12)
22:33 (8:15)
34:27 (19:11)
Veszprém vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 1-0-3 (100:113) 2:6
24.02.2001 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Fotex KC Veszprém, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final
03.03.2001 Fotex KC Veszprém vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final
05.10.2008 MKB Veszprém KC vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F
16.11.2008 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F
31:22 (13:12)
20:22 (9:10)
29:28 (14:14)
32:29 (15:15)
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 0-0-2 (42:57) 0:4
09.11.1996
Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs PSG Asnières Hand-Ball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
11.01.1997
PSG Asnières Hand-Ball vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
31:22 (11:10)
20:26 (11:13)
27
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 1-0-1 (51:47) 2:2)
05.10.2014
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
09.12.2014
HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
27:22 (11:9)
25:24 (14:13)
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 1-0-1 (68:57) 2:2)
15.10.2005 SG Flensburg Handewitt vs Paris Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H
13.11.2005 Paris Handball vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H
37:24 (17:13)
33:31 (16:16)
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Orlen Wisla Plock 2-0-0 (61:53) 4:0
16.10.2004 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Wisla Plock SSA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
31.10.2004 Wisla Plock SSA vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
29:23 (15:10)
30:32 (16:16)
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 6-1-7 (311:335) 13:15
27.09.1992
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs RK Zagreb, Champions Cup – Qualification Round 2
03.10.1992
RK Zagreb vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, Champions Cup – Qualification Round 2
11.11.1995
Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Croatia Banka Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 3
18.11.1995
Croatia Banka Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 3
04.01.1998 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
31.01.1998
Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
22.03.1998 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final
28.03.1998 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final
26.11.2000 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
16.12.2000 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
21.02.2009 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 2
07.03.2009
HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 2
21.09.2013 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
30.11.2013
Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
18:17 (6:9)
26:17 (13:7)
25:21 (11:9)
25:20 (14:11)
26:21 (13:8)
26:22 (14:10)
27:20 (14:10)
25:24 (10:10)
29:26 (12:12)
22:22 (12:11)
22:25 (11:16)
31:18 (14:6)
24:21 (13:10)
26:20 (14:11)
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 4-1-5 (301:305) 9:11
08.11.2003 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F
30.11.2003 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F
18.04.2004 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Final
24.04.2004 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Final
02.12.2006 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
08.12.2006 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
27.03.2010
SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Cup – Quarter-final
03.04.2010 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Cup – Quarter-final
23.03.2014 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
29.03.2014
SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
29:29 (14:14)
29:28 (12:17)
34:28 (17:13)
30:28 (15:15)
41:31 (21:14)
36:26 (20:12)
33:29 (15:12)
32:35 (16:15)
26:25 (13:12)
30:27 (15:14)
Orlen Wisla Plock vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 0-0-2 (41:61) 0:4
12.10.2008 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs Wisla Plock SA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H
08.11.2008 Wisla Plock SA vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H
34:17 (15:7)
24:27 (12:16)
Orlen Wisla Plock vs Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu 2-0-0 (61:49) 4:0
27.09.2014
Orlen Wisla Plock vs Besiktas MOGAZ HT, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
29.11.2014
Besiktas MOGAZ HT vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
28:19 (13:7)
30:33 (14:15)
Orlen Wisla Plock vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 2-0-2 (120:111) 4:4
08.12.2001 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Orlen SSA Plock, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16
15.12.2001 Orlen SSA Plock vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16
08.10.2014
SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
22.02.2015 Orlen Wisla Plock vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
33:27 (19:12)
25:23 (10:9)
35:28 (21:16)
31:29 (14:13)
28
HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 3-0-7 (269:286) 6:14
15.02.2004 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
22.02.2004 RK Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
04.12.2005 RK Zagreb vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
10.12.2005 SG Flensburg Handewitt vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
28.09.2006 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
05.11.2006 RK Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
24.02.2008 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 3
16.03.2008 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 3
21.11.2010
SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC Croatia Osiguranje ZAGREB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
28.11.2010
HC Croatia Osiguranje ZAGREB vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
30:27 (17:15)
26:28 (13:12)
25:23 (11:8)
28:24 (14:12)
35:28 (14:12)
21:23 (11:13)
29:25 (12:15)
36:29 (16:15)
32:29 (19:15)
31:26 (14:12)
Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 0-0-2 (47:58) 0:4)
16.10.2014
Besiktas MOGAZ HT vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
11.02.2015 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Besiktas MOGAZ HT, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
20:27 (11:11)
31:27 (15:14)
No previous encounters in European competitions
THW Kiel vs Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu
Veszprém HC vs Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs Orlen Wisla Plock
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu
HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu
29
THW Kiel (GER)
GROUP A
It is the biggest transition of the past decade for THW Kiel - but still the German record
champions (with 20 titles) hope to court a team, which can make it to Cologne again. Since the
inauguration of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in the LANXESS Arena in 2010, Kiel have qualified five
times, only missing the event in 2011. The team of Alfred Gislason (who extended his contract
to 2019) has won the trophy twice (2010 and 2012), and in 2015 they missed out on making it
to the final after a defeat to Veszprem.
Three top players (Aron Palmarsson/Veszprem, Filip Jicha/Barcelona, Rasmus Lauge/Flensburg)
and three goalkeepers (Johan Sjöstrand, Kim Sonne and Andreas Palicka) have left THW prior
to the start of the season. Kiel’s biggest transfer was Danish goalie Niklas Landin, who arrived
from Rhein-Neckar Löwen. In addition, some young players like German Christian Dissinger
or Brazilian Rogerio Ferreira have arrived in Kiel, but THW have also signed experience, in the
transfer of left wing Torsten Jansen (from Hamburg) and Norwegian left back Erlend Mamelund
(from Haslum), who arrives as one of the successors of Jicha.
Preparation for the new VELUX EHF Champions League season was anything but easy for
Gislason and his squad. Jicha was injured and left the club in the middle of August, Jansen got
injured, Dominik Klein is still out until October after a rupture to his cruciate ligament, Landin
was injured and started his preparation only middle of July - so Gislason never had his full
squad for any test match or training session, and some clear defeats like against Veszprem or
Barcelona were only expected.
Playing hall
Sparkassen-Arena-Kiel
Europaplatz 1,
24103 Kiel
Germany
Capacity: 10,000
Club Address:
THW Kiel
Ziegelteich 30
24103 Kiel
Germany
Media contact:
Christian Robohm
+49 1635306300
christian.robohm@thw-handball.de
Online information:
Website: www.thw-provinzial.de
Facebook:thwhandball
Twitter: @thw_handball
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: white
Goalkeeper shirt: black
Dark
Player shirt: black
Player short: black
Goalkeeper shirt: red
“We are in the second year of a major transition, but still we hope to make it to Cologne again
- and to fight for all domestic trophies,” says manager Thorsten Storm, adding: “It is important
for us to be part of the Champions League, to compete with the best of the best and to be part
of the competition as long as possible.”
New team captain Rene Toft Hansen (successor of Filip Jicha) comments: “This group is simply
tough. Kiel, Paris, Veszprem, Flensburg, Celje, Zagreb, Plock and Istanbul are all fighting to win.
There’s nothing better for the fans, and we want to win every match. But again our final dream
is to make it to Cologne,” says the THW line player.
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF
Champions League: German champions
Coach: Alfred Gislason (since 2008)
Captain: Rene Toft Hansen
Newcomers:
Niklas Landin (Rhein-Neckar Löwen)
Nikolas Katsigiannis (HC Erlangen)
Christian Dissinger (TuS N-Lübbecke)
Torsten Jansen (HSV Hamburg)
Alexander Williams (THW youth academy)
Rogerio Ferreira (VO Manoel Tubino/Brazil)
Erlend Mamelund (Haslum HK)
Dominik Plaue (THW youth academy)
Left the club:
Aron Palmarsson (Veszprem HC)
Johan Sjöstrand (MT Melsungen)
Andreas Palicka (Aalborg Handbold)
Fynn Ranke (VfL Bad Schwartau)
Rasmus Lauge (SG Flensburg-Handewitt)
Kim Sonne (GWD Minden)
Filip Jicha (FC Barcelona (ESP))
30
Past achievements
Participations (including 2015/16
season): 19
Winners (3): 2006/07, 2009/10, 2011/12
Runners-up (4): 1999/2000, 2007/08,
2008/09, 2013/14
Semi-final (4): 1996/1997, 2000/01,
2012/13, 2014/15
Quarter-final (5): 1998/99, 2002/03,
2004/05, 2005/06, 2010/11
Group phase (2): 1994/95, 1995/96
Other
EHF Cup: Winners 1997/98, 2001/02,
2003/04
German league: 20 titles (1957, 1962,
1963, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999,
2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
German Cup winners: 9 times
THW Kiel (GER)
Biggest win:
26:50 (13:24) v Banik OKD Karvina CZE (a), 22.10.2006
Biggest defeat
22:13 (12:8) v Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO (a), 25.03.2000
Longest winning run
11 matches (2.10.2014 – 22.03.2015)
Longest unbeaten run
17 matches (22.10.2011 – 11.10.2012)
Longest losing run
3 matches (07.02.1996 – 19.03.1996)
Longest run without win 3 matches (07.02.1996 – 19.03.1996)
Most goals
50 v Banik OKD Karvina CZE 26:50W (a), 22.10.2006
Most goals opponent
44 v FC Barcelona ESP 44:37L (a), 13.04.2008
Most goals both teams
Fewest goals
13 v Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 22:13L (a), 25.03.2000
Fewest goals opponent
15 v SKA Minsk BLR 15:27W (a), 10.11.1996
15 v SKA Minsk BLR 21:15W (h), 12.01.1997
Fewest goals both teams 35 v Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 22:13L (a), 25.03.2000
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
1994/95 THW Kiel GER
6
3
0
3
137:136
+1
6:6
2nd Gr. B
6
3
0
3
151:148
+3
6:6
2nd Gr. A
10
6
1
3
247:211
+36
13:7
1/2-finals
1998/99 TKW Kiel GER
8
7
0
1
229:199
+30
14:2
1/4-finals
12
7
1
4
319:283
+36
15:9
Runner-up
10
5
1
4
279:255
+24
11:9
1/2-finals
8
4
1
3
234:211
+23
9:7
1/4-finals
10
8
0
2
336:274
+62
16:4
1/4-finals
10
8
0
2
346:293
+53
16:4
1/4-finals
14
11
1
2
517:420
+97
23:5
Winner
16
13
0
3
533:462
+71
26:6
Runner-up
16
12
1
3
548:461
+87
25:7
Runner-up
16
14
1
1
534:444
+90
29:3
Winner
14
9
2
3
456:393
+63
20:8
1/4-finals
16
12
3
1
496:414
+82
27:5
Winner
16
11
0
5
518:457
+61
22:10
4th Place
16
13
1
2
491:427
+64
27:5
Runner-up
16
12
0
4
498:421
+77
24:8
4th Place
Total:
220 15813 49 6869:5909 +960 329:111
31
THW Kiel (GER)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
28
27
21
23
15
4
18
6
26
5
33
9
11
7
41
13
17
25
Malte
Thies
Joan
Rune
Christian
Domagoj
Niclas
Rogerio
Lucas
Torsten
Dominik
Erlend
Christian
Rene
Marko
Steffen
Patrick
Alexander
1
29
12
32
Niklas
Nikolas
Dominik
Fynn Malte
Nat.
Position
Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
Abelmann-Brockmann GER
Bergemann
GER
Cañellas Reixach
ESP
Dahmke
GER
Dissinger
GER
Duvnjak
CRO
Ekberg
SWE
Ferreira Moraes
BRA
Firnhaber
GER
Jansen
GER
Klein
GER
Mamelund
NOR
Sprenger
GER
Toft Hansen
DEN
Vujin
SRB
Weinhold
GER
Wiencek
GER
Williams
GER
Left Wing
Right Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Left Back
Centre Back
Right Wing
Line Player
Right Back
Left Wing
Left Wing
Left Back
Right Wing
Line Player
Right Back
Right Back
Line Player
Left Back
11.6.1995
19.1.1996
30.9.1986
10.4.1993
15.11.1991
1.6.1988
23.12.1988
11.1.1994
23.4.1997
23.12.1976
16.12.1983
1.5.1984
6.4.1983
1.11.1984
7.12.1984
19.7.1986
22.3.1989
15.8.1996
Kiel, GER
Kiel, GER
St. Maria de Palau, ESP
Kiel, GER
Ludwigshafen, GER
Dakovo, CRO
Ystad, SWE
Abaetetuba, BRA
Buxtehude, GER
Adenau, GER
Miltenberg, GER
Bærum, NOR
Ludwigsfelde, GER
Rybjerg, DEN
Backa Palanka, SRB
Fuerth, GER
Duisburg, GER
Hamburg, GER
183
188
197
189
202
198
191
204
200
185
190
197
190
200
201
191
200
187
76
80
95
81
102
100
89
118
93
86
86
99
94
110
104
100
108
95
Landin Jacobsen
Katsigiannis
Plaue
Schröder
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
19.12.1988
17.9.1982
14.7.1995
12.2.1997
Soborg, DEN
Werne, GER
Bad Homburg, GER
Bremen, GER
201
195
196
186
102
104
87
79
DEN
GER
GER
GER
Average:
26,27
Alfred Gislason
coach
•
won nine German championships (with
Magdeburg and Kiel), four German cup titles, five
European club titles
•
five times “coach of the year” in Germany
•
his first job on the bench was in his home
town Akureyri, before taking over Hameln,
Magdeburg and Gummersbach in Germany
•
joined Kiel in 2008 as the successor of Noka
Serdarusic – to lead THW to 15 trophies to date
EC trophies: CL 2002, 2010, 2012 (as coach), EHF Cup 2001 (as coach)
32
194,1 94,9
Niklas Landin
goalkeeper
Rune Dahmke
left wing
•
joined Kiel in the summer of 2015 after three
seasons with bundesliga rivals Rhein-Neckar Löwen
•
only Kiel-born player in the THW squad
and was in his younger days sitting on the stands
cheering for his idols
•
successor of legendary Kasper Hvidt in the
Danish national team broke through during the 2011
WCh
•
got his first professional contract in December
2013 after being part of the THW youth teams
•
played also for Gudme in Denmark, where he
was number 1 already at the age of 20
•
his father Frank Dahmke was THW player and
now is member of the club board
•
best goalkeeper at the 2013 WCh, the EHF
EURO 2014 and the 2013/14 CL
•
at least until October 2015 replacement for
Dominik Klein who tore his cruciate ligament in the
previous season
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013
WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014
Domagoj Duvnjak
centre back
•
THW’s top signing before the 2014/15 season
•
2013 IHF World Handball Player of the Year
Joan Canellas
centre back
•
scored 50 goals in eight matches on the way to
the top goal scorer title of the EHF EURO 2014
•
arrived from Hamburg, where he played since
2009
•
fits perfectly with Domagoj Duvnjak, with
whom he played in Hamburg in 2013/14
•
not just a typical playmaker he is also a scorer
and is an essential part of defence
•
with Barcelona and Ciudad Real Spanish
champion and cup winner
•
best Bundesliga player in 2013
•
started his career in Zagreb
•
twice (2011, 2012) CL finalist with Ciudad Real
and Atletico Madrid – the club with which he also
won the IHF Super Globe twice (2010, 2012)
EC trophies: CL 2013
OG: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013, EURO: S 2010, B 2012
WCh G 2013, B 2011, EURO: B 2014
Rene Toft Hansen
line player
Steffen Weinhold
right back
•
even better in defence than on the line in
attack, but after Marcus Ahlm’s departure in 2013,
the learning period in attack is over for him
•
one of the most prominent players in current
German handball
•
new captain since Jicha’s departure
•
EHF EURO 2012 All-Star Team member
•
after the 2008 junior WCh, the Bavarian
changed from Fürth to HSG Nordhorn winning the
EHF Cup in his first season
•
after signing for TV Großwallstadt he was in
the focus of the national team coach Heiner Brand
•
in the CL since 2007 with former clubs KIF
Kolding and AG Kobenhavn
•
made the next step in his career, signing for SG
Flensburg-Handewitt in 2012 and joined THW just
weeks after Flensburg beat them in the 2014 CL final
•
his brother Henrik is playing for Flensburg, his
brother Allan for Mors-Thy and his sister Majbritt for
Skive – and all four are line players
WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014
EC trophies: CL 2014, EHF Cup 2008
Men’s 20 EHF EURO: G 2006, Junior WCh: S 2008
Marko Vujin
right back
Niclas Ekberg
right wing
•
in 2012 the Serbian shooter arrived to fill the
gap after the departure of Kim Andersson to KIF
•
spotted and signed by AG Kobenhavn in 2010
•
top scorer of the 2013/14 Bundesliga (248
goals)
•
tall winger from Ystad has large variety of
shots, also effective on counterattacks and reliable
on penalty throws
•
won seven consecutive national
championships with Veszprém and Kiel
•
these qualities have also earned him more
than 90 internationals for Sweden
•
in the national team he is one of the stalwarts
who were key to silver at the EHF EURO 2012
•
joined Kiel in 2012 after AG went bankrupt and
after he experienced his first VELUX EHF FINAL4
•
started his international career in Dunaferr
(Hungary), then played five years in Veszprem
•
top scorer of the London Olympics 2012 with
50 goals
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008
EURO: S 2012
OG: S 2012
33
GROUP A
MVM Veszprém (HUN)
Antonio Carlos Ortega has a dream - to become the second man in handball to win the VELUX
EHF Champions League as a coach and a player after he has raised the trophy six times as part
of the ‘golden’ FC Barcelona team in the 1990’s. He has led Veszprem twice consecutively to
the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne in 2014 and 2015 - and in May he even made it to the final
against his former club FC Barcelona.
The fans of the Hungarian record champions are confident too - shown by long queues in front
of the ticket counter for the 2016 FINAL4 event in May 2015. Most of the coaches and experts
have Veszprem also on their list to go all the way to Cologne again, this is mainly due to the fact
that the club from Lake Balaton signed two top-class players to strengthen their squad again:
Croatian top star Ivan Sliskovic from Celje and playmaker Aron Palmarsson - the third former
THW Kiel player to sign after the Champions League top scorer Momir Ilic and right back
Christian Zeitz both put pen to paper for the Hungarian side.
With only Iman Jamali having left Veszprem, the well-balanced and well-rehearsed squad is
expected to be on a high this season. “We are out to qualify for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 again,”
that is the clear message given by club director Csaba Hajnal.
Playing hall
Veszprém Arena
Külso Kadartai ut
8200 Veszprém
Hungary
Capacity: 5,020
Club Address:
MVM Veszprém
Marcius 15. ut 5
8200 Veszprém
Hungary
Media contact:
Zsolt Sevinger
+36 305024547
mkbmvmveszprem@chello.hu
Online information:
Website: www.mkbveszprem.eu
Facebook: mkbveszprem
Twitter: @mkbveszpremkc
As Veszprem is also competing in the multi-national SEHA Liga (which they won in 2015), team
captain Laszlo Nagy expects “a long and difficult season. But we hope to achieve great results
in all competitions.” Nagy – two-time Champions League winner with FC Barcelona - believes
that PSG are the strongest team in their group, but also estimates the two German sides as
main contenders for Veszprem in the fight for a top position.
In preparation Veszprem already clashed with some of Europe’s top teams at the tournaments
in Ehingen (Germany) and Strassbourg (France) in order to be right on top for the start of the
season. Just a few days before the season’s start they made their premiere trip to the IHF
Super Globe and yet again they had to settle with the runners-up position after losing 27:28 to
Füchse Berlin in extra-time.
Champions League: Hungarian champions
Coach: Antonio Carlos Ortega (since 2012)
Captain: Laszlo Nagy
Newcomers:
Aron Palmarsson (THW Kiel)
Ivan Sliskovic (RK Celje)
Left the club:
Iman Moorchegani Jamali (IFK Kristianstad)
Past achievements
season): 21
Final (2): 2001/02, 2014/15
Semi-final (3): 2002/03, 2005/06,
2013/14
Quarter-final (9): 1997/98, 1998/99,
1999/00, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2006/07,
2008/09, 2009/10, 2012/13
Last 16 (3): 1993/94, 2010/11, 2011/12
Group Phase (3): 1994/95, 1995/96,
2007/08
Other
Cup Winners‘ Cup: Winners 2007/08,
Runners-up 1996/97
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: white
Goalkeeper shirt: grey
SEHA-league: 1 title (2015)
Hungarian league: 23 titles (1985, 1986,
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998,
1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2013, 2014, 2015)
Dark
Player shirt: red
Player short: red
Hungarian Cup winner: 24 times
34
MVM Veszprém (HUN)
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)
Longest losing run:
3 matches (16.01.1996 – 08.02.1996)
Longest run without win: 4 matches (09.01.1999 – 31.10.1999)
Most goals:
46 v MSK SIRS Povazska Bystrica SVK 46:26W (h), 07.10.2006
46 v MSK SIRS Povazska Bystrica SVK 30:46W (a), 21.10.2006
Most goals opponent:
39 v THW Kiel GER 39:32L (a), 01.03.2007
Most goals both teams: 76 v MSK SIRS Povazska Bystrica SVK 30:46W (a), 21.10.2006
Fewest goals:
15 v TEKA Santander ESP 25:15L (a), 15.03.1995
Fewest goals opponent: 13 v SO Chambery FRA 29:13W (h), 18.11.2001
13 v Panellinios AC Athens GRE 19:13W (h), 17.11.2002
Fewest goals both teams:32 v Panellinios AC Athens GRE 19:13W (h), 17.11.2002
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
8
3
1
4
200:188
+12
7:9
1/4-finals
8
4
0
4
203:202
+1
8:8
1/4-finals
12
9
0
3
310:267
+43
18:6
Runner-up
10
8
0
2
276:238
+38
16:4
1/2-finals
10
7
0
3
306:276
+30
14:6
1/4-finals
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
10
7
0
3
338:288
+50
14:6
1/4-finals
6
2
2
2
184:171
+13
6:6
3rd Gr. F
12
8
0
4
351:320
+31
16:8
1/4-finals
14
11
0
3
419:368
+51
22:6
1/4-finals
12
9
0
3
373:338
+35
18:6
Last 16
12
7
0
5
321:322
-1
14:10
Last 16
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
4th Place
2014/15 MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN
16
13
1
2
480:423
+57
27:5
Runner-up
Total
202 1368
35
58 5844:5231 +613 280:124
MVM Veszprém (HUN)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
34
35
3
13
4
66
24
19
18
24
25
37
5
19
33
30
23
38
20
David
Daniel
Peter
Momir
Gergö
Mate
Gasper
Balazs
Laszlo
Andreas
Aron
Jose Maria
Peter
Istvan Timuzsin
Ivan
Renato
Benedek
Erik
Zoltan
Mirsad
Attila
Cristian
Martin
Christian
Fekete
Füzi
Gulyas
Ilic
Ivancsik
Lekai
Marguc
Molnar
Nagy
Nilsson
Palmarsson
Rodriguez Vaquero
Schmid
Schuch
Sliskovic
Sulic
Szakaly
Szeitl
Szita
Terzic
Toth
Ugalde Garcia
Varju
Zeitz
HUN
HUN
HUN
SRB
HUN
HUN
SLO
HUN
HUN
SWE
ISL
ESP
HUN
HUN
CRO
CRO
HUN
HUN
HUN
BIH
HUN
ESP
HUN
GER
Left Back
Line Player
Right Wing
Left Back
Left Wing
Centre Back
Right Wing
Left Wing
Right Back
Line Player
Centre Back
Centre Back
Centre Back
Line Player
Left Back
Line Player
Right Wing
Line Player
Left Back
Left Back
Right Back
Left Wing
Right Wing
Right Back
12.10.1996
9.8.1996
4.3.1984
22.12.1981
30.11.1981
16.6.1988
20.8.1990
25.6.1997
3.3.1981
12.4.1990
19.7.1990
5.1.1980
6.8.1996
5.6.1985
23.10.1991
12.10.1979
7.9.1997
18.7.1997
10.2.1998
12.7.1983
17.3.1997
19.10.1987
3.1.1996
18.11.1980
Budapest, HUN
Veszprém, HUN
Veszprem, HUN
Andrelovac, SRB
Györ, HUN
Budapest, HUN
Celje, SLO
Veszprem, HUN
Szeged, HUN
Trelleborg, SWE
Reykjavik, ISL
Palencia, ESP
Veszprém, HUN
Nagyatad, HUN
Split, CRO
Rijeka, CRO
Budapest, HUN
Tapolca, HUN
Veszprem, HUN
Priboj, BIH
Budapest, HUN
Barcelona, ESP
Szekszard, HUN
Heidelberg, GER
180
186
200
200
190
190
180
175
208
197
193
185
189
197
197
192
178
194
196
196
192
186
185
186
82
88
100
104
87
83
74
70
113
110
100
91
90
105
98
109
65
98
88
103
84
80
82
103
16
32
Roland
Mirko
Barnabas
Bence
Mikler
Alilovic
Nagy
Gödör
HUN
CRO
HUN
HUN
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
20.9.1984
15.9.1985
8.6.1998
9.10.1999
Dunaujvaros, HUN
Ljubuski, CRO
Veszprem, HUN
Veszprem, HUN
190
200
190
186
100
110
87
79
Average:
25,68
Antonio Carlos Ortega
coach
•
six time CL champion, 14 different cup
titles in Spain
•
as a player for Barcelona he won every
possible title at least three times
•
in 2005 started his coaching career in
Antequera
•
in 2012 left Spain for the first time to
take on the challenge in Veszprém and in his
second year he steered them to the VELUX
EHF FINAL4 for the first time
EC trophy: CL 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, Cup Winers’ Cup 1995, EHF Cup 2003
OG: B 2000, EURO: S 1998, B 2000
36
190,6 91,3
Roland Mikler
goalkeeper
Mirko Alilovic
goalkeeper
•
2005 All-Star goalkeeper of the junior world
championship
•
like his predecessor Dejan Peric belongs to the
elite class of goalkeepers who can send the audience
to their feet and inspire his teammates
•
Hungarian national team goalkeeper is quick,
compact and excellent at directing the defence
•
Croatian national team member and his medal
tally consists of three silver medals and two bronze
•
as a teenager Mikler reached the semi-final
of the EHF Cup over a decade ago, with Dunaferr in
2003
•
recorded 11 goal assists during the 2013 WCh
•
very familiar with the Spanish contingent in
Veszprém as he played for five years in the ASOBAL
•
joined Veszprem in 2014 after the EHF Cup
success with Szeged
EC trophy: EHF Cup 2014
OG: B 2012, EURO: S 2008, 2010, WCh: S 2009, B 2013
Cristian Ugalde
left wing
Momir Ilic
left back
•
brought up by Barcelona and played regularly
in the first team since he was 18
•
top scorer and only player passing 100 goals
(103) in the 2013/14 CL season and again top scorer
in 2014/15 (114 goals)
•
excelled at international level in the 2007/08
season with his 34 goals and participation in the
national team
•
joined THW Kiel in 2009 from VfL
Gummersbach and won seven titles during his four
years with the club, including two CL titles
•
won every possible title with Barca – some of
them multiple times
•
led Serbia to their first medal as an
independent nation at EHF EURO 2012
•
found a new challenge in Veszprém altering
with Gergö Iváncsik, who is one of the best players
in this position according to Ugalde
•
MVP of EHF EURO 2012
•
2013/14 All-star team left back
EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012
EURO: S 2012
EURO: B 2014, WCh: B 2011
Aron Palmarsson
centre back
Renato Sulic
line player
•
before joining Veszprem in summer 2015 the
versatile and tactically as well as technically skilled
playmaker was with Kiel for six years
•
at his second stint in Veszprém, in the 2004/05
season he did not have a chance to play as he was
injured in a car incident before his first match
•
one of the biggest signing in the whole
competition before the 2015/16 season followed
the steps of two other former Kiel players Ilic and
Zeitz
•
came back to Veszprém after several years in
Zagreb and Celje
•
2013/14 and 2014/15 All-star team line player
•
shares his time on the court with the
defensive specialist Timuzsin Schuh and Andreas
Nilsson
•
after the departure of Momir Ilic and Daniel
Narcisse, the 2012 Olympics All-Star become more
of an influential figure of Kiel on court
EURO: B 2010
EURO: S 2008, WCh: G 2003
Laszlo Nagy
right back
Gasper Marguc
right wing
•
started his career as a basketball player and
was close to a move to the USA at the age of 13
•
took part in the WCh in Spain 2013, where
Slovenia placed fourth
•
in the end he decided for handball and
became one of the best right backs of the world
•
came to Veszprem from Celje where he was
playing since 2009
•
transferred from Szeged to Barcelona in 2006
and became the captain despite being a foreigner
•
in the 2012/13 season played his best season
so far and became Slovenia’s top scorer in the CL,
netting 72 times (10th overall)
•
All-Star team right back of the 2013 WCh
•
played two amazing matches against THW Kiel
in 2012/13, scoring 18 times from 18 shots against
the legendary Thierry Omeyer
•
All-Star team right back of the 2012/13 CL
season
EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011, EHF Cup 2003
37
GROUP A
Having set the bar high in the transfer market this summer, Paris Saint-Germain Handball’s
thoughts can only be on a serious challenge for the VELUX EHF Champions League trophy this
season. Veszprem brought an end to their challenge at the quarter-final stage two years in a row,
but this season nothing less than a trip to Cologne will suffice.
These high hopes are based heavily on the arrival of two names: Karabatic and Serdarusic. The
“family reunion” of the two brothers (Nikola and Luka) and the highly successful coach make
the Parisians one of the competition’s favourites despite their placement in a daunting Group A
alongside Kiel, Veszprem, Celje, Plock, Zagreb, Besiktas and Flensburg. After winning the VELUX
EHF FINAL4 with FC Barcelona and becoming the MVP of the final tournament, expectation
follows Nikola Karabatic wherever he goes, while Noka Serdarusic (2007 CL winner with Kiel and
arriving from Aix) replaces Philippe Gardent, who now coaches Toulouse.
Although the message from within the club may be one of confidence this summer, manager
Bruno Martini is a little more humble: “Every year we try to build a team being able to challenge
the best clubs in Europe. We will begin this new campaign with big hopes, belief in our strengths,
with humility and a huge respect of our opponents. Our first aim is to improve our results in the
Champions League.”
Playing hall
Halle Georges Carpentier
81 boulevard Massena
75013 Paris
France
Capacity: 4,800
Club Address:
82 avenue Georges Lafont
75016 Paris
France
Media contact:
Louise Cosnard
+33 675 591 939
lcosnard@psg.fr
Online information:
Website: www.psghand.fr
Facebook: PSGHand
Twitter: @PSG_HANDBALL
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: red
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
Goalkeeper shirt: yellow
“We want to do better than in previous years,” is the straightforward goal of team captain
Daniel Narcisse, knowing that potential banana skins await early on: “With the new format of
competition, we will have hard games to play in the toughest group. We know that each game
will be a fight.”
Leaving the club this summer were Croats Marko Kopljar (Barcelona) and Jakov Gojun (Berlin)
as well as Mladen Bojinovic. In addition to the Karabatic brothers’ arrival, two strong back
court shooters moved to the French capital: Henrik Mollgaard (Skjern Handbold) and Sergiy
Onufryienko (Motor Zaporozhye). Despite this bolstered squad manager Bruno Martini expects
“only hard games in the group phase, as the competition will be very tight up until the last game.”
Martini is certain that these top opponents will raise the interest from fans and the general
public alike: “It’s very important for Paris Saint-Germain to show the best of handball to its
fans. The VELUX EHF Champions League, especially with the new format of competition, offers
only high level games. We think that it’s the best way to improve the interest of the public for
handball.
Champions League: French champions
Coach: Noka Serdarusic (since 2015, successor
of Philippe Gardent)
Captain: Daniel Narcisse
Newcomers:
Nikola Karabatic (FC Barcelona)
Luka Karabatic (Aix en Provence)
Henrik Mollgaard (Skjern Handbold)
Sergiy Onufryienko (Motor Zaporozhye)
Left the club:
Philippe Gardent (coach Toulouse)
Marko Kopljar (FC Barcelona)
Jakov Gojun (Füchse Berlin)
Zacharia N’Diaye (Chartres)
Mladen Bojinovic (Banja Luka)
38
Past achievements
season): 4
Quarter-final (2): 2013/14, 2014/15
Last 16 (1): 2005/06
Other
EHF Cup: Quarter-finals 2006/07, Last
16 2003/04
French league: 2 titles (2013, 2015)
French cup: 2 titles
Biggest win:
38:24 (22:11) v Wacker Thun SUI (h), 23.11.2013
Biggest defeat:
44:28 (22:12) v THW Kiel GER (a), 10.12.2005
4 matches (17.11.2013 – 08.02.2014)
4 matches (28.09.2014 - 19.10.2014)
4 matches (17.11.2013 – 08.02.2014)
4 matches (28.09.2014 - 19.10.2014)
Longest losing run:
4 matches (23.11.1996 – 18.01.1997)
Most goals:
38 v Wacker Thun SUI 38:24W (h), 23.11.2013
44 v THW Kiel GER 44:28L (a), 10.12.2005
Most goals both teams: 72 v THW Kiel GER 44:28L (a), 10.12.2005
Fewest goals:
20 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 20:26L (h), 11.01.1997
20 v Caja Cantabria Santander ESP 26:20L (a), 18.01.1997
Fewest goals opponent: 18 v HC Banik Karvina CZE 21:18W (h), 09.10.2005
Fewest goals both teams:39 v HC Banik Karvina CZE 21:18W (h), 09.10.2005
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
Total
42 203 19 1167:1159 +8
39
43:41
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
Date of Birth Place of Birth 19
6
20
14
48
13
95
17
18
24
34
22
44
29
11
7
90
4
5
25
33
3
21
9
Luc
William
Ludwig
Xavier
Clement
Paul
Kevin
Dylan
Robert
Mikkel
Samuel
Luka
Nikola
Adama
Benoit
Janus
Jeffrey
Fahrudin
Henrik
Daniel
Sergiy
Axel
Jonathan
Igor
Abalo
Accambray
Appolinaire
Barachet
Branco
Correia
Durosier
Garain
Gunnarsson
Hansen
Honrubia
Karabatic
Karabatic
Keita
Kounkoud
Lapajne
M’tima
Melic
Møllgaard Jensen
Narcisse
Onufryienko
Rosier
Troudart
Vori
FRA
FRA
FRA
FRA
FRA
FRA
FRA
FRA
ISL
DEN
FRA
FRA
FRA
FRA
FRA
SLO
FRA
MNE
DEN
FRA
UKR
FRA
FRA
CRO
Right Wing
Left Back
Centre Back
Right Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Line Player
Left Back
Line Player
Centre Back
Left Wing
Line Player
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Wing
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Wing
Left Back
Centre Back
Right Back
Left Back
Line Player
Line Player
6.9.1984
8.4.1988
27.5.1994
19.11.1988
25.8.1996
12.2.1997
14.5.1994
22.8.1996
22.5.1980
22.10.1987
5.7.1986
19.4.1988
11.4.1984
5.6.1997
19.2.1997
3.3.1995
16.7.1991
22.7.1984
2.1.1985
16.12.1979
31.1.1985
20.2.1994
15.1.1996
20.9.1980
16
Thierry
Omeyer
FRA
Goalkeeper
1
Patrice
Annonay
FRA
Goalkeeper
39
Jordy
Jacoby-Koaly
FRA
Goalkeeper
70
Clement
Gaudin
FRA
Goalkeeper
Average:
Noka Serdarusic
coach
•
born in Yugoslavia, became a German citizen
in 2008
•
came out of retirement two years ago to
coach Aix, then moved to PSG this summer
•
does not speak French, only German, but since
many players in PSG have played in Germany before
it seems to be no problem
•
his previous coaching experience includes
eleven seasons with THW Kiel and three with SG
Flensburg-Handewitt
•
almost a honourary member of the Karabatic
family
EC Trophies : CL 2007, EHF Cup 1998, 2002, 2004
40
Height Weight
Creteil, FRA
182
Cannes, FRA
194
Kourou, FRA
190
Nice, FRA
195
Perpignan, FRA
190
Nantes, FRA
191
Paris, FRA
187
Les Abymes, FRA
192
Reykjavik, ISL
191
Helsingor, DEN
192
Beziers, FRA
180
Strasbourg, FRA
202
Nis, SRB
196
Paris, FRA
183
Versailles, FRA
188
Sampeter pri Gorici, SLO192
Schlitighelm, FRA
188
Prijepolje, MNE
183
Bramming, DEN
195
St Dennis-Reunion, FRA 189
Zaporozhye, UKR
190
PARIS, FRA
192
FORT DE FRANCE, FRA 194
Zagreb, CRO
203
2.11.1976
Mulhouse, FRA
17.5.1979
La Trinite, FRA
8.2.1995
Pointe a Pitre, FRA
13.3.1997
Martigues, FRA
26,29
80
94
97
95
85
85
90
86
100
93
75
90
102
77
78
93
80
90
97
92
95
90
82
114
191
92
192
96
191
91
197
87
191,1 90,2
Thierry Omeyer
goalkeeper
Samuel Honrubia
left wing
•
•
joined PSG at the start of the 2012/13 season
after having played in Montpellier for more than a
decade
crowned best goalkeeper in history by the IHF
•
returned to Montpellier for the 2013/14
season, reached the EHF Cup final and decided to
move on to PSG in the summer of 2014
•
immediately showed what he is capable of and
why is he is regarded as one of the best left wings
in Europe
•
at 39 has no intention of retiring and extended
his contract for another season recently
•
very efficient at scoring from fast breaks and
in one-on-one situations
•
awarded the best goalkeeper and the MVP at
the WCh 2015 in Qatar
EC trophies: CL 2003, 2007, 2010, 2012
OG: G 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008
WCh: G 2001, 2009, 2011, 2015, B 2003, B 2005
OG: G 2012, EURO: G 2014, WCh: G 2011, 2015
Mikkel Hansen
left back
Nikola Karabatic
centre back / left back
•
•
•
one of Barcelona transfer coups with Kiril
Lazarov before the 2013/14 season and arguably the
biggest transfer of the 2015 summer
• reached the VELUX EHF FINAL4 with AG
Kobenhavn in 2012
• son of former Danish international Flemming
Hansen; having grown into a top class player at
GOG, played for Barcelona for two seasons before
joining AG in 2011
•
won everything there is to win, as he has
triumphed at Olympic Games, WChs and EHF EUROs
with the French national team and thrice the CL
(with Montpellier, Kiel and Barcelona)
• arrived in PSG before the 2012/13 season;
his headbands have now become a collector item
among PSG fans
EURO: G 2012, S 2014, WCh: S 2011, 2013
2007 & 2014 World Handball Player of the Year
•
one of the most complete handball players
with strengths both in attack and defence
EC trophies: CL 2003, 2007, 2015
OG: G 2008, 2012, WCh: G 2009, 2011, 2015, B 2003, 2005
EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008
Daniele Narcisse
centre back
Luka Karabatic
line player
•
might well go down in history as one of the
most decorated French players
•
was a national-level tennis player until he was
19, only then turned his back on the yellow ball and
chose handball
•
•
began in Montpellier, then moved to Aix and
finally to PSG in the summer of 2015
•
nicknamed “Air France” because of his
jumping skills
•
on the CL list of Montpellier in six seasons,
but did not enjoy too much playing time (in total 22
goals)
•
now reunited with former Kiel teammate
Thierry Omeyer to fulfill his goal of winning the CL
title
OG: G 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008
WCh: G 2001, 2009, 2015, B 2003, 2005
•
PSG is the third club where he reunites with
his brother Nikola
ECh : G 2014, WCh : G 2015
Xavier Barachet
right back
Luc Abalo
right wing
•
returned to France in the 2013/14 season
to play with Saint Raphaël after playing only one
season in Spain
•
spectacular right wing returned to France
from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in 2012
•
•
immediately showed how much progress he
has made
moved on to PSG before the 2014/15 season
•
formed in Chambéry, the left-hander has
already an impressive CL experience
•
during his four seasons in Spain reached the
final of the CL in 2011 and 2012
•
injured a lot over the past seasons and due to
a shoulder injury, has only focused on defending
•
•
thanks to surgery, he has now recovered and
should be able to be dangerous in the attack too
OG: G 2012, EURO: G 2010, WCh: G 2009, 2011, 2015
regular fixture in the national team as well
•
with his high jumps and all the tricks a winger
must have in their bag, he is one of the best at his
position
OG: 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, WCh: 2009, 2011
41
GROUP A
It has been 11 years since their triumph, but RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko are still the last team
not from Spain or Germany to have won the EHF Champions League. The 19-time Slovenian
champions are back in European handball’s elite club competition for an astonishing 21st time,
joining Veszprem in second place on the all-time participation list, behind Zagreb’s tally of 22.
After winning all domestic matches in the Slovenian league and cup competitions, the
“Brewers” aim for their historic 20th title in the new season and try to make it to the Last 16
of the VELUX EHF Champions League. Celje are continuing on their way of promoting Slovenian
talents with the likes of Miha Zarabec, Blaz Blagotinsek and Blaz Janc making the grade last
term. The success of the Slovenian youth programme (Youth Olympic Games winner 2014,
U21 World Championship 2015 and EYOF 2015 silver medalists) is partly built upon the work in
Celje. “We are sure that some new players from RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko will show their talent
in the new season,” says manager Gregor Planteu.
In contrast to previous years, only one key player has left Celje prior to the start of this
season: Ivan Sliskovic, who transferred to 2015 finalists Veszprem. Among their newcomers,
goalkeeper Ivan Gajic is a valuable addition in terms of experience. With an average age of
24 years, the Celje squad has gained more international experience last season and improved
from match to match, but just missed out on the Last 16. The task this season is no easier
for the record Slovenian champions in Group A against 2015 finalists Veszprem, three-time
winners Kiel, 2014 champions Flensburg, Paris, Zagreb, Plock and Besiktas.
Playing hall
Dvorana Zlatorog
Opekarinska cesta 15
3000 Celje
Slovenia
Capacity: 5,830
Club Address:
Celje Pivovarna Lasko
Opekarniska Cesta 15
3000 Celje
Slovenia
Media contact:
Nejc Ajdnik
+386 40687766
nejc.ajdnik@rk-celje.si
Online information:
Website: www.rk-celje.si
Facebook: rkceljepivovarnaLasko
Twitter: @RKCPL
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: yellow-blue
Player short: blue
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
The club’s objective is clearly set: to qualify for the knock-out stage, for which they at least
have to finish in the top six positions. For team captain Luka Zvizej it is hard to predict, which
team will win their group, as “PSG, Kiel, Veszprem, Flensburg are even stronger than last year.”
Zvizej hopes for some good games with Wisla, Zagreb and Besiktas: “If we get the chance to
qualify for the Last 16, we will grab it.”
Team captain and manager hope for strong support from the stands: “Last season we had an
average of more than 4,100 fans per Champions League match, now we are trying to improve
this number. With a good atmosphere in the Zlatorog Arena and the passion of our players, we
are able to upset big teams,” says Planteu.
Past achievements
Champions League: Slovenian champions
Coach: Branko Tamse (since December 2013)
Captain: Luka Zvizej
Newcomers:
Ivan Gajic (Al Ahli/Qatar)
Ziga Mlakar (RK Maribor Branik)
Luka Dobelsek (RK Gorenje Velenje)
Povilas Babarskas (Bregenz)
Gregor Potocnik (RK Trimo Trebnje)
Lucijan Fizuleto (RK Sevnica)
Arthur Malburg Patrianova (Villa de Aranda)
Left the club:
Ivan Sliskovic (Veszprem)
David Miklavcic (Tremblay)
Matevz Skok (N-Lübbecke)
Rok Zuran (Jeruzalem Ormoz)
42
season): 20
Winner (1): 2003/04
Semi-final (6): 1996/97, 1997/98,
1998/99, 1999/2000, 2000/01, 2004/05
Quarter-final (2): 2001/02, 2005/06
Last 16 (3): 1995/96, 2006/07, 2012/13,
2013/14
Main round (2): 2007/08, 2008/09
Group phase (4): 1993/94, 1994/95,
2010/11, 2014/15
Qualification (1): 2009/10
Other
Cup Winners‘ Cup: Semi-finals 2002/02,
2011/12
Slovenian league: 19 titles (1992, 1993,
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999,
2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,
2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015)
Slovenian cup: 18 times
Biggest win:
37:17 (16:09) v Redbergslids IK SWE (h), 18.11.2000
Biggest defeat:
43:27 (23:16) v THW Kiel GER (a), 27.02.2011
6 matches (23.03.1997 – 24.01.1998)
6 matches (25.03.2000 – 09.12.2000)
8 matches (31.10.2004 – 02.04.2005)
Longest losing run:
4 matches (16.02.2008 – 08.03.2008)
4 matches (14.02.2009 – 07.03.2009)
4 matches (02.10.2010 – 21.11.2010)
4 matches (27.02.2011 – 06.10.2012)
Longest run without win: 6 matches (16.02.2008 - 05.10.2008)
Most goals:
44 v HC ‘Granitas-Karys’ LTU 44:27W (h), 22.11.2008
44 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 44:33L (a), 09.10.2010
Most goals both teams: 77 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 44:33L (a), 09.10.2010
Fewest goals:
17 v UHK West Wien AUT 18:17L (a), 06.04.1994
Fewest goals opponent: 16 v SG Wallau-Massenheim GER 23:16L (h), 13.02.1994
16 v Redbergslids Göteborg SWE 31:16W (h), 14.11.1998
Fewest goals both teams: 35 v UHK West Wien AUT 18:17L (a), 06.04.1994
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
10
8
0
2
268:234
+34
16:4
1/2-finals
10
7
1
2
290:245
+45
15:5
1/2-finals
10
7
0
3
294:250
+44
14:6
1/2-finals
10
6
1
3
292:254
+38
13:7
1/2-finals
8
6
0
2
232:217
+15
12:4
1/4-finals
14
10
2
2
447:398
+49
22:6
Winner
12
8
1
3
360:327
+33
17:7
1/2-finals
10
7
0
3
311:273
+38
14:6
1/4-finals
8
6
0
2
272:237
+35
12:4
Last 16
12
4
2
6
342:344
-2
10:14
4th MR Gr. 4
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
12
5
0
7
305:324
–19
10:14
Last 16
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
Total
17498 9 67 4989:4671 +318 205:143
43
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
2
7
3
4
30
6
13
26
14
5
8
25
15
11
55
10
35
15
21
9
17
18
23
77
Eljub
Povilas
Blaz
Tobias
Luka
Anze
Tilen
Lucijan
Matic
Sime
Blaz
Tilen
Arthur
Gal
Ziga
Grega
Zivan
Vid
Gregor
David
Luka
Jan
Miha
Luka
Alagic
Babarskas
Blagotinsek
Cvetko
Dobelsek
Dobovicnik
Dobovicnik
Fizuletto
Groselj
Ivic
Janc
Kodrin
Malburg Patrianova
Marguc
Mlakar
Ocvirk
Pesic
Poteko
Potocnik
Razgor
Savanovic
Sivka
Zarabec
Zvizej
SLO
LTU
SLO
SLO
SLO
SLO
SLO
SLO
SLO
CRO
SLO
SLO
BRA
SLO
SLO
SLO
SRB
SLO
SLO
SLO
BIH
SLO
SLO
SLO
Line Player
Left Back
Line Player
Left Back
Centre Back
Right Wing
Left Wing
Centre Back
Right Back
Right Back
Right Wing
Left Wing
Left Back
Right Wing
Right Back
Centre Back
Line Player
Line Player
Left Back
Centre Back
Right Back
Left Wing
Centre Back
Left Wing
10.6.1998
13.12.1988
17.1.1994
10.1.1997
12.1.1983
3.6.1998
29.5.1998
23.2.1994
22.9.1997
21.1.1993
20.11.1996
14.5.1994
22.4.1993
16.11.1996
16.5.1990
5.12.1998
7.7.1993
5.4.1991
22.8.1992
13.7.1989
16.1.2001
12.7.1997
12.10.1991
9.12.1980
177
202
202
192
190
180
179
186
194
195
184
190
188
177
191
188
194
193
196
181
186
183
178
185
16
Ivan
Gajic
SRB
Goalkeeper
1
Urban
Lesjak
SLO
Goalkeeper
12
Tilen
Leben
SLO
Goalkeeper
66
Gasper
Dobaj
SLO
Goalkeeper
Average:
Branko Tamse
coach
•
former player and coach of Celje’s arch rivals
from Velenje
•
took over the club in December 2014, just 48
hours after Vladan Matic and Celje announced the
termination of their contract
•
major task of the former youth and junior
national team player was to rebuild a young team
with talents and create a competitive force to keep
up with the pace of the more renowned rivals in
the group.
44
Celje, SLO
Kaunas, LTU
Celje, SLO
Celje, SLO
Celje, SLO
Celje, SLO
Celje, SLO
Celje, SLO
Trbovlje, SLO
Split, CRO
Brezice, SLO
Celje, SLO
Itajausc, BRA
Celje, SLO
Celje, SLO
Celje, SLO
Novi Sad, SRB
Celje, SLO
Celje, SLO
Celje, SLO
Banja Luka, BIH
Celje, SLO
Novo Mesto, SLO
Celje, SLO
17.5.1979
Nis, SRB
24.8.1990
Celje, SLO
7.1.1997
Cele, SLO
13.11.1998
Slovenj Gradec, SLO
22,21
77
103
116
86
86
73
73
84
90
90
85
89
97
72
98
89
105
105
105
82
82
76
78
86
191
105
188
95
186
86
185
85
187,9 89,2
Ivan Gajic
goalkeeper
Luka Zvizej
left wing
•
started his handball career in his birthplace
with RK Zeleznicar Nis in 1997
•
competed at the 2004 Olympics in Athens
•
listed among the top ten goal scorers at the
2012 EHF EURO, also part of the national team at the
WCh 2013, where Slovenia finished fourth
•
played five seasons (2008-2013) for Celje’s
biggest rival RK Gorenje Velenje, under current
Celje coach Branko Tamse, won three Slovenian
champions title with them
•
moved from his home team to Spain in 2003
– first to CB Cantabria and then to FC Barcelona,
where he won the CL in 2005 and ASOBAL in 2006
•
vast club-level experience playing at
Hannover, Frisch Auf Göppingen, Silkeborg,
Tremblay as well as Al Ahly for a season each
•
before moving back to Celje had a second stint
at Cantabria and spent three years with Pick Szeged
•
represented Serbia at the World
Championship in Spain 2013
Arthur Malburg Patrianova
left back
Luka Dobelsek
centre back
•
•
joined Celje in the summer of 2015 after he
helped the league rivals Velenje to reach the EHF
Cup Finals in the previous season
signed for Celje in the summer of 2015
•
despite his young age (22) has been member
of the Brazilian national team for some years and
played both at the WCh 2013 in Spain and WCh 2015
in Qatar
•
one of the most experienced players of the
squad with a dozen of EC seasons under his belt
•
came from Villa de Aranda, ASOBAL team,
before he played in Naturhouse la Rioja, but longed
for more minutes on the court
•
•
played abroad in Germany (Lübbecke,
Emsdetten) and Poland (Wisła Płock) before
returning to his boyhood club Velenje in 2013
replacing Nikola Manojlovic
can play in the centre back position too
•
played his first international matches with
Velenje already in 2001
•
in March 2015 suffered a knee injury and had
to undergo a surgery
Miha Zarabec
centre back
Vid Poteko
line player
•
joined Celje in the summer of 2014 from
another Slovenian club RK Maribor Branik, where he
experienced the EHF Cup Group Phase in 2012/13
•
member of Celje since 2010, now a key part of
Celje’s defence
•
•
after Sebastian Skube and Mate Lekai left the
club, Zarabec took over attacking duties
known as a true fighter, who never gives up
•
part of the Slovenian team playing in Mersin
at the Mediterranean games 2013 together with
Gasper Marguc, Urban Lesjak and Borut Mackovsek
•
his main strenghts are speed, explosivity and
his vision of play
•
after Alem Toskic left Celje for Vardar Skopje in
2013, he gets more minutes in the offensive play
•
in his first season in the CL he became the top
scorer of his team with 54 goals
•
sharing his position with talented Blaz
Blagotinsek, together they combined for 34 goals
(16+18) in the 2014/15 season
Sime Ivic
right back
Blaz Janc
right wing
•
•
one of the biggest talents in history of
Slovenian handball
joined Celje in 2014 from Nexe Nasice (Croatia)
•
in Nexe top a very important role, as he was
the second best scorer of the team and overall 7th
scorer in 2013/14 SEHA league
•
•
teenager already in his 4th season in the first
team making his debut in the CL at 15 years old
in his first season with Celje scored 20 goals
•
after Gasper Marguc’s departure to Veszprem
in 2014 he used his extended playing time to
become the third best Celje’s scorer (44 goals)
•
his main positive characteristics are his agility
and ability to play well in both attack and defence.
•
best right back in the previous Men’s 20 EHF
EURO 2014 and Junior WCh 2015 where he was
playing with players two years older than him
•
best right back and top scorer of Youth WCh
2015
45
GROUP A
Orlen Wisla Plock (POL)
Following a spirited challenge against Vive Tauron Kielce for the Polish title and becoming
the only team to beat eventual VELUX EHF Champions League winners FC Barcelona last
season, there is plenty to be positive about in the Wisla Plock camp as they head into another
European campaign.
The Polish runners-up are ready for a new challenge after three cornerstones of Manuel
Cadenas’ squad left Plock for other Champions League participants. Mariusz Jurkiewicz joined
Kielce, towering line player Kamil Syprzak made it to the defending champions FC Barcelona
Lassa and Alexander Tioumentsev now plays for Meshkov Brest.
On the other hand, Plock signed two international experienced players: Chilean Marco
Oneto (former Barcelona player), Bartosz Konitz and Russian talent Dmitrii Zhitnikov. These
newcomers keep the flames of hope burning for Cadenas despite the tough group they were
drawn in with Kiel (three-time champions), Veszprem (2015 finalist), talent-laden Paris, 2014
champions Flensburg, Celje, Zagreb and Besiktas.
“At first it is our main goal to qualify for the Last 16 and we want to be a tough opponent for all
our competitors,” Cadenas looks ahead. For the coach of the Spanish national team Barcelona,
Kiel and Kielce are the favourites to win the competition.
Playing hall
Orlen Arena
Pl. Celebry Papieskiej 1
09-400 Płock
Poland
Capacity: 5,467
For him, the chance to be in a group like this means a great honour: “To be part of the
Champions League is important for the city, the club and the fans - who can watch the best
teams in the world in the Orlen Arena.”
Club Address:
Orlen Wisła Płock
Plac Celebry Papieskiej 1
09-400 Płock
Poland
Champions League: Polish runners-up
Media contact:
Tomasz Bauman
Tel: +48 723 100 787
t.bauman@sprwislaplock.pl
Newcomers:
Marco Oneto (GWD Minden)
Bartosz Konitz (Szczecin)
Dmitrii Zhitnikov (Chekhovskie Medvedi)
Online information:
Website: www.sprwislaplock.pl
Facebook: sprWisla
Twitter: @SPRWisla
Left the club:
Mariusz Jurkiewicz (Kielce)
Alexander Tioumentsev (Meshkov Brest)
Kamil Syprzak (Barcelona)
Coach: Manuel Cadenas (since 2013)
Captain: Adam Wisniewski
Past achievements
season): 11
Last 16 (4): 1995/96, 2011/12, 2013/14,
2014/15
Group Phase (5): 2002/03, 2004/05,
2005/06, 2006/07, 2008/09
Other
EHF Cup: Quarter-finals 1993/94, Group
Phase: 2012/13
Polish league: 7 titles (1995, 2002, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2008, 2011)
Polish Cup: 10 titles
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: whiteblue
Player short: blue
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
46
Biggest win:
42:26 (19:11) v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SCG (h), 13.11.2004
Biggest defeat:
35:18 (19:04) v KIF Kolding Elite A/S DEN (a), 07.10.2006
34:17 (15:07) v HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO (a), 12.10.2008
5 matches (29.11.2014 – 14.03.2015)
6 matches (23.11.2014 – 14.03.2015)
Longest losing run:
6 matches (05.10.2008 – 20.11.2008)
Most goals:
42 v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SCG 42:26W (h), 13.11.2004
40 v Sportclub Magdeburg GER 40:32L (a), 16.11.2002
Most goals both teams: 72 v Sportclub Magdeburg GER 40:32L (a), 16.11.2002
Fewest goals:
13 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 21:13L (a), 15.10.2006
Fewest goals opponent: 19 v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SRB 31:19W (h), 28.09.2006
19 v HCM Constanta ROU 19:34W (a), 09.02.2012
19 v Besiktas MOGAZ HT TUR 28:19W (h), 27.09.2014
Fewest goals both teams:34 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 21:13L (a), 15.10.2006
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
2002/03 Wisla Plock SSA POL
6
1
0
5
167:195
–28
2:10
3rd Gr. A
6
1
0
5
159:177
-18
2:10
4th Gr. D
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
1/8-finals
12
5
0
7
335:341
-6
10:14
1/8-finals
12
7
1
4
340:337
+3
15:9
Last 16
Total
66
22
2421740:1922
–18246:86
47
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
34
3
15
27
2
25
23
77
29
18
13
7
17
14
26
10
24
89
Lukasz
Michal
Valentin Marian
Bartosz
Zbigniew
Angel
Jakub
Ivan
Marco Antonio
Mateusz
Miljan
Dan Emil
Tiago
Maciej
Marko
Adam
Nemanja
Dmitry
Calujek
Daszek
Ghionea
Konitz
Kwiatkowski
Montoro Cabello
Moryn
Nikcevic
Oneto Zuniga
Piechowski
Pusica
Racotea
Rocha
Skibinski
Tarabochia
Wisniewski
Zelenovic
Zhitnikov
POL
POL
ROU
POL
POL
ESP
POL
SRB
ITA
POL
SRB
ROU
POR
POL
BIH
POL
SRB
RUS
Left Back
Right Wing
Right Wing
Left Back
Line Player
Right Back
Left Wing
Left Wing
Line Player
Line Player
Left Back
Back
Line Player
Right Wing
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Centre Back
25.7.1994
27.6.1992
29.4.1984
30.12.1984
2.4.1985
10.4.1989
17.11.1996
11.2.1981
3.6.1982
1.3.1995
30.6.1991
21.7.1995
17.10.1985
28.4.1996
28.11.1988
24.10.1980
27.2.1990
20.11.1989
202
180
197
197
202
213
186
182
204
210
199
202
196
186
192
192
194
193
12
Marcin
Wichary
POL
Goalkeeper
36
Rodrigo
Corrales Rodal
ESP
Goalkeeper
16
Adam
Morawski
POL
Goalkeeper
Average:
Manolo Cadenas
coach
•
before he signed to Orlen in 2013 he made a
short return to Leon, where he had been the coach
also from 1995 to 2007, in their “golden era”
•
led Ademar to their only national
championship title in 2001, two cup titles and
victories in the European arena
•
joined Plock in a difficult period facing a
challenge of building the team from the scratch
•
besides Plock also coaches the Spanish
national team
EC Trophies: Cup Winner’s Cup 1989, 1999, 2005
EURO: B 2014
48
Zawadzkie, POL
Tczew, POL
Baia Mare, ROU
Oborniki Wlkpl., POL
Mlawa, POL
Toledo, ESP
Plock, POL
Niksic, MNE
Vina del mar, CHI
Plock, POL
Prijepolje, SRB
Brasov, ROU
S. Paio Oleiros, POR
Ciechanów, POL
Zagreb, BIH
Plock, POL
Knin, SRB
Zvolen, RUS
17.2.1980
Zabrze, POL
24.2.1991
Cangas, ESP
17.10.1994
Ciechanów, POL
26,57
104
70
90
97
120
105
80
80
117
110
101
98
104
82
92
100
93
90
193
100
201
99
193
94
195,9 96,5
Rodrigo Corrales Rodal
goalkeeper
Marcin Wichary
goalkeeper
•
coming to Plock in 2014 seems to be one of
the best decision made by the Spaniard who had
been in the shadow of other keepers in FC Barcelona
•
depite his inconspicuous look, while standing
between the posts he turns into a beast
•
came to Plock in 2004 and since that moment
he has become a true Oiler, beloved by the local fans
•
landed under Manolo Cadenas wings, which
soon made the experts call him the future of
Spanish handball
•
in his WCh debut in 2013 he impressed with a
50% save efficiency in the group phase
•
talented, hard-working and dynamic player
soon gained hearts of the local fans with incredible
saves in crucial moments of the games
•
his best achievement to date remains the 5th
place in the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing and the
bronze medal from the WCh 2015 in Qatar
EC Trophies: CL 2011
WCh: B 2015
Ivan Nikcevic
left wing
Miljan Pusica
left back
•
•
among six players that reinforced the ranks of
Wisla before the 2014/15 season
experienced winger with many titles
•
raised in Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, he moved
to Spain in 2005 where he played for the likes of San
Antonio and Cuatro Rayas Valladolid
•
in 2014 on the left side replaced his
countryman, Petar Nenadic, who joined Füchse
Berlin
•
achieved his best European performance with
San Antonio in the Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final in
2010
•
with his previous team, RK Vojvodina, he
failed in the qualification tournament in the 2013/14
season
•
also an important Serbian national team
player scoring over 450 goals
EURO: S 2012
Dmitry Zhitnikov
centre back
Tiago Rocha
line player
•
comes from Krasnodar, and his first coach at
the local handball school was his father
•
the first Portuguese player in Polish league;
a hard-working player aware of his physical assets,
despite his huge dimensions possesses a good
coordination
•
at the age of 16, the talented boy was invited
to Chekhov where he played five seasons in the
reserve team
•
after spending twelve years in FC Porto he
made his first step abroad joining Płock in 2014
•
as he matured and experienced players left,
Zhitnikov began to play a more prominent role at
Medvedi
•
became a cornerstone of the team until the
metacarpus injury in March 2015 put him out of
action both in domestic and European contest
•
member of the Russian national team joined
Plock in the summer of 2015
•
after the departure of Kamil Syprzak to
Barcelona in the summer of 2015 he shares his
position with a newcomer Marco Oneto
Nemanja Zelenovic
right back
Valentin Ghionea
right wing
•
another representative of the young guns of
Plock
•
Romanian Handballer of the Year in 2008 and
two-time top scorer in Romania (2005, 2007)
•
•
joined Wisla Plock in 2012 and during his first
season, he showed his great goalscoring ability
arrived in the summer of 2014 from Celje
•
with Serbian Red Star, his first club, he
experienced the CL debut in the 2007/08 season and
still as a teenager he scored 18 goals next season
•
quickly became a very important Wisla player
and his team’s top scorer
•
currently the first choice in right back position
and a member of Serbian national team
•
in the 2013/14 season he scored 226 goals in
43 appearances including 48 goals in the CL
•
with his speed he is an important part of
Manolo Cadenas’s philosophy of the game
49
HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)
GROUP A
Z
A G
R
E
B
The Arena Zagreb was a true fortress last season and a continuation of this is important for
RK PPD Zagreb ahead of the new VELUX EHF Champions League season. One season ago, Kiel,
Paris and Kolding all stumbled into the home of the Croatian record champions, who are part
of the Champions League for the 22th time – more than any other team. Since Veselin Vujovic
(now also Slovenian national team coach) took over Zagreb in October 2014, the pool of talents
improved like no other Champions League team. But as expected, some of those talents were
on the shopping list of other clubs: Teo Čorić (TV Bittenfeld), Ilija Brozović (HSV Hamburg),
Duško Čelica (Eisenach) and Mario Vuglač all bid farwell to Zagreb.
The club has continued signing home grown talents, as again Zagreb’s squad only consists of
players from Croatia. After an unexpectedly successful 2014/15 season, club manager Ante
Ančić is aware that it will be hard to continue this way.
“Last season we went through to the quarter-finals. Repeating that would be a huge success
for our young and home grown team. With the new playing system reaching the quarter-final
again will be much harder than before. So our realistic goal is to make it to the Last 16.”
Playing hall
Arena Zagreb
Laniste b.b.,
10000 Zagreb
Croatia
Capacity: 15,200
Club Address:
HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb
Veprinecka 16
10000 Zagreb
Croatia
Media contact:
Goran Roknić
+385 95 9999 334
glasnogovornik@rk‐zagreb.hr
Online information:
Website: www.rk-zagreb.hr
Facebook: RK-Zagreb
Twitter: @RKZagreb
Kit colours
Zagreb will have to face huge hurdles in the group phase, playing against Kiel, Veszprem,
PSG, Flensburg, Plock and Besiktas in Group A - in addition Zagreb strive again for the final
tournament of the SEHA Liga, which they won in 2013. “In reality we will fight with Celje, Plock
and Besiktas for the positions 5 and 6. We managed to create some pretty interesting upsets
last season and will for sure give our best to shock some of the ‘giants’ in our group again this
year,” Ančić hopes for.
Two players will definitely miss the start of the Champions League season: Stipe Mandalinić,
who is out for six months after a knee surgery, and Josip Valčić, out with a femoral injury.
Champions League: Croatian champions
Coach: Veselin Vujovic (since October 2014)
Captain: Zlatko Horvat
Newcomers:
Igor Vujić (Istres)
Stanko Sabljić (Erlangen)
Tin Kontrec (Grk Varaždin)
Marko Vukić (Marina Kaštela)
Josip Šandrk (Dinamo Bukurešt)
Left the club:
Teo Čorić (TV Bittenfeld)
Ilija Brozović (HSV Hamburg)
Duško Čelica (Eisenach)
Mario Vuglač
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: white
Goalkeeper shirt: orange
Past achievements
season): 22
Final (4): 1994/95, 1996/97, 1997/98,
1998/99
Semi-final (1): 1999/00
Quarter-final (6): 2000/01, 2002/03,
2003/04, 2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15)
Last 16 (3): 2005/06, 2009/10, 2010/11
Main Round (1): 2007/08
Group Phase (4): 1993/94, 2004/05,
2006/07, 2012/13
Other
EHF Cup: Runners-up 2004/05
Cup Winners‘ Cup: Semi-finals 2006/07
SEHA League: 1 title (2013)
Croatian league: 25 titles (1991, 1992,
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998,
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010,
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
Croatian Cup winner: 22 times
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
50
HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)
RUKOMETNI KLUB
PRVO PLINARSKO DRUŠTVO
Z A G R E B
Biggest win
34:15 (16:8) v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH (h), 04.12.2010
Biggest defeat:
21:43 (10:23) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 18.04.2015
6 matches (12.12.1998 – 27.02.1999)
6 matches (09.11.1996 – 18.01.1997)
6 matches (12.12.1998 – 27.02.1999)
6 matches (30.10.1999 – 05.12.1999)
6 matches (04.10.2008 – 22.11.2008)
Longest losing run:
7 matches (11.10.2012 – 16.02.2013)
Most goals:
38 v Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 38:30W (h), 23.02.2013
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
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
12
6
3
3
310:294
+16
15:9
Runner-up
12
7
0
5
300:287
+13
14:10
Runner-up
12
8
1
3
288:269
+19
17:7
Runner-up
10
7
1
2
260:230
+30
15:5
1/2-finals
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
10
4
0
6
273:258
+15
8:12
1/4-finals
6
3
0
3
165:170
-5
6:6
3rd Gr. B
8
5
1
2
212:194
+18
11:5
Last 16
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
12
7
3
2
357:313
+44
17:7
1/4-finals
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 Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb CRO
14
7
0
7
328:356
-28
14:14
1/4-finals
Total
20810322 83 5498:5344 +154 228:188
51
HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
18
51
9
77
27
48
4
37
94
17
7
20
14
11
7
19
22
24
45
4
14
Zlatko
Arijan
Tin
Antonijo
Stipe
Petar
Lovro
Sandro
Domagoj
Luka
Stanko
Josip
Luka
Lovro
Luka
Leon
Josip
Tonci
Jakov
Stefan
Marko
Horvat
Jovic
Kontrec
Kovacevic
Mandalinic
Medic
Mihic
Obranovic
Pavlovic
Rakovic
Sabljic
Sandrk
Sebetic
Sprem
Stepancic
Susnja
Valcic
Valcic
Vrdoljak
Vujic
Vukic
CRO Right Wing
CRO
CRO Line Player
CRO Left Wing
CRO Left Back
CRO
CRO Left Wing
CRO Centre Back
CRO Left Back
CRO Right Wing
CRO Line Player
CRO Left Back
CRO Right Back
CRO Left Wing
CRO Right Back
CRO Line Player
CRO Centre Back
CRO Left Back
CRO
CRO Centre Back
CRO Left Back
16
Filip
Ivic
CRO Goalkeeper
12
Ivan
Stevanovic
CRO Goalkeeper
Average:
Veselin Vujovic
coach
•
hired by Zagreb right before the beginning of
the 2014/15 CL campaign
•
one of the best players ever, worked as a
head-coach in Ciudad Real, Vardar, Yugoslavian
national team, Serbia and Montenegro (fourth place
the OG in Sydney 2000) and is in charge of Slovenia
now
•
with Vardar won the regional SEHA League
title in its first season
•
known as an outstanding specialist but also as
an impulsive coach
EC: Champions Cup 1985, 1986, 1991 (as player)
OG: G 1984, WCh: G 1986 (as player)
52
25.9.1984
18.6.1996
9.9.1989
21.5.1987
9.9.1992
12.6.1996
25.8.1994
18.10.1992
21.3.1993
6.6.1988
28.1.1988
27.4.1987
26.5.1994
26.1.1990
20.11.1990
5.8.1993
21.4.1984
9.6.1978
1.11.1996
6.7.1991
24.2.1993
179
184
196
190
195
187
180
194
189
179
202
209
197
186
200
204
190
194
189
192
202
Zagreb, CRO
Zagreb, CRO
Nasice, CRO
Zagreb, CRO
Split, CRO
Zagreb, CRO
Zagreb, CRO
Karlovac, CRO
Zagreb, CRO
Zagreb, CRO
Mostar, BIH
Zagreb, CRO
Bjelovar, CRO
Zagreb, CRO
Pula, CRO
Siroki Brijeg, BIH
Zadar, CRO
Zadar, CRO
Zagreb, CRO
Rijeka, CRO
Split, CRO
30.8.1992
Zagreb, CRO
18.5.1982
Rijeka, CRO
25,26
87
82
95
90
90
80
74
83
82
86
108
100
93
88
104
113
97
100
85
91
90
196
95
193
101
192,5 91,9
Filip Ivic
goalkeeper
Lovro Sprem
left wing
•
•
well-known surname in Croatian handball, his
older brother Goran won many medals with Croatia
home-grown goalkeeper from Zagreb’s school
•
won European gold and was fourth in the
world as the captain of Croatian junior national team
•
Goran’s copy in speed, aggresiveness and
rhythm
•
in the 2013/14 season he was given a chance
in Zagreb’s first team
•
became the junior world champion in Tunisia
in 2009
•
used the opportunity to open gates of senior
handball in great style through some great saves
•
very skillful at counter attacks and playing out
front in a 5-1 defence
•
in his first senior season he also made it to the
national team and backed Mirko Alilović on the way
to bronze at the 2013 WCh
WCh: B 2013
WCh: B 2013
Domagoj Pavlovic
left back
Tonci Valcic
left back
•
born in Ivanic, where he began playing
handball before joining RK Dubrava – club where
he rose to prominence, which took him to HC PPD
Zagreb in 2014
•
made a debut for Zagreb in 1999, currently
playing his ninth season for the club.
•
older brother to Zagreb and Croatia teammate
Josip Valcic
•
came through all Croatian youth selections,
before establishing himself as the key member of
junior national team
•
defensive specialist, known for his great
anticipation of player movement in 6-0 zone
•
made Croatia national team debut in 2003 and
has since made 109 appearances scoring 189 goals
•
playing his second season for HC PPD Zagreb,
alongside Croatian youth selection teammates Filip
Ivic, Sandro Obranovic and Stipe Mandalinic
WCh: G 2003, S 2009, EURO: S 2008, S 2010
•
Enjoys working with Veselin Vujovic, who is
said to give him great confidence
Sandro Obranovic
left/centre back
Stanko Sabljic
line player
•
having started handball as a member of RK
Karlovac youth squad, working his way up to the
first team and the Challenge Cup berth
•
born in Mostar (Bosnia Herzogovina) began his
path in the youth ranks of HRK Izvidjac Ljubuski
•
changed three clubs between 2007 and 2010
(Bosna Sarajevo, RK Sloga Doboj and RK Metkovic)
•
joined Zagreb in 2013, from Croatian vicechampions and the EHF Cup outfit RK NEXE Nasice
•
garnered a valuable SEHA league experience
in the shirt of Borac m:tel in 2010/11 and 2011/12
•
flourished under guidance of Veselin Vujovic
in the 2014/15 season, becoming one of the key
players for Zagreb coming off the bench
•
three seasons of Bundesliga experience,
representing the German sides Bergischer HC (20122014) and HC Erlangen (2014-2015)
•
awarded best left back of the 2015 SEHA
League Final tournament
•
replacement in 2015 for Ilija Brozovic who
went in the opposite direction to Bundesliga (HSV)
Luka Stepancic
right back
Zlatko Horvat
right wing
•
one of the most exciting Zagreb players and
one of the most wanted on the European player’s
market
•
captain and speedy wing is a counter-attack
specialist, but he is an important part of defence at
the same time
•
more than two meters tall left handed with a
great jump shot and ability to play in defence
•
had his debut in the national team in 2006 and
since then he has won four medals
•
member of Croatian national team and
already has a bronze medal from the WCh 2013 in
Spain
•
played in Zagreb from the beginning of his
career and has already 13 campaigns in the CL under
his belt
•
•
in the 2010/11 season the third top scorer
with 94 goals
at the 2009 Junior WC in Tunisia won the gold
WCh: B 2013
OG: B 2012, EURO: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013
53
GROUP A
Besiktas JK (TUR)
It was a landmark in their club’s history despite not ending successfully: After failing six straight
times in the qualification for the VELUX EHF Champions League, Besiktas Mogaz made it to
the group phase last season as the first Turkish team ever. Beating Swedish side Alingsas they
wrote further history with their first ever group phase win, and even though it was also their
last one, Besiktas took huge experience from this highlight in their international year.
For the 2015/16 season, they were even seeded among the top groups - and though the
Turkish champions were drawn in Group A with more experienced squads like Veszprem, Kiel,
PSG, Flensburg, Celje, Plock and Zagreb, they are aiming for the Last 16 qualification. To make
it that far, Besiktas need to finish among the six best teams of the group.
After seven straight titles in the Turkish league, the team of Mufit Arin was strengthen by some
international experienced players, but one had to leave to his home country (Croatia) due
to injury and family problems: Vedran Zrnic. Another newcomer, Serbian Darko Djukic, has
substituted him.
The biggest loss for Besiktas was the transfer of former Chilean international Emil Feuchtmann,
who signed for former German champions TBV Lemgo. The biggest name among the new
arrivals is Nemanja Pribak, the Macedonian international, who arrives from Vardar Skopje.
Playing hall
Sinam Erdem Spor Salonu
Zuhuratbaba Mh, Bakritköy
34147 Istanbul
Turkey
Capacity: 15,000
For team captain Ibrahim Demir the increase in experience could be the key to future
successes: “We learned a lot and we have new players. At first we want to get used to playing
Champions League matches and with more experience comes more success.”
Past achievements
Champions League: Turkish champions
Club Address:
Besiktas JK
Suleyman Seba Cd. No. 48
34357 Besiktas - Istanbul
Turkey
Media contact:
Berk Karahan
Tel: +90-535-358-8747
berk.karahan@bjk.com.tr
Online information:
www.bjk.com.tr
Twitter: @BJKHentbol
Facebook: Besiktas
Coach: Mufit Arin (since 2004)
Captain: Ibrahim Demir
Newcomers:
Nemanja Pribak (Vardar Skopje)
Miroslav Kocic (Vojvodina)
Mehmet Demirezen (Ankara BSB Spor)
Darko Djukic (Metalurg Skopje)
Left the club:
Bulent Erkol (Trabzonspor)
Oguzhan Buyuk (Bahcesehir SK)
Viktor Ladyko (end of career)
Erwin Jan Feuchtmann Perez (Lemgo)
Yunus Ozmusul (Bittenfeld)
season): 9
Group Phase (1): 2014/15
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
Challenge Cup: Semi-final
2008/09, Quarter-final 2002/03
Turkish league: 11 titles (1981, 1982,
2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2013, 2014, 2015)
Turkish cup: 11 titles
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: black
Alternative playing hall
Kocaeli Sehit Polis Recep Topaloglu
Spor Salonu
Yahya Kaptan Mah.Kizilay Sok No:
41050 Arasta, Izmit
Turkey
Capacity: 4,776
Dark
Player shirt: black
Player short: black
Goalkeeper shirt: blue
54
Besiktas JK (TUR)
Biggest win
28:26 (13:15) v Alingsas HK SWE (h), 16.11.2014
Biggest defeat:
1 match (16.11.2014)
1 match (16.11.2014)
Longest losing run:
5 matches (20.11.2014 – 21.02.2015)
Most goals:
31 v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 34:31L (a), 07.12.2014
35 v FC Barcelona ESP 35:25L (h), 12.10.2014
Most goals both teams: 65 v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 34:31L (a), 07.12.2014
Fewest goals:
19 v Orlen Wisla Plock POL 28:19L (a), 27.09.2014
Fewest goals opponent: 26 v Alingsas HK SWE 28:26W (h), 16.11.2014
Fewest goals both teams:47 v Orlen Wisla Plock POL 28:19L (a), 27.09.2014
47 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 20:27L (h), 16.10.2014
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
2014/15 Besiktas MOGAZ HT TUR
10
1
0
9
253:303
–50
2:18
6th Gr. B
Total
101 0 9
55
253:303 –50
2:18
Besiktas JK (TUR)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
7
15
13
10
11
6
34
25
14
45
53
36
37
2
27
20
8
99
18
Ömer Ozan
Arifoglu
Ercan
Asikoglu
Muhammed Taha Ayar
Senol
Boyar
Josip
Buljubasic
Volkan
Caliskan
Ugur
Coban
Predrag
Dacevic
Mehmet
Demirezen
Darko
Djukic
Ramazan
Döne
Berkay
Gulyurt
Yigit
Ilgin
Ömer
Mercan
Ivan
Nincevic
Tolga
Özbahar
Nemanja
Pribak
David
Rasic
Kubilay
Yilmaz
TUR
TUR
TUR
TUR
CRO
TUR
TUR
SRB
TUR
SRB
TUR
TUR
TUR
TUR
CRO
TUR
MKD
SRB
TUR
Right Back
Right Wing
Line Player
Centre Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Left Back
Line Player
Right Wing
Right Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Left Wing
Line Player
Centre Back
Left Back
Right Wing
20.8.1989
4.1.1983
12.6.1996
8.5.1984
11.7.1988
3.11.1990
10.11.1988
21.7.1986
3.8.1988
11.12.1994
10.7.1981
3.3.1997
1.2.1997
10.4.1997
27.10.1981
24.4.1984
26.3.1984
4.12.1986
22.3.1997
196
190
186
185
202
190
177
197
193
196
192
192
186
194
185
197
190
196
187
26
Ibrahim
Demir
TUR
Goalkeeper
81
Miroslav
Kocic
SRB
Goalkeeper
1
Tolga
Kirli
TUR
Goalkeeper
22
Mesut
Cebi
TUR
Goalkeeper
Average:
4.10.1975
Eskisehir, TUR
3.7.1981
Leskovac, SRB
28.3.1993
Istanbul, TUR
6.9.1991
Ankara, TUR
26,96
Mufit Arin
coach
•
had plenty of success as a coach with Besiktas JK,
dominating the Turkish domestic league over the past ten years
•
eight-time Turkish league champion, six-time Turkish cup
winner, six-time Turkish Super Cup winner
•
reached the Challenge Cup semi-final in the 2008/09
season
•
notable playing achievement is winning the Turkish
league with Arcelik HK in 1983, but nothing can be compared
to the premiere of Turkish handball in the CL group phase in the
2014/15 season
56
Zonguldak, TUR
Kırcaali, BUL
Istanbul, TUR
Bursa, TUR
Metkovic, CRO
Ankara, TUR
Bolu, TUR
Belgrade, SRB
Ankara, TUR
Nis, SRB
Rize, TUR
Istanbul, TUR
Istanbul, TUR
Istanbul, TUR
Zadar, CRO
Aydın, TUR
Nis, SRB
Barac, SRB
Istanbul, TUR
102
95
80
85
118
95
80
98
100
90
106
90
86
87
82
118
103
93
80
194
105
200
96
192
102
195
105
191,8 95,5
Ivan Nincevic
left wing
Ibrahim Demir
goalkeeper
•
won more than 15 national championships (8
times with Besiktas - 7 times in a row), and the same
number of Turkish Cups and Super Cups
•
Croatian national team’s left winger was a big
reinforcement for Turkish champions right before
their first CL season in 2014/15
•
played more than 250 games for Turkey,
retired from the national team last year, still captain
of beach handball national team
•
built his name in Germany - from the second
division Stralsunder, as a top scorer he has earned a
transfer to Füchse Berlin
•
graduated from two universities as an
anesthesiologist and a teacher
•
played also in Dinamo Minsk and later
accepted Beskitas’ call
•
at one point forced to play a back court in
Besiktas due to many injuries
•
outstanding scorer and a good defensive
player able to motivate the whole team
OG: B 2012, EURO: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013
David Rasic
left back
Nemanja Pribak
centre back
•
father Djordje is a coach, and a legendary
goalkeeper, a two-time CL winner with Sabac
•
very intelligent player, known for his excellent
court vision, assists and playmaking ability
•
David made his name playing for Sabac,
Maccabi Tel Aviv, Kolubara and San Antonio
•
started playing handball in his hometown
of Nis, for RK Zeleznicar before joining HC Vardar,
following a stint at RK Trimo Trebnje
•
has the CL experience playing in the group
phase with Crvena Zvezda in 2008/09
•
made a debut for Serbia at the WCh 2011, but
opted to play for the FYR Macedonia in 2013
•
having missed the EHF EURO 2012 through
injury, he rediscovered his form at Besiktas
•
current Macedonian national team stalwart,
having made his debut in 2013, and represented the
country at the EHF EURO 2014
•
brother to former Serbian basketball national
team player Aleksandar Rasic
•
joined Besiktas in 2015 after five seasons for
HC Vardar, where he is considered a club legend
Tolga Özbahar
line player
Ramazan Döne
right back
•
came to Besiktas in 2010 and is recognised as
one of Turkey’s best players in his position
•
joined Besiktas in 2006 from Cankaya
Belediyesi
•
•
awarded the best line player in the Turkish
league several times
•
became the top scorer of the Challenge Cup
in 2005/06 (66 goals in 7 games) as well as the top
scorer of the Turkish league in 2005/06, 2006/07
and 2009/10
•
in the 2012/13 season, when Besiktas reached
the EHF Cup Group Phase, he was the second best
scorer (27)
•
in the 2012/13 season he helped Besiktas to
reach the EHF Cup Group Phase and was their top
scorer with 30 goals
•
first Turkish player nominated for the All-Star
Team in 2014/15 (received almost 5,000 votes)
•
awarded the best right back in the Turkish
league several times and has played over 150
international matches for Turkey so far.
Ozan Arifoglu
right back
Ercan Asıkoglu
right wing
•
as a one of the earliest members of Besiktas
always plays with his heart
•
‘The Speed of a Black Eagle’ is one of the most
experienced player at Besiktas
•
has been a vital part of senior team for five
years
•
his handball life began in Bursa Nilüfer after he
moved on to Turkey from Bulgaria
•
won four league titles, four cup titles and
several other domestic trophies
•
being a high profile handball player, on the
other hand also a sport scholar who graduated from
Uludag Universty Sport Academy
over 60 international matches for Turkey
•
has a bright future in Turkish national Team,
Ozan wore the red-white jersey more than 120
times
•
especially with his professionalism and family
life, he is a proper role-model for young eagles of
Besiktas
57
GROUP A
It was the biggest “flensation” in the history of the VELUX EHF Champions League, when SG
Flensburg-Handewitt took the trophy at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2014 after beating Kiel and
Barcelona in Cologne. In the previous season, the team of head coach Ljubomir Vranjes was hit
hard by a series of long-term injuries and was eliminated by their Northern German rival THW
Kiel in the Last 16.
Before the season throws off, Flensburg have seen changes in their squad with some skilled
signings putting pen to paper, and now are among the favourites in all competitions again.
“Flensburg are stronger than us this season,” Kiel coach Alfred Gislason said, even though his
team beat Flensburg in the German Super Cup 27:26 in the middle of August.
Four top players - mainly for the back court positions - joined Flensburg prior to the new
season, and the 25th anniversary of the club: Rasmus Lauge (Kiel) and the former Hamburg trio
Henrik Toft Hansen, Kentin Mahe (MVP of the EHF Cup Finals) and Petar Djordjic.
Playing hall
As Lars Kaufmann (to EHF Cup participant Göppingen) and Drasko Nenadic (to Hamburg)
are the only big names to leave and as they are currently not suffering from major injuries,
Flensburg can rely on an impressive roster. “Our philosophy in all competitions is quite easy:
we want to win all games,” Vranjes (IHF World coach of the year 2014) looks ahead to the
upcoming season. He showed his commitment to the club by signing a new contract to keep in
at SG until 2020.
Flens Arena
Campusallee 2
24943 Flensburg
Germany
Capacity: 6,000
“All the teams are strong, but Kiel, Paris and Veszprem are the favourites to win the group,”
says manager Dierk Schmäschke: “Everyone in Flensburg is looking forward to the group phase
this season. Our goal in the VELUX EHF Champions League - like in all domestic competitions - is
clearly set: to go all the way.”
Club Address:
Schiffbrücke 66
24939 Flensburg
Germany
Media contact:
Sandra von Wallis
+49 4611609625
s.vonwallis@sg-flensburg-handewitt.de
Online information:
Website: www.sg-flensburg-handewitt.de
Facebook: SGFleHa
Twitter: @SGFleHa
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: blue-orange
Player short: blue
Team captain and defence specialist Tobias Karlsson commented: “We want to build a good
base for the Last 16 from our group - and then hopefully proceed to the quarter-finals.
But straight away we are coming up against huge names - with no exception. My personal
favourites are Paris and Veszprem. We are really looking forward to 14 top matches.”
Champions League: third ranked in Germany
Coach: Ljubomir Vranjes (since 2010)
Captain: Tobias Karlsson
Newcomers:
Kentin Mahe
Henrik Toft Hansen
Petar Djordjic (all HSV Hamburg)
Rasmus Lauge Schmidt (THW Kiel)
Left the club:
Jakob Macke (ASV Hamm-Westfalen)
Ahmed Elahmar (El-Zamalek/EGY)
Lars Kaufmann (Frisch Auf! Göppingen)
Drasko Nenadic (HSV Handball)
Dark
Player shirt: white
Player short: blue
Past achievements
season): 11
Winners (1): 2013/14
Final (2): 2003/2004, 2006/2007
Semi-final (1): 2005/2006
Quarter-final (4): 2004/2005,
2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2012/2013
Last 16 (1): 2014/15
Main round (1): 2007/2008
Other
Cup Winners’ Cup: Winners 2000/2001
2011/2012
EHF Cup: Winners 1996/1997
City Cup: Winners 1998/1999
German league: 1 title (2004)
German cup: 4 titles
58
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 (8:19) v Renovalia Ciudad Real ESP (h), 21.04.2011
21:35 (13:19) v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN (a), 28.09.2014
6 matches (13.03.2005 – 05.11.2005)
6 matches (02.12.2010 – 03.04.2011)
7 matches (24.04.2004 – 14.11.2004)
7 matches (25.11.2012 – 23.03.2013)
Longest losing run:
3 matches (04.03.2006 - 01.04.2006)
3 matches (22.02.2015 - 22.03.2015)
Most goals:
44 v Redbergslids IK SWE 44:33W (h), 22.11.2003
41 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 41:31L (a), 02.12.2006
Most goals both teams: 80 v FC Barcelona ESP 39:41W (a), 31.05.2014
Fewest goals:
19 v Renovalia Ciudad Real ESP 27:19L (a), 22.09.2010
Fewest goals opponent: 18 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 25:18W (h), 02.03.2011
Fewest goals both teams:43 v Montpellier HB FRA 22:21W (h), 01.03.2009
43 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 25:18W (h), 02.03.2011
43 v Renovalia Ciudad Real ESP 21:22W (a), 01.05.2011
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
2003/04 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER
14
10
1
3
450:401
+49
21:7
Runner-up
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
14
8
1
5
437:398
+39
17:11
Runner-up
12
4
2
6
355:356
-1
10:14
4th MR Gr. 3
12
8
0
4
360:329
+31
16:8
1/4-finals
14
11
0
3
394:354
+40
22:6
1/4-finals
14
9
3
2
416:384
+32
21:7
1/4-finals
16
12
1
3
489:441
+48
25:7
Winner
12
6
0
6
337:340
-3
12:12
Last 16
Total
13082 9
59
39 3929:3599 +330 173:87
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
2
17
7
9
24
21
19
3
4
22
10
17
41
19
11
15
40
14
22
Lukas
Petar
Anders
Holger
Jim
Jacob
Johan Mikael
Tobias
Maik
Kentin
Thomas
Michael
Bogdan
Rasmus Lauge
Lasse
Henrik
Ljubomir
Hampus
Anders
Blohme
Djordjic
Eggert
Glandorf
Gottfridsson
Heinl
Jakobsson
Karlsson
Machulla
Mahe
Mogensen
Nicolaisen
Radivojevic
Schmidt
Svan
Toft Hansen
Vranjes
Wanne
Zachariassen
GER
SRB
DEN
GER
SWE
GER
SWE
SWE
GER
FRA
DEN
GER
SRB
DEN
DEN
DEN
SWE
SWE
DEN
Right Wing
Left Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Centre Back
Line Player
Right Back
Line Player
Centre Back
Centre Back
Centre Back
Left Back
Right Wing
Centre Back
Right Wing
Line Player
Centre Back
Left Wing
Line Player
7.11.1994
17.9.1990
14.5.1982
30.3.1983
2.9.1992
9.10.1986
12.2.1987
4.6.1981
9.1.1977
22.5.1991
30.1.1983
6.5.1995
2.3.1993
20.6.1991
31.8.1983
18.12.1986
3.10.1973
10.12.1993
4.9.1991
188
197
179
195
190
195
195
196
189
185
187
195
192
193
184
200
168
184
192
1
Mattias
Andersson
SWE Goalkeeper
77
Thore
Jöhnck
GER
Goalkeeper
32
Andreas
Meyer Ejlersen
DEN Goalkeeper
16
Kevin
Möller
DEN Goalkeeper
Average:
Ljubomir Vranjes
coach
•
former Swedish national team player, still on
the players’ list of Flensburg
•
became club manager in 2009 and coach in
November 2010
•
after winning the CL in the 2014/15 season he
declined the number of top offers from PSG and the
German national team
•
led Serbia to the 2014 EHF EURO in Denmark
in a caretaker role, but did not continue
•
highly creative photographer in his spare time
and just started to write his 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
60
Flensburg, GER
Sabac, SRB
Aarhus, DEN
Osnabrück, GER
Ystad, SWE
Hamburg, GER
Lundby, SWE
Karlskrona, SWE
Greifswald, GER
Paris, FRA
Odder, DEN
Husum, GER
Beograd, SRB
Randers, DEN
Stevns, DEN
Skive, DEN
Göteborg, SWE
Lundby, SWE
Sonderborg, SWE
29.3.1978
Malmö, SWE
28.7.1995
Flensburg, GER
28.6.1997
Horsens, DEN
20.6.1990
Tonder , DEN
27,78
72
102
77
90
95
101
89
102
95
81
100
100
80
96
84
108
80
84
96
185
93
184
84
188
85
200 103
189,6 91,2
Mattias Andersson
goalkeeper
Anders Eggert
left wing
•
awarded “best player of the Bundesliga
season 2011/12”
•
had big shoes to fill in Flensburg as successor
of legendary Lars Christiansen
•
already in the younger age categories part of
all All-Star teams and became member of the senior
national team
•
top scorer of the German Bundesliga in 2011
(248 goals) and top scorer of the 2013 WCh in Spain
(55 goals)
•
played at Kiel (2001-08), TV Großwallstadt
before signing in Flensburg
•
started his career at Gudme, in his ninth
season in Flensburg after intermediately being on
loan at Skjern Handball
•
his saves at the 2014 FINAL4 were the major
keys to win his last missing EC trophy
•
also famous for one of the highest
percentages in the CL from the penalty throws
EC trophies: CL 2007, 2014, EHF Cup: 2002, 2004, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012
OG: S 2012, EHF EURO: G 2000
EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012
WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2008, 2012, silver medallist 2014
Kentin Mahe
centre back
Thomas Mogensen
centre back
•
joined Flensburg in 2015 after spells with HSV
Hamburg, VfL Gummersbach and Bayer Dormagen
(coached by his father Pascal in Dormagen)
•
highly experienced playmaker with more than
1,000 goals for his club and long list of silverware
•
since 2007 playing for Flensburg – his first stop
outside his home country Denmark
•
MVP and top scorer (49 goals) of the Men’s 20
EHF EURO 2010 and MVP of the 2015 EHF Cup Finals
•
•
before played for Viborg and Svendborg,
becoming Danish champion and cup winner twice
in 2010 a debut in the French national team
•
to focus only on SG he quit his career in the
Danish national team after the EHF EURO 2014
•
reached the Cup Winners’ Cup final with
Gummersbach in 2011/12 and EHF Cup final with
HSV in 2014/15
EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup 2012
WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014
WCh: G 2015
Henrik Toft Hansen
line player
Tobias Karlsson
line player
•
his girlfriend Ulrike Agren is playing for the
Swedish national team and German club Buxtehude
•
typical powerful Scandinavian defence
specialist, who – together with Magnus Jernemyr build the Swedish middle block in the last years
•
his whole family is involved in handball:
brothers Rene (also a line player of THW Kiel) and
Allan (Mors-Thy) and sisters Majbritt (Skive) and
Jeanette top players in the Danish league
•
team captain, a great honour after legendary
Lars Christiansen left SG
•
Swedish champion three times with
Hammarby IF
•
part of AG Kobenhavn, which eliminated
Barcelona on the way to 2012 VELUX EHF FINAL4
•
best defence player at the EHF EURO 2014
•
transferred to Aalborg, before he joined
Hamburg in 2013 and then Flensburg in 2015
OG: S 2012
EURO: G 2012, WCh: S 2013
Holger Glandorf
right back
Lasse Svan
right wing
•
left-handed shooter and one of two German
2007 world champions in the Flensburg roster
•
one of the fastest wing players in the CL
•
same qualities as Eggert on the other side: fast
counter-attacks and a high scoring efficiency
•
despite some injury breaks, the right back
always returned to a high level of performance
•
another task in his team: motivation and
relaxing – as his business is mental coaching
•
has the full set of three major European Cup
competitions titles on his tally, with Nordhorn and
Flensburg
•
after four seasons at GOG Svendborg he
moved to Flensburg in 2008
•
in August 2014 retired from the German
national team to only focus on his club now
•
in addition to all his merits and trophies in
handball, he was also a billiard’s champion in his
home region Seeland
EC trophies: CL 2014, EHF Cup: 2008, 2010, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012
WCh: G 2007
WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014
61
Control
the Game
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Ventilation
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Leaving home
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28-08-2015 12:55:00
Group B preview
BARCELONA LEAD STAR-STUDDED FIELD IN TOUGHEST ACTION
The defending champions of Europe’s premier club handball competition should add extra gloss to a wildly entertaining Group B
featuring several other heavyweights.
The eagerly awaited new season in the VELUX EHF Champions League gets underway when Swedish newcomers IFK Kristianstad take
on their Scandinavian opponents, Denmark’s KIF Kolding Kobenhavn. It will be an appetiser for a six-month extravaganza in a mouthwatering section including holders Barcelona Lassa and last season’s third-place finishers KS Vive Tauron Kielce, with both teams
again being the strong favourites to advance into the knockout rounds.
The reformatted competition means there will be even more spectacular games and that is certainly what fans will be expecting
when the big names of European club handball lock horns.
Having won the title emphatically with a 28:23 defeat of Hungary’s Veszprem in May, Barcelona head into the new season with a
largely unchanged roster although two top performers were added to replace a key player who left. Prolific Czech left back Filip
Jicha was signed from former champions THW Kiel and Croatian right back Marko Kopljar arrived from Paris Saint-Germain Handball,
while inspirational French playmaker Nikola Karabatic went the other way to the city of lights. With FYR Macedonia’s Kiril Lazarov
and Belarus powerhouse Siarhei Rutenka also in the roster, Barcelona still appear to have by some way the strongest back court in
the competition.
Having reached the FINAL4 for the second time last season for a creditable third-place finish, Kielce will have another shot at glory
this term with a squad based largely on homegrown talent. Michal Jurecki, Croatian Ivan Cupic and evergreen goalkeeper Slawomir
Szmal continue to be the backbone of Poland’s seemingly perennial champions, who will relish the challenge of reaching giddy
heights for a second successive season.
Macedonian champions Vardar will have the same ambitions, as they attempt to reach the FINAL4 after suffering two successive
quarter-final exits in 2014 and 2015. Several fringe players have left the club and whereas others have joined to fill the gaps, most
notably Serbian line player Mijajlo Marsenic from HC Partizan Belgrade and Luka Cindric from Skopje rivals HC Metalurg, who are
competing in Group C.
Rhein-Neckar Löwen will have to cope with the loss of one of the world’s top goalkeepers, Niklas Landin, who joined fellow German
rivals and Bundesliga champions THW Kiel. Landin has been replaced by Serbian Darko Stanic as the Lions aim to bounce back from
last season’s exit in the Last 16, when they were soundly beaten by MOL-Pick Szeged 65:59 on aggregate. The Lions will once again
clash with the Hungarian outfit after they were pitted in the same group and Szeged will also head into the new season with the
highest ambitions.
They will aim to at least emulate last term’s achievement of reaching the last eight, hoping to surpass it and get on the same par with
Veszprem, having been overshadowed by their compatriots in Europe’s top flight. To boost their firepower, Szeged signed Brazilian
sharpshooter Thiagus Petrus from Spanish side Naturhouse La Rioja and he made an immediate impact by scoring three goals in a
tight 26:24 defeat to Veszprem in a recent Hungarian Super Cup final, the curtain-raiser to the new domestic season.
Zoran Milosavljevic
63
Group B head-to-heads
Historic encounters of the Group B opponents in the EC
FC Barcelona Lassa vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce 3-1-0 (122:105) 7:1
20.11.2010
KS Vive Targi Kielce vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
27.11.2010
FC Barcelona Borges vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
01.06.2013 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs FC Barcelona Intersport, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final
30.05.2015 FC Barcelona vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final
26:33 (11:18)
28:28 (15:12)
23:28 (10:13)
33:28 (16:14)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs HC Vardar 7-1-0 (262:188) 15:1
18.10.2003 FC Barcelona vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
16.11.2003 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
09.10.2004 FC Barcelona vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
06.11.2004 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
11.11.2009 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
21.11.2009 FC Barcelona Borges vs HC Vardar PRO – Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
21.09.2013 HC Vardar – Skopje vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
30.11.2013
FC Barcelona vs HC Vardar – Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
41:19 (19:8)
27:35 (16:14)
31:22 (16:12)
12:26 (8:15)
28:35 (17:16)
35:28 (15:13)
29:29 (15:19)
30:23 (14:11)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 3-2-0 (168:141) 8:2
20.12.1997
FC Barcelona vs Kolding IF, European Championship for Club Teams – Semi-final
17.10.2009
FC Barcelona Borges vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
06.03.2010 KIF Kolding vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
19.10.2014
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
15.02.2015 FC Barcelona vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
37:26 (20:14)
46:36 (23:19)
25:25 (10:12)
27:27 (14:16)
33:27 (19:11)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs MOL-Pick Szeged 11-0-3 (384:324) 22:6
1977/1978
Szegedi SC vs FC Barcelona, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16
1977/1978
FC Barcelona vs Szegedi SC, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16
23.03.1994 Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona, Cup Winners’ Cup – Semi-final
06.04.1994 FC Barcelona vs Pick Szeged, Cup Winners’ Cup – Semi-final
08.02.1997 SC Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
15.02.1997
FC Barcelona vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
23.10.2004 SC Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
13.11.2004 FC Barcelona vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
08.10.2005 FC Barcelona-Cifec vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
22.10.2005 SC Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona-Cifec, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
23.02.2008 Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 4
15.03.2008 FC Barcelona vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 4
18.11.2012
Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona Intersport, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
24.11.2012
FC Barcelona Intersport vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
27:22 (0:0)
15:13 (0:0)
22:24 (8:13)
19:14 (10:8)
25:26 (12:12)
40:17 (19:5)
22:21 (11:13)
35:26 (19:11)
27:20 (13:13)
26:28 (12:17)
28:33 (15:14)
28:32 (13:16)
28:33 (15:18)
33:24 (16:13)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 2-1-2 (160:159) 5:5
25.09.2010 FC Barcelona Borges vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
20.02.2011
Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
28.05.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final
20.04.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
26.04.2014 FC Barcelona vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
30:31 (13:14)
38:38 (22:17)
28:30 (12:12)
38:31 (22:14)
31:24 15:11)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs Montpellier HB 3-1-2 (167:143) 7:5
11.11.2000 Montpellier HB vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
10.12.2000 FC Barcelona vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
03.12.2006 Montpellier HB vs FC Barcelona-Cifec, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
09.12.2006 FC Barcelona-Cifec vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
18.03.2012 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs FC Barcelona Intersport, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
25.03.2012 FC Barcelona Intersport vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
25:25 (11:13)
24:17 (13:8)
28:25 (13:10)
29:23 (15:9)
30:28 (17:11)
36:20 (17:8)
64
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Vardar 2-0-0 (55:51) 4:0
11.04.2015 HC Vardar vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
19.04.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
20:22 (11:11)
33:31 (16:14)
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 0-0-2 (49:55) 0:4
17.11.2013
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
24.11.2013
KS Vive Targi Kielce vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
29:24 (17:12)
25:26 (15:15)
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs MOL-Pick Szeged 3-0-1 (121:111) 6:2
17.03.2013
Pick Szeged vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
24.03.2013 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
04.10.2014
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
06.12.2014 MOL-Pick Szeged vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
26:25 (15:14)
32:27 (14:11)
37:32 (18:17)
26:27 (11:14)
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 2-2-3 (198:201) 6:8
08.10.2009 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
13.02.2010 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
17.10.2010
KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
27.02.2011
Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
04.09.2011 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Tournament Group W
22.03.2014 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
31.03.2014
Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
29:29 (17:15)
32:35 (19:15)
23:23 (12:12)
29:27 (11:13)
32:30 (13:11)
32:28 (17:13)
27:23 (16:14)
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Montpellier HB 1-0-1 (60:58) 2:2
15.03.2015 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
21.03.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
25:29 (13:16)
31:33 (14:15)
HC Vardar vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 0-0-2 (46:60) 0:4
03.10.2009 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
20.02.2010
KIF Kolding vs HC Vardar PRO – Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
25:32 (10:13)
28:21 (15:9)
HC Vardar vs MOL-Pick Szeged 0-1-1 (42:49) 1:3)
16.10.2004 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
30.10.2004 SC Pick Szeged vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
24:24 (9:10)
25:18 (13:8)
HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 2-0-0 (63:53) 4:0
12.10.2014
HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
21.02.2015 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
28:25 (13:13)
28:35 (13:20)
HC Vardar vs Montpellier HB 1-1-0 (64:60) 3:1
19.10.2014
Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
14.02.2015 HC Vardar vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
34:34 (19:17)
30:26 (18:13)
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 1-0-1 (50:51) 2:2
24.02.2013
KIF Kolding vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, EHF Cup – Group B
10.03.2013 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KIF Kolding, EHF Cup – Group B
25:23 (13:11)
28:25 (16:10)
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs Montpellier HB 1-1-4 (165:195) 3:9
05.12.2004 Kolding KIF vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
12.12.2004 Montpellier HB vs Kolding KIF, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
27.03.2010
KIF Kolding vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
03.04.2010 Montpellier HB vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
20.11.2010
KIF Kolding vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
28.11.2010
Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B
38:29 (19:13)
36:25 (18:9)
26:26 (10:13)
28:23 (12:14)
28:36 (13:19)
40:25 (19:10)
65
MOL-Pick Szeged vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 2-0-2 (117:122) 4:4
12.10.2008 Pick Szeged vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H
09.11.2008 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H
13.03.2015 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
22.03.2015 MOL-Pick Szeged vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
24:28 (17:13)
35:28 (15:13)
30:34 (17:16)
31:29 16:13)
MOL-Pick Szeged vs IFK Kristianstad 2-0-0 (55:41) 4:0
12.02.2014
IFK Kristianstad vs Pick Szeged, EHF Cup – Group C
29.03.2014
Pick Szeged vs IFK Kristianstad, EHF Cup – Group C
23:26 (12:13)
29:18 (16:9)
MOL-Pick Szeged vs Montpellier HB 4-0-5 (244:250) 8:10
13.11.1994
Pick Szeged vs Montpellier HB, EHF Cup – Last 16
20.11.1994
Montpellier HB vs Pick Szeged, EHF Cup – Last 16
14.12.2003 SC Pick Szeged vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
21.12.2003 Montpellier HB vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16
15.11.2009 Montpellier HB vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
22.11.2009 Pick Szeged vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
19.11.2011
Pick Szeged vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
18.12.2011
Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
18.05.2014 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Pick Szeged, EHF Cup – Final
27:24 (14:9)
22:20 (13:8)
29:22 (16:9)
27:26 (15:9)
30:23 (13:10)
26:33 (15:16)
38:35 (18:17)
29:26 (17:14)
28:29 (14:16)
Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Montpellier HB 3-0-1 (130:108) 6:2)
24.04.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
30.04.2011 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final
27.09.2014
Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
29.11.2014
Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
27:29 (12:09)
26:35 (17:15)
35:24 (18:11)
29:33 (14:18)
No previous encounters in European competitions
FC Barcelona Lassa vs IFK Kristianstad
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs IFK Kristianstad
HC Vardar vs IFK Kristianstad
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs MOL-Pick Szeged
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs IFK Kristianstad
Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs IFK Kristianstad
IFK Kristianstad vs Montpellier HB
66
GROUP B
For four years since 2011, they were the hunters, now FC Barcelona Lassa switched to a different
role and are the hunted once again. After winning the EHF Champions League for the eighth time
to extend their record winning series in 2015 (by beating Veszprem in the final), the Catalan giants
have concluded a perfect season, winning each and every competition they took part in.
Prior to the new challenge of defending the title again, the team of coach Xavi Pascual lost one
of their masterminds, Nikola Karabatic. The current IHF World Player of the Year and MVP of the
2015 VELUX EHF FINAL4 returned to his home country France, joining uprising Paris Saint-Germain
Handball. In addition, young wing player Joan Saubich transferred to France too, signing for Aix.
However, borrowing chess vocabulary it can be said that the castling of stars in Barcelona has
been successfully completed and two tall towers have been added to their playing field. Barcelona
filled the gap with a former World Player of the year in Filip Jicha (33) who arrived from THW Kiel.
The two-time VELUX EHF Champions League winner (2010 and 2012) and top scorer (2008/09 and
2009/10) signed a four-year contract with Barca, which is valid until 2019 to replace Karabatic.
Besides the Karabatic/Jicha mega transfers the Barcelona squad remained nearly the same as
Pascual additionally added in total 4.16 metres with two other new arrivals: right back Marko
Kopljar (2.10 from Paris) and line player Kamil Syprzak (2.06) from Plock.
Playing hall
Palau Blaugrana
Av. Aristides Maillol, s/n
08028 Barcelona
Spain
Capacity: 7,250
Club Address:
FC Barcelona Lassa
Avda. Aristides Maillol, s/n
08028 Barcelona
Spain
Media contact:
Gustau Galvache
+34 618522789
gustau.galvache@fcbarcelona.cat
Online information:
Website: www.fcbarcelona.cat
Facebook: FCBHandbol
Twitter: @FCBHandbol
“All opponents in our group play on a great level. Anything can happen,” says team captain
and three-time Champions League winner Victor Tomas, adding: “Due to the new format it is
important to finish first in the group to avoid the Last 16 and have two fewer matches.” His
coach Xavi Pascual is aware of the tough away games for his team. “To win those matches will
be very difficult, but I am sure that every team will lose some away matches. In general, both
groups are difficult, there will be no easy games this season,” Pascual said.
One week prior to the start of the season, the Catalans failed to defend their first international
title, at the IHF Super Globe in Qatar as they were surprisingly defeated by eventual winners
Füchse Berlin in the semi-final.
Qualification for the VELUX EHF Champions
League 2015/16: Spanish champions
Coach: Xavi Pascual (since February 2009)
Captain: Victor Tomas
Newcomers:
Filip Jicha (THW Kiel)
Marko Kopljar (PSG)
Kamil Syprzak (Orlen Wisla Plock)
Left the club:
Nikola Karabatic (Paris Saint-Germain Handball)
Joan Saubich (Aix-en-Provence)
Past achievements
season): 19
Winner (8): 1995/96, 1996/97, 1997/98,
1998/99, 1999/00, 2004/05, 2010/11,
2014/15
Final (3): 2000/01, 2009/10, 2012/13
Semi-final (2): 2007/08, 2013/14
Quarter-final (3): 2005/06, 2006/07,
2011/12
Last 16 (1): 2003/04
Main Round (1): 2008/09
Other
EHF Cup: Winners 2002/03, Runners-up
2001/02
Cup Winners‘ Cup: Winners 1993/94,
1994/95 Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: red and yellow
Player short: blue
Goalkeeper shirt: dark red or black
Spanish league: 22 titles (1969, 1973,
1980, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990,
1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999,
2000, 2003, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013,
2014, 2015)
Spanish Cup winner: 19 times
Asobal Cup winner: 10 times
Dark
Player shirt: blue and red
Player short: red
Goalkeeper shirt: yellow or green
67
Biggest win
43:17 (21:9) v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH (a), 19.11.2011
Biggest defeat
21:31 (10:13) v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER (a), 23.02.2007
31:41 (15:20) v THW Kiel GER (a), 06.04.2008
Longest winning run
12 matches (24.04.2011 – 12.02.2012)
Longest unbeaten run
16 matches (24.01.1996 – 16.03.1997)
Longest losing run
2 matches (25.03.2000 – 22.04.2000)
2 matches (16.10.2004 – 23.10.2004)
2 matches (11.12.2004 – 05.03.2005)
2 matches (15.03.2008 – 06.04.2008)
2 matches (23.11.2008 – 14.02.2009)
2 matches (30.05.2010 – 25.09.2010)
Longest run without win 3 matches (30.05.2010 – 03.10.2010)
Most goals
46 v KIF Kolding DEN 46:36W (h), 17.10.2009
Most goals opponent
41 v THW Kiel GER 41:31L (a), 06.04.2008
Most goals both teams
82 v KIF Kolding DEN 46:36W (h), 17.10.2009
Fewest goals
21 v ABC Braga POR 21:21D (a), 09.11.1997
21 v SC Pick Szeged HUN 22:21L (a), 23.10.2004
21 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 31:21L (a), 23.02.2007
Fewest goals opponent
11 v Aalborg Handbold DEN 31:11W (a), 15.03.2015
Fewest goals both teams 38 v Elgorriaga Bidasoa ESP 23:15W (a), 20.04.1996
38 v Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 12:26W (a), 06.11.2004
Reached
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
1995/96 FC Barcelona ESP
8
5
2
1
213:173
+40
12:4
Winner
12
10
1
1
358:264
+94
21:3
Winner
12
9
1
2
358:284
+74
19:5
Winner
12
8
3
1
357:289
+68
19:5
Winner
12
10
0
2
345:271
+74
20:4
Winner
12
8
2
2
316:281
+35
18:6
Runner-up
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
1/4-finals
2005/06 FC Barcelona-Cifec ESP
10
9
0
1
293:244
+49
18:2
2006/07 FC Barcelona-Cifec ESP
10
8
0
2
314:263
+51
16:4
1/4-finals
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
16
13
1
2
545:461
+84
27:5
Runner-up
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
16
12
1
3
535:426
+109
25:7
Third Place
16
14
1
1
527:408
+119
29:3
Winner
Total
22817016 42 7053:5830 +1223 356:100
68
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
13
44
9
14
18
42
39
35
77
21
27
3
24
22
11
19
10
21
8
Aitor
Daniel
Raul
Aleix
Eduardo
Wael
Filip
Marko
Kiril
Alejandro
Viran
Jesper Brian
Oriol
Siarhei
Daniel
Gudjon Valur
Cedric
Kamil
Victor
Arino Bengoechea
Dujshebaev
Entrerrios Rodriguez
Gomez Abello
Gurbindo Martinez
Jallouz
Jicha
Kopljar
Lazarov
Marquez Coloma
Morros de Argila
Nöddesbo
Rey Morales
Rutenka
Sarmiento Melian
Sigurdsson
Sorhaindo
Syprzak
Tomas Gonzalez
ESP
ESP
ESP
ESP
ESP
TUN
CZE
CRO
MKD
ESP
ESP
DEN
ESP
BLR
ESP
ISL
FRA
POL
ESP
Left Wing
Centre Back
Centre Back
Right Wing
Right Back
Left Back
Left Back
Right Back
Right Back
Right Back
Left Back
Line Player
Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Line Player
Line Player
Right Wing
5.10.1992
4.7.1997
12.2.1981
7.5.1997
8.11.1987
3.5.1991
19.4.1982
12.2.1986
10.5.1980
5.1.1995
15.12.1983
23.10.1980
31.3.1994
29.8.1981
25.8.1983
8.8.1979
7.6.1984
23.7.1991
15.2.1985
184
197
195
181
195
197
201
210
195
194
197
199
190
199
188
187
192
206
178
1
Gonzalo
Perez de Vargas
ESP
Goalkeeper
12
Danijel
Saric
BIH
Goalkeeper
38
Francisco
Revuelta Mora
ESP
Goalkeeper
48
Xoan
Ledo Menendez
ESP
Goalkeeper
Average:
Xavi Pascual
coach
•
“double feature” at FC Barcelona, as the
coaches of both the handball and the basketball
section hold the same name
•
played for a lengthy period for Barcelona and
some other Spanish clubs, before becoming the
goalkeeper coach at the CL record winners in 2005
•
started working with the legendary David
Barrufet and others
•
in 2009 he succeeded Manolo Cadenas at
Barcelona’s helm.
69
Penarth, GBR
Santander, ESP
Gijon, ESP
Sabadell, ESP
Pamplona, ESP
Grombalia, TUN
Pilsen, CZE
Pozega, CRO
Veles, MKD
Alcobendas, ESP
Barcelona, ESP
Herning, DEN
St Maria Palautordera
Privolnij, BLR
Las Palmas, ESP
Reykjavik, ISL
La Trinite, FRA
Plock, POL Barcelona, ESP
10.1.1991
Toledo, ESP
27.6.1977
Doboj, BIH
13.4.1995
Barcelona, ESP
6.7.1996
Lalin, ESP
28
81
100
89
72
89
92
105
108
99
90
92
100
95
109
85
82
100
120
89
189
93
194
93
191
84
188
82
193,3 93,4
Danijel Saric
goalkeeper
Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson
left wing
•
known for his incredible quality in goal and for
the joy he brings to the team
•
before his arrival to Barcelona spent just one
season away from the Bundesliga - in 2011/12 he
played for AG Kobenhavn
•
Bosnian-born goalkeeper won the CL in 2011
with Barca and led Qatar to silver at the WCh 2015
•
former Tusem Essen, VfL Gummersbach,
Rhein-Neckar Löwen and THW Kiel player
•
best goalkeeper of the ASOBAL league in 2011
and 2012, and the best player overall in 2011
•
real key player with his enormous experience
from top handball and his equally large talent
•
joined in 2009, after spells with Spanish clubs
San Antonio, Leon, Alcobendas and Cantabria; began
his career in Serbia with Crvena Zvezda and Sintelon
•
his fifth trip to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 brought
him the CL title
WCh: S 2015
OG: S 2008
Siarhei Rutenka
left back
Filip Jícha
left back
•
in 2011 the Belarusian became the second
player to win five CL titles with three clubs after Jose
Javier Hombrados (with Santander, San Antonio,
Ciudad Real)
•
2010 World Handball Player of the Year as the
first Czech to win the award
•
twice top scorer of the CL, top scorer and MVP
at EHF EURO 2010
•
in 2015 added the sixth title, no active players
have more CL titles than him
•
former captain of the THW Kiel came to
Barcelona in the summer of 2015
•
lifted the trophy with Celje, with Ciudad Real
(three times) and with Barcelona
•
one-against-one ability and tough shots make
him feared by defences, also a strong defender
•
top scorer of the 2006 EHF EURO, the 2003/04
and the 2004/05 CL season
•
only active player in the CL’s 20-year Ultimate
Selection and Czech player of the year seven times
EC trophies: CL 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015
EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012, EHF Cup 2006
Raul Entrerrios
centre back
Jesper Nöddesbo
line player
•
has matured into one of the household names
in Spanish handball and one of the leading players of
the national team
•
•
started spiralling upwards when he joined KIF
Kolding in 2004
•
although his natural position sees him playing
in the centre, his many skills in the first line allow
him to change permanently with effectiveness and
perform with ease in all positions
•
since then, he has been among Europe’s elite
year after year – with Kolding from 2004 to 2007,
and ever since with FC Barcelona
started his career at Team Tvis Holstebro
•
imposing presence on the court, not afraid
of anything when it comes to stopping opposing
attackers
•
with 3 Spanish clubs (Leon, Valladolid, FC
Barcelona) has won all the most important European
Cup competitions including the CL
EC trophies: CL 2011, 2015, Cup Winners’ Cup 2005, 2009
OG: B 2008, EHF EURO: S 2006, B 2014, WCh: G 2005, B 2011
EURO: G 2008, S 2014, WCh: S 2011, 2013
Kiril Lazarov
right back
Victor Tomas
right wing
•
powerful back court shooter from FYR
Macedonia
•
following the victories in 2005, 2011 and 2015
the Barcelona-born captain hopes to lift his fourth
CL trophy at the FINAL4 in Cologne
•
most successful scorer at a single EHF EURO
event (2012 Serbia, 61 goals) and also at WCh level
(2009 Croatia, 92 goals)
•
joined Barcelona’s youth team in 1998 and has
not played for any other club
•
top scorer of the CL twice (2005/06 and
2007/08)
•
his biggest assets are his great pace and his
impressive flexibility that make him a strong player
in attack but also in defence
•
joined Barca in 2013 after stints with Pelister,
Zagreb, Veszprem, Ciudad Real/Atletico Madrid
EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011, 2015, EHF Cup 2003
OG: B 2008, EURO: B 2014, WCh: G 2013
70
GROUP B
If you have experienced a certain taste once and you liked it, you will want to have it again and
again: this is Vive Tauron Kielce’s hunger for the VELUX EHF FINAL4. In 2013 and 2015, the Polish
champions reached the final destination of the VELUX EHF Champions League, supported by their
yellow army of fans, and in both events the results were the same: first a semi-final defeat at the
hands of FC Barcelona, then a win in third place placement match against Kiel.
Another parallel in both seasons: Kielce kept an unbeaten record of ten wins in the group phase
in 2012/13 and 2014/15. To pull this off again will be much harder in the upcoming season, due
to the new playing system. Kielce were drawn into one group with the defending champions FC
Barcelona, Vardar, Kolding, Rhein Neckar Löwen, Kristianstad and Montpellier - and thus will have
a huge number of re-matches from the previous season.
“In terms of this group and our general ambitions in the Champions League we take everything
step by step,” says manager Radoslaw Wasiak, adding: “We know Barcelona, Löwen, Montpellier
and Kolding from the past seasons, so we hopefully know what to do against them, but definitely
interesting matches are ahead of us in the group phase.”
Playing hall
Hala M.O.S.I.R – Legionów
ul. Boczna 15A
25-093 Kielce
Poland
Capacity: 4,000
In preparation, Kielce hosted an appetizer for the VELUX EHF Champions League and the 2016
EHF EURO in Poland - a test match against PSG Paris. They broke the indoor sport spectator
record in Poland with 15,000 in the Krakow Arena, one of the EURO venues during this head-tohead. And the tie proved level and showed the strength of the Polish champions, though they
have to replace their new star player: Mariusz Jurkiewicz, who arrived from their domestic rivals
Plock, and is currently out due to injury as well as another newcomer, Pawel Paczkowski.
Despite those injuries and a surprising opening defeat in the Polish league, team captain Grzegorz
Tkaczyk is confident that the hunger for Cologne is still there: “We want to improve constantly in
the Champions League, but the new playing system is really tough; our aim to reach the VELUX
EHF FINAL4 again, however, this is the dream of ten teams.”
Club Address:
ul. Robotnicza 5
25-662 Kielce
Poland
For Tkaczyk, Kristianstad is the only unknown opponent, “the rest of them we have faced in the
last two years. I believe that most of the games in this group will be decided in the final minutes,
so everyone can expect very interesting encounters.”
Media contact:
Sebastian Kozubek
+48 505031244
s.kozubek@vtkielce.pl
Champions League: Polish champions
Online information:
Website: www.vtkielce.pl
Facebook: kielcehandball
Twitter: @ksvive
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: yellow
Player short: blue
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
Goalkeeper shirt: green
Coach: Talant Dujshebaev (since January
2014)
Captain: Grzegorz Tkaczyk
Newcomers:
Mateusz Kus (Azoty Pulawy)
Mariusz Jurkiewicz (Orlen Wisła Plock)
Branko Vujovic (Sutejska Niksic)
Pawel Paczkowski (Dunkerque HB)
Left the club:
Tomasz Rosinski (Chrobry Glogow)
Zeljko Musa (SC Magdeburg)
Piotr Grabarczyk (HSV Hamburg)
71
Past achievements
season): 13
Semi-final (2): 2012/13, 2014/15 (third
ranked in VELUX F4)
Last 16 (5): 1993/94, 1994/95, 2009/10,
2011/12, 2013/14
Last 32 (2): 1996/97, 1998/99
Group matches (3): 1999/2000,
2003/04, 2010/11
Other
11 participations in other ECs
Polish league: 12 titles (1993, 1994,
1996, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2010,
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
Polish cup: 12 titles
Biggest win:
35:23 (16:13) v FC Porto Vitalis POR (h), 29.09.2013
Biggest defeat:
30:41 (19:19) v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN (h), 15.11.2003
11 matches (25.09.2014 - 15.03.2015)
11 matches (25.09.2014 - 15.03.2015)
Longest losing run:
5 matches (13.02.2010 – 27.03.2010)
5 matches (19.02.2011 – 09.10.2011)
Most goals:
38 v Orlen Wisla Plock POL 38:30W (h), 23.02.2014
41 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 30:41L (h), 15.11.2003
Most goals both teams: 72 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 40:32L (a), 27.11.1999
Fewest goals:
21 v HC Bosna BH Gas BIH 25:21L (a), 27.02.2010
21 v HC Metalurg MKD 21:20W (h), 24.11.2012
Fewest goals opponent: 20 v HC Metalurg MKD 21:20W (h), 24.11.2012
20 v HC Vardar MKD 20:22W (a), 11.04.2015
Fewest goals both teams:41 v HC Metalurg MKD 21:20W (h), 24.11.2012
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
10
1
2
7
276:300
-24
4:16
6th Gr. A
12
6
1
5
345:336
+9
13:11
Last 16
16
14
0
2
469:400
+69
28:4
Third Place
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
Total
90526 32 2612:2513 +99 110:70
72
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
13
14
18
3
21
10
27
4
15
5
19
11
19
9
17
6
2
23
Julen
Karol
Bartlomiej
Jakub
Denis
Piotr
Ivan
Michal
Mateusz
Michal
Mariusz
Mateusz
Krzysztof
Tobias
Manuel
Grzegorz
Branko
Uros
Aguinagalde Akizu
Bielecki
Bis
Bulski
Buntic
Chrapkowski
Cupic
Grabowski
Jachlewski
Jurecki
Jurkiewicz
Kus
Lijewski
Reichmann
Strlek
Tkaczyk
Vujovic
Zorman
ESP
POL
POL
POL
CRO
POL
CRO
POL
POL
POL
POL
POL
POL
GER
CRO
POL
MNE
SLO
Line Player
Left Back
Line Player
Line Player
Right Back
Left Back
Right Wing
Right Wing
Left Wing
Left Back
Left Back
Line Player
Right Back
Right Wing
Left Wing
Left Back
Right Back
Centre Back
8.12.1982
Irun, ESP
23.1.1982
Sandomierz, POL
25.3.1997
Kielce, POL
29.4.1998
Kielce, POL
13.11.1982
Ljubuski, BIH
24.3.1988
Goreczno, POL
22.3.1986
Metkovic, CRO
28.11.1997
Kielce, POL
27.12.1984
Gdynia, POL
27.10.1984
Koscian, POL
3.2.1982
Lubin, POL
14.7.1987
Piekary SL, POL
7.7.1983
Ostrów Wlkpl. POL
27.5.1988
Berlin, GER
1.12.1988
Zagreb, CRO
22.12.1980
Warszawa, POL
20.4.1998
9.1.1980
Kranj, SLO
195
202
198
195
198
202
178
188
185
198
199
200
198
188
182
194
197
189
2.10.1978
Strzelce Opolskie, POL
2.8.1985
Mostar, BIH
5.8.1997
Kielce, POL
28,24
190
90
194
100
185
82
193,1 94,2
1
Slawomir
Szmal
POL
Goalkeeper
16
Marin
Sego
CRO Goalkeeper
Krzysztof
Markowski
POL
Goalkeeper
Average:
Talant Dujshebaev
coach
•
most awarded figure in the club
•
during his longstanding playing career won
plenty of trophies with three different national
teams (CIS, Russia, Spain)
•
has successfully continued as a coach for the
last 10 years, known for his impulsiveness
•
joined Kielce in the half of the 2013/14 season,
replacing Bogdan Wenta
•
changed the playing style of Kielce placing
greater emphasis on the aggressive defence
EC Trophies: CL 1994, 2006 (as coach), 2008 (as coach), 2009 (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
73
116
101
102
96
93
100
75
87
88
110
103
100
94
85
84
94
82
96
Marin Sego
goalkeeper
Slawomir Szmal
goalkeeper
•
his first stop in Poland was Wisla Plock when
he came from Zagreb in 2012 and stayed until 2014
•
2009 World Handball Player of the Year
•
one of the key players in the Polish national
champions’ defence
•
like in Plock with Marcin Wichary also in Kielce
he has a strong competition in a goal from a Polish
national team goalkeeper - Szmal
•
spent several years in German Bundesliga
playing for TuS N-Lübbecke and Rhein Neckar Löwen
•
before his move to Poland spent half of his
career in Bosnia Herzegovina, and half in Croatia
•
competed in three VELUX EHF FINAL4 events
with Löwen in 2010/11 and twice with Kielce in
2012/13 and 2014/15
•
before his first FINAL4 start in 2015 was most
successful with Zagreb, where he helped his club to
progress twice to the CL quarter-finals
•
on the court a hardworking Titan, beyond it
always keen on handball initiatives for kids
WCh: S 2007, B 2009, 2015
EURO: S 2010
Karol Bielecki
left back
Manuel Strlek
left wing
•
•
his arrival in Kielce in 2012 were his first steps
abroad, after leaving his boyhood club Zagreb
•
started gathering CL experience in 2006
•
after losing sight in his left eye in an accident
in 2010, the 33-year-old has made a remarkable
comeback to his current form
•
together with his fellow countryman Cupic
on the other side, they soon created extremely
effective duet of wingers
•
Poland’s biggest handball icon
•
spent eight seasons in the Bundesliga playing
for Magdeburg and Rhein-Neckar Löwen
All-Star team left wing at EHF EURO 2010
•
Kielce’s best scorer in the current season (76)
•
excellent shooter from long-range
WCh: S 2007, B 2009, 2015
WCh: G 2013, B 2011, EURO: B 2014
Uros Zorman
centre back
Julen Aguinagalde
line player
•
one of the best playmakers in the game
•
•
on the hunt for his fourth CL success
•
All-Star team line player of the 2013 WCh in
Spain and EHF EURO 2014 in Denmark
•
not known for scoring lots of goals, but his
movement and passes provide ample space for his
teammates in attack
one of the world’s top line players
•
nominated for World Handball Player of the
Year 2012
•
longstanding captain of Slovenian national
team famous for his charisma, weakness for
coffee, work with children, for whom he has been
organising summer camps over past years
•
joined Kielce from Atlético Mardid in 2013 for
his first foreign league experience
•
four VELUX EHF FINAL4 participations in 20102015
EC Trophies: CL: 2004, 2008, 2009
EURO: S 2004
WCh: G 2013, B 2011, EURO: B 2014
Denis Buntic
right back
Ivan Cupic
right wing
•
born in Ljubuski, traditional handball city of
Bosnia and Herzegovina
•
second top goal scorer at the London 2012
Olympics
•
played for Izvidac, Zagreb, Koper and Ademar
Leon in the past
•
named on the All-Star team at the 2009 WCh
•
joined Kielce in the summer of 2011 and one
year later reached his first FINAL4 with the club
•
despite losing one finger in an accident in
2008 remained an important player of each team he
has played including the national team
•
set his scoring record in the EC in 2009/10
with Ademar (57 goals)
•
shares the position with the German Tobias
Reichmann
OG: B 2012, EURO: S 2010, B 2012, WCh: S 2005, 2009
OG: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013, EURO: S 2008, 2010, B 2012
74
GROUP B
HC Vardar (MKD)
In 2014 only one goal was amiss in the quarter-final of the VELUX EHF Champions League
against the to-be champions SG Flensburg-Handewitt, in 2015 they were beaten twice in a tight
encounter with Kielce - so their third attempt to make it to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne
could be the lucky number for HC Vardar.
“After failing narrowly twice it is our goal to qualify for Cologne,” says Davor Stojanoski, club
director of the Macedonian champions.
The core of last season’s team - except the two Russians Alexej Rastvortsev and Mikhail
Chipurin - has remained the same and Vardar have strengthened their squad with signings like
Jorge Maqueda, Luka Cindric, Dejan Manaskov or Alexandr Dereven. With such strong signings
their goals are clearly set for the team of Spanish-born coach Raul Gonzalez.
Vardar will face defending champions Barcelona, Kielce, Kolding, Szeged, Löwen, Kristianstad
and Montpellier in tough Group B of the VELUX EHF Champions League - but after growing year
by year the Macedonians are confident.
Team captain Filip Lazarov expresses the dream of making it to Cologne: “Our goal is the
FINAL4 after being so close to it twice. This season we have five new players plus the
experience from the past two years, so dreaming about the FINAL4 is realistic.”
Playing hall
Jane Sandanski
Skopje
FYR Macedonia
Capacity: 5,000
Club Address:
HC Vardar
Marko Savovski
BUL 8 mi Septemvri 20
FYR Macedonia
Media contact:
Marko Savovski
+389 75 200 088
markosavovski@live.com
Online information:
Website: www.rkvardar.com.mk
Facebook: rkvardar
Twitter: @RK_Vardar
Lazarov’s favourites for topping the table after the completion of the group phase are
Barcelona and Kielce: “Those teams have a small advantage compared to the rest, but the
season will be long and interesting. It will be difficult for all teams in Groups A and B to finish
on top.”
Director Davor Stojanoski agrees, but mainly hopes for the home advantage in their fortress:
“All opponents in our group are very strong, we respect all of them. But in the previous years
we have competed with many of them, so we know them very well. It is our aim to win all the
matches at home and to build a base for a successful group phase.”
As handball is the most popular team sport in FYR Macedonia, the expectations on Vardar on
international ground - VELUX EHF Champions League and SEHA Liga - are high: “Even our new
arena with a capacity of 6000 fans is too small already. If we would switch to a bigger hall with
a capacity of 15,000 it would sell-out in no time,” says Stojanoski.
Champions League: Macedonian champions
Coach: Raul Gutierrez Gonzalez (since
November 2013)
Captain: Filip Lazarov
Kit colours
Newcomers:
Mijajlo Marsenic (Partizan)
Luka Cindric (HC Metalurg)
Jorge Maqueda (HBC Nantes)
Dejan Manaskov (HSG Wetzlar)
Aleksander Dereven (Chekhovskie Medvedi)
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: white
Goalkeeper shirt: orange and red
Dark
Player shirt: black/red
Player short: black
Goalkeeper shirt: black and blue
Left the club:
Nemanja Pribak (Besiktas)
Dobrivoje Markovic (destination unknown)
Stefan Terzic (La Rioja)
Vladimir Petric (end of carrier)
Alexei Rastvortsev (HC Vojvodina)
Mikhail Chipurin (Ivry)
75
Past achievements
season): 10
Quarter-final (2): 2013/14, 2014/15
Last 32 (1): 1999/2000
Group Phase (6): 2001/02, 2002/03,
2003/04, 2004/05, 2007/08, 2009/10
Other
Cup Winners’ Cup: Semi-finals 1998/99,
2004/05, 2010/11, Quarter-finals
2006/07
SEHA league: 1 title (2012)
Macedonian league: 9 titles (1999,
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009,
2013, 2015)
Macedonian cup: 10 titles
HC Vardar (MKD)
Biggest win:
37:24 (19:11) v Wacker Thun SUI (a), 19.10.2013
Biggest defeat:
4 matches (26.04.2014 – 12.10.2014)
4 matches (29.11.2014 – 21.02.2015)
5 matches (26.04.2014 – 19.10.2014)
Longest losing run:
7 matches (12.10.2003 – 09.10.2004)
8 matches (03.10.2009 – 20.02.2010)
Most goals:
39 v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 39:28W (h), 04.10.2014
39 v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 34:39W (a), 06.12.2014
Most goals both teams: 73 v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 39:34W (a), 06.12.2014
Fewest goals:
12 v FC Barcelona ESP 12:26L (h), 06.11.2004
Fewest goals opponent: 20 v Orlen Wisla Plock 31:20W (h), 21.03.2015
Fewest goals both teams:38 v FC Barcelona ESP 12:26L (h), 06.11.2004
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
2001/02 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD
6
1
1
4
152:175
–23
3:9
4th Gr. D
6
2
0
4
152:181
–29
4:8
4th Gr. D
6
0
0
6
157:210
-53
0:12
4th Gr. B
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
Total
68219 38 1796:1980
76
HC Vardar (MKD)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
20
7
25
17
31
19
32
18
6
23
11
15
93
33
5
10
Ilija
Matjaz
Luka
Alexander
Timur
Alex
Sergei
Igor
Blazenko
Filip
Dejan
Jorge
Mijajlo
Daniil
Stojanche
Alem
Abutovic
Brumen
Cindric
Dereven
Dibirov
Dujshebaev
Gorbok
Karacic
Lackovic
Lazarov
Manaskov
Maqueda Pena
Marsenic
Shishkarev
Stoilov
Toskic
SRB
SLO
CRO
RUS
RUS
ESP
RUS
CRO
CRO
MKD
MKD
ESP
SRB
RUS
MKD
SRB
Left Back
Right Wing
Centre Back
Left Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Left Back
Left Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Line Player
Right Wing
Line Player
Line Player
2.8.1988
23.12.1982
5.7.1993
26.3.1992
30.7.1983
17.12.1992
4.12.1982
2.11.1988
25.12.1980
21.4.1985
26.8.1992
6.12.1988
9.3.1993
6.7.1988
30.4.1987
12.2.1982
202
190
185
199
180
187
196
191
197
199
181
195
202
190
191
190
99
90
89
88
74
84
98
91
100
100
78
102
107
85
110
108
200
200
192
193
119
132
103
97,7
1
Arpad
Sterbik Capar
ESP
Goalkeeper
12
Strahinja
Milic
SRB
Goalkeeper
26
Petar
Angelov
MKD Goalkeeper
Average:
Raul Gonzalez Gutierrez
coach
•
stalwart of BM Valladolid and a member of the
Spanish national team during his playing career
•
started his coaching carrier in Atletico Madrid
and Ciudad Real working in team with Talant
Dujshebaev
•
replaced Zoran Kastratovic early in the
2013/14 season at Vardar
•
steered the team to a historical success - the
quarter-finals of the CL for the first time and was
just one goal shy of the FINAL4
OG: B 1996 (as player)
77
Vrbas, SRB
Ljublana, SLO
Ogulin, CRO
Toliatti, RUS
Petrozavodsk, RUS
Santander, ESP
Minsk, RUS
Mostar, BIH
Varazdin, CRO
Veles, MKD
Veles, MKD
Toledo, ESP
Berane, MNE
Kustanai, RUS
Skopje, MKD
Priboj, SRB
20.11.1979
Senta, SRB
22.12.1990
Pristina, SRB
8.3.1977
Kavadarci, MKD
28,74
Arpad Sterbik
goalkeeper
Dejan Manaskov
left wing
•
one of the best goalkeepers who holds
Hungarian, Serbian and Spanish citizenship
•
since 2008 until 2014 part of local Skopje rivals
Metalurg, on the way to Vardar had a short stint
with Wetzlar in the German Bundesliga
•
after ten seasons spent in Spain moved from
Barcelona in 2014 and signed a four-year contract
with Macedonian runners-up
•
son of Macedonian handball legend Pepi
Manaskov and also one of the key players of the
national team
•
dozens of international awards including the
•
his highest achievement the fifth place at the
EC 2012 in Serbia
•
voted as the best goalkeeper of the Spanish
league five times
•
the 2013/14 season was a breakthrough year
in the CL, scoring 33 goals on Metlaurg’s run to the
quarter-finals.
EC trophies: CL 2006, 2008, 2009
WCh: B 1999, B 2001, B 2011, G 2013
Timur Dibirov
left wing
Sergey Gorbok
left back
•
in 2013 he joined Vardar as just the second
club in his career
•
started his carrier in Minsk, played in several
countries (Ukraine, Russia, Slovenia, Germany)
•
the first was Chekhovskie Medvedi, with
whom he reached the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2010
•
took Russian citizenship and started playing
for Russia after playing three seasons in Chekhov
•
voted best left wing of at the 2013 WCh
•
fast breaks specialists also key in defence
•
in the 2013/14 season with Rhein-Neckar
Löwen he was close to the FINAL4
•
joined the Russian “colony” of Vardar in 2014
Igor Karacic
centre back
Stojance Stoilov
line player
•
voted into the 2012/13 SEHA League All-Star
team
•
not only Vardar’s first choice line player, but
occupies the same position in the Macedonian
national team
•
regarded as a fast and tough player who is
brilliant when it comes to ‘one-on-one’ situations
•
joined Vardar in 2010 from city rivals Metalurg
– a step that saw his career spiralling upwards
•
scored 62 goals on the way to the last 16 in the
2010/11 CL season with Bosna Sarajevo
•
played a brilliant tournament at the EHF EURO
2012 when FYR Macedonia finished 5th
•
born in Mostar he plays for the Croatian
national team, while his brother Ivan plays for
Bosnia Herzegovina
Alex Dujshebaev
right back
Matjaz Brumen
right wing
•
son of Talant Dujshebaev joined Vardar at the
beginning of the 2013/14 season
•
besides Dibirov and Sterbik only Vardar player
with a European Cup title under his belt
•
played for Spain at the Junior World
Championship in 2013 and helped his team to win
silver
•
won the EHF Champions League with Celje and
the Challenge Cup with Koper
•
played for Slovenian clubs Prule 67, Celje and
Koper, Vardar is his first foreign club
•
best right back of the All-star team at the 2012
Men’s 20 EHF EURO and the 2013 Junior WCh
•
played for Slovenia at several major
tournaments and was part of the team which only
narrowly missed out on a medal at the 2013 WCh
•
top scorer of the Spanish ASOBAL with BM
Aragon in 2011/12 and 2012/13
•
voted best young player of the CL in 2014/15
EC trophies: CL 2004, Challenge Cup 2011
78
GROUP B
Since the start of European Cup competitions under the umbrella of the EHF in 1993, KIF
Kolding only missed two seasons and played 188 matches so far, and are the most experienced
Scandinavian participant of the VELUX EHF Champions League.
For the 13th time the team of head coach Henrik Kronborg is part of the flagship competition
highlighted by a semi-final appearance in 2002. For the upcoming season, the goal is to finish
among the eight best teams - after a surprising elimination in the previous season against
Croatian record champions Zagreb in the Last 16. Only in the 1994/95 season did the club fail
to make it out of the group phase and since then they have had a consistent streak of making it
past this initial stage - and this is something they hope to continue.
On domestic ground, KIF again proved their dominance by becoming Danish champions for the
14th time and - right before the start of the season - they took the Danish Supercup beating
Champions League participant Skjern.
Playing hall
TRE-FOR Arena
Ambolten 2-6
6000 Kolding
Denmark
Capacity: 2,800
Club Address:
Ambolten 2-6
6000 Kolding
Denmark
Media contact:
Thomas Christensen
+45 22 629062
tc@kif.dk
Online information:
Website: www.kif.dk
Facebook: KIFKBH
Twitter: @KifKoldingKBH
The only major changes in the squad were in the back court positions: left back Lasse Boesen
ended his active career and becomes club manager like his father had been before. Swedish
right back Kim Andersson transferred to his home club Ystad after a long-term shoulder injury.
His successor is one of only two non-Scandinavian players on the team: Russian Konstantin
Igropoulo. The left handed shooter arrives from German side Füchse Berlin, where he
completed his individual cabinet of trophies by winning the EHF Cup in May after he had won
the Cup Winners’ Cup with Chekhovskie Medvedi and the VELUX EHF Champions League with
FC Barcelona.
Team captain and legendary goalkeeper Kasper Hvidt remains humble in terms of goals: “In the
previous two years we played well in the group phase but then were too weak in the Last 16.
So first we have to focus on the group matches in order to get the best possible ranking for the
knock-out stage. And from the past we know that defence is the key for us, but we all have the
experience and know to play.”
Champions League: Danish champions
Coach: Henrik Kronborg (since 2013, due to his
health problems Aron Kristjansson was in charge
in 2014/15)
Captain: Kasper Hvidt
Newcomers:
Konstantin Igropulo (Füchse Berlin)
Left the club:
Lasse Boesen (end of career)
Kim Andersson (Ystad)
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
season): 13
Semi-final (1): 2001/02
Quarter-final (1): 2002/03
Last 16 (8): 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06,
2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2013/14,
2014/15
Last 32 (1): 1993/94
Other
Cup Winners’ Cup: Semi-finals
1999/2000, Quarter-finals 2007/08
EHF Cup: Quarter-finals 2012/13
Danish champions: 14 times (1987,
1988, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 2001,
2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2014,
2015)
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white/red
Player short: blue
Past achievements
Broendby Hallen
Broendby Stadion 20
2605 Brondby
Denmark
Capacity: 5,000
79
Danish cup: 7 times
Biggest win:
35:18 (19:4) v Wisla Plock SA POL (h), 07.10.2006
Biggest defeat:
38:23 (20:10) v THW Kiel GER (a), 27.02.2010
40:25 (19:10) v Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA (a), 28.11.2010
4 matches (16.11.2002 – 08.12.2002)
4 matches (30.09.2006 – 19.10.2006)
4 matches (13.10.2013 – 24.11.2013)
6 matches (30.09.2006 – 12.11.2006)
6 matches (28.9.2014 - 23.11.2014)
Longest losing run:
4 matches (26.02.2011 – 02.04.2011)
4 matches (27.02.2010 – 03.04.2010)
4 matches (26.02.2011 – 02.04.2011)
Most goals:
42 v RK Partizan Belgrad SCG 42:26W (h), 12.10.2003
42 v Prule 67 Ljubljana SLO 42:31W (h), 30.11.2003
46 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 46:36L (a), 17.10.2009
Fewest goals:
16 v TEKA Santander ESP 28:16L (a), 25.01.1995
Fewest goals opponent: 18 v Lovcen Osiguranje YUG 20:18W (h), 11.11.2001
18 v Wisla Plock SA POL 35:18W (h), 07.10.2006
18 v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 18:20W (a), 13.10.2013
Fewest goals both teams:38 v Lovcen Osiguranje YUG 20:18W (h), 11.11.2001
38 v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 18:20W (a), 13.10.2013
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
1994/95 Kolding IF DEN
6
1
0
5
140:163
–23
2:10
4th Gr. A
10
5
1
4
263:256
+7
11:9
1/2-finals
8
5
0
3
235:215
+20
10:6
1/4-finals
2003/04 Kolding KIF DEN
8
4
1
3
253:239
+14
9:7
Last 16
2004/05 Kolding KIF DEN
8
4
0
4
279:267
+12
8:8
Last 16
2005/06 KIF Kolding DEN
8
4
0
4
251:240
+11
8:8
Last 16
2006/07 KIF Kolding Elite A/S DEN
8
6
1
1
252:213
+39
13:3
Last 16
12
4
4
4
336:342
-6
12:12
Last 16
12
5
0
7
349:388
-39
10:14
Last 16
2013/14 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN
12
7
0
5
292:293
-1
14:10
Last 16
2014/15 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN
12
7
2
3
332:316
+16
16:8
Last 16
Total
10452 9
80
43 2982:2932
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
7
22
3
14
11
24
35
18
21
6
2
25
4
17
15
8
23
13
19
Lasse Bredekjaer
Sebastian
Lasse
Mikel Dalby
Martin Per
Nikolaj
Konstantin
Kasper Ryan
Simon Edelberg
Lars Troels
Lukas
Jacob
Torsten
Magnus
Jens Svane
Bo Dybdal
Jakob
Thomas Björn
Cyril
Anderson
Augustinussen
Boesen
Christensen
Dolk
Enderleit
Igropulo
Irming Andersen
Jensen
Jorgensen
Karlsson
Kühne
Laen
Landin Jacobsen
Peschardt
Spellerberg
Stork
Theilgaard
Viudes
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
SWE
DEN
RUS
DEN
DEN
DEN
SWE
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
FRA
Left Back
Right Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Right Back
Right Back
Right Wing
Back
Centre Back
Centre Back
Line Player
Left Wing
Left Back
Left Back
Line Player
Right Wing
Line Player
11.3.1994
6.5.1996
18.9.1979
19.6.1995
25.3.1990
21.6.1997
14.4.1985
12.3.1986
2.6.1984
3.2.1978
21.5.1982
27.4.1997
26.11.1979
20.8.1995
22.3.1997
24.7.1979
24.11.1995
13.1.1993
6.2.1982
197
192
192
180
180
198
189
188
185
192
180
180
198
197
192
192
188
188
198
100
90
100
90
85
97
97
80
85
102
83
95
96
96
91
84
105
78
110
192
188
180
183
188
189
96
90
85
81
87
91,8
1
Kasper
Hvidt
DEN Goalkeeper
20
Marcus David
Cleverly
DEN Goalkeeper
12
Morten
Ankersen
DEN Goalkeeper
28
Anders
Lynge
DEN Goalkeeper
27
Rasmus
Dossing
DEN Goalkeeper
Average:
6.2.1976
Frederiksberg, DEN
15.6.1981
Hilerod, DEN
25.11.1994
Kolding, DEN
16.4.1997
Kolding, DEN
6.2.1997
Kolding, DEN
26,67
Henrik Kronborg
coach
•
creative playmaker for Helsingor IF in his playing days, but
although he is from Hamlet´s town Elsinore (Helsingor) his last
name has nothing to do with the Kronborg castle of the town
•
was also the coach of Danish juniors until the WCh 2013 in
Bosnia Herzegovina
•
successfully coaching Nordsjaelland, before joining the
federation
•
started his career in KIF as assistant coach along with being
in charge of the Danish U21 team, but was soon promoted into the
job as head coach
•
succeeded Peter Bredsdorff-Larsen at KIF, who was also one
of his forerunners as assistant coach of the Danish national team
•
during his long sick leave in 2013 and 2014, he had to
leave the job as head coach for Icelandic national coach Aron
Kristjansson
81
Kobenhavn, DEN
Kolding, DEN
Kolding, DEN
Kolding, DEN
Hammarby, SWE
Kolding, DEN
Stawropol, RUS
Skanderborg, DEN
Svendborg, DEN
Køge, DEN
Nyköping, SWE
Sønderborg, DEN
Odense, DEN
helsingør, DEN
Vejle, DEN
Gladsaxe, DEN
Vejle, DEN
Vejen, DEN
Champigny-S.-M., FRA
Kasper Hvidt
goalkeeper
Magnus Landin
left wing
•
still considered to be among the best
goalkeepers in the world
•
younger brother of world class goalkeeper
Niklas Landin
•
retired from international handball in 2010
after being awarded MVP as Denmark won the EHF
EURO 2008 in Norway
•
got his handball upbringing in the club GOG –
the talent factory par excellence in Danish handball
•
joined KIF in the 2014 summer from
Nordsjaelland Handbold
•
after a career in Germany and Spain, including
a successful spell in FC Barcelona, returned home in
2009 to play for FCK Håndbold, AG København, with
whom he reached the FINAL4 in 2012
•
•
one of Denmark’s currently greatest talents
in the left wing position, but also a qualified
supplement to the back court line of KIF
with KIF since August 2013
WCh: S 2011, EHF EURO: G 2008
Lukas Karlsson
centre back
Bo Spellerberg
left back
•
•
KIF Kolding player for 11 years, since he joined
the club from FIF Copenhagen in 2003
joined KIF Kolding from Viborg HK in 2009
•
elegant and inventive playmaker bothered by
shoulder problems for a long time
•
reached 500 games for the team before the
2014/15 season, won the Danish title five times
•
apart from orchestrating KIF’s attacking play,
he has also turned into one of the team´s most
dangerous shooters
•
during his entire time in the club, he has been
a key player to the team
•
married to Norwegian international Ida
Bjørndalen
•
elegant and hard-shooting playmaker as well
as left back
EHF EURO: G 2008, 2012
Cyril Viudes
line player
Torsten Laen
line player
•
was signed mainly for the defence when
joining the club in the summer of 2011, but proved
his skills mainly in the attack, together with Torsten
are often in the attack at the same time, as KIF quite
frequently attack with two line players
•
after celebrating several triumphs with GOG,
former Danish international went abroad in 2007
•
•
won the CL with Ciudad Real in 2008 and
reached the FINAL4 in 2012 with Füchse Berlin
•
experienced pivot and defence specialist
joined KIF in the summer of 2013
although born in France, has Spanish roots
•
awarded League Player of the Year 2014/15 in
Denmark by the players of the league
•
proved to be just as important a player in all
aspects of the of the game as expected
•
has turned down offers from several French
and German clubs and extended his contract with
KIF instead, as he wants to know more about Danish
culture before moving on
Konstantin Igropulo
right back
Kasper Irming Andersen
right wing
•
a Russian with Greek roots also played for a
club in Athens, one of the first Russians to play for
FC Barcelona
•
joined KIF Kolding from Aarhus in 2011
•
can play the right wing as well as the right
back, where his speed and movability compensate
for his modest height
•
arrived in Berlin thanks to the praise of his
former teammate Iker Romero, came to Denmark in
summer 2015 after winning the EHF Cup trophy
•
European champion and silver medallist at the
World Championship in beach handball
•
married with the Russian pop singer Marina of
the band Blue Marine
82
•
able to play the right back position, if needs be
•
haunted by injuries over three years 2012-14
GROUP B
It was the biggest day of his career, when he raised the EHF Cup trophy in May 2014, now
MOL-Pick Szeged’s long-term team captain Attila Vadkerti has stepped down, but remains on
the Szeged ‘ship’ as the director of the youth academy and deciding to finish his career at FKSE
Algyö. In the first post-Vadkerti season of the Hungarian runners-ups, Szabolcs Zubai will take
on the role as the new captain.
Vadkerti is the only departure in the squad of Spanish born coach Juan Carlos Pastor, who
strengthened the team with two experienced internationals: Brazilian Thiago Santos and
Serbian Marko Curuvija. The season after winning the EHF Cup Finals in Berlin was - from an
international point of view - successful: Szeged eliminated Rhein Neckar Löwen in the Last 16
of the VELUX EHF Champions League and were close to another sensation against Kiel in the
quarter-finals.
Now they will compete with Löwen again in Group B of the new season, aside from that they
face top contenders such as defending champions Barcelona, Kielce or Vardar and in addition
to Kolding and Montpellier. But despite this tough group the objectives are set high for all
competitions: “We are aware of the fact that Veszprem, our domestic rival, has a great team
and are favourites in the national competitions, but we want to fight to win at least one title in
Hungary,” says club director Nandor Szögi.
Playing hall
Varosi Sportcsarnok Szeged
Temesvari Krt.33
6726 Szeged
Hungary
Capacity: 3,200
Club Address:
MOL-Pick Szeged
Deák Ferenc u. 28-30.
6720 Szeged
Hungary
On the international stage, he expects every match to be like a final: “In the VELUX EHF
Champions League our philosophy is to go step by step, from match to match. The goal is
of course, to qualify for the Last 16, but we will need to achieve a good position to get a
manageable opponent in the next phase. But this year, each match, even in the group phase,
will be like a final for everyone.”
New team captain Szabolcs Zubai hopes to cause some upsets to the favourites: “With the new
format of the (VELUX EHF) Champions League it will be more difficult to surprise a team, but
we are going to up our level.” Zubai is “happy” to be in a group like this, facing Barcelona & Co.
for him he would like “to continue on the same path (as in previous seasons) and to perform
even better. For sure it will be very difficult to qualify from this group, however, the goal is
simple: to proceed.”
Media contact:
Levente Juhasz
+36 70 543 0979
levente.juhasz@pickhandball.hu
Champions League: Hungarian runners-up
Online information:
Website: www.pickhandball.hu
Facebook: pickszeged
Twitter: @pickhandball
Newcomers:
Thiagus Petrus (Naturhouse La Rioja)
Marko Curuvija (König-Trade Balmazujvaros)
Kit colours
Coach: Juan Carlos Pastor (since 2013)
Left the club:
Attila Vadkerti (FKSE Algyö and operational
director of the MOL-Pick Szeged youth
academy)
Light
Player shirt: orange
Player short: black
Goalkeeper shirt: white or green
Past achievements
season): 14
Quarter-final (3): 1996/1997,
2003/2004, 2014/15
Last 16 (5): 2004/2005, 2005/2006,
2006/2007, 2010/2011, 2012/13
Main Round (1): 2007/2008
Group Phase (3): 2008/2009,
2009/2010, 2011/2012
Other
EHF Cup: Winners 2014/15, Quarterfinal: 2000/01
Last 16: 1994/95, 1999/2000
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
Cup Winners’ Cup
Semi-final: 1993/94
Quarter-final: 2002/03, 2008/09
Hungarian league: 2 titles (1996, 2007)
Hungarian cup: 6 titles
83
Biggest win:
Biggest defeat:
6 matches (03.10.2007 – 24.11.2007)
6 matches (03.10.2007 – 24.11.2007)
Longest losing run:
6 matches (17.10.2009 – 20.02.2010)
6 matches (06.03.2011 – 15.10.2011)
Most goals:
39 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 39:24W (h), 07.10.2007
Most goals both teams: 73 v Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 38:35W (h), 19.11.2011
Fewest goals:
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
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
8
4
2
2
190:187
+3
10:6
Last 16
8
3
0
5
219:218
+1
6:10
Last 16
8
3
2
3
202:203
-1
8:8
Last 16
12
9
0
3
361:310
+51
18:6
3rd MR Gr. 4
6
2
0
4
159:161
-2
4:8
3rd Gr. H
10
2
2
6
287:307
-20
6:14
5th Gr. A
12
5
0
7
336:351
-15
10:14
Last 16
10
3
0
7
285:316
-31
6:14
5th Gr. D
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
Total
11851 9
84
58 3221:3264
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
90
Gabor
Ancsin
HUN
92
Adam
Arokszallasi
HUN
20
Patrik
Arpasi
HUN
19
Zsolt
Balogh
HUN
21
Alen
Blazevic
CRO
44
Dean
Bombac
SLO
54
Marko
Curuvija
SRB
93
Adam
Dimovics
HUN
95
Karoly
Doleszal
HUN
15
Balint
Fekete
HUN
51
Roberto
Garcia Parrondo
ESP
9
Antonio Jesus
Garcia Robledo
ESP
11
Mate
Gidai
HUN
14
Thiagus Petrus Goncalves Dos Santos BRA
98
Gergö
Haszillo
HUN
23
Márk
Hegedüs
HUN
18
Ferenc
Ilyés
HUN
8
Jonas
Källman
SWE
24
Vladan
Loncar
BIH
99
Stefan
Manojlovity
SRB
94
Richard
Mezei
HUN
5
Niko
Mindegia Elizaga
ESP
89
Lenard
Nagy
HUN
81
Zoltan Peter
Patyi
HUN
22
Rajko
Prodanovic
SRB
82
Roland
Selmeczi
HUN
91
Bence
Szabo
HUN
83
Mate
Szabo
HUN
84
Peter
Szabo
HUN
96
Egon
Urban
HUN
85
Daniel Gabor
Varga
HUN
10
Peter
Velky
HUN
77
Vladimir
Vranjes
BIH
17
Szabolcs
Zubai
HUN
1
Jose Manuel
Sierra Mendez
ESP
16
Piotr
Wyszomirski
POL
97
Boris
Manojlovity
SRB
52
Martin
Nagy
HUN
12
Imre
Pasztor
HUN
Position
Right Back
Right Wing
Line Player
Right Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Right Wing
Left Back
Right Wing
Left Back
Centre Back
Line Player
Left Back
Left Wing
Left Back
Centre Back
Centre Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Centre Back
Right Wing
Right Wing
Line Player
Right Wing
Left Back
Right Wing
Line Player
Left Wing
Line Player
Line Player
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Average:
27.11.1990
Bekescsaba, HUN
5.7.1994
Szeged, HUN
17.9.1996
Orosháza, HUN
29.3.1989
Orosháza, HUN
29.3.1986
Nasice, CRO
4.4.1989
Koper, SLO
24.7.1981
Belgrade, SRB
23.1.1999
Szeged, HUN
1.12.1995
Székesfehérvár, HUN
27.6.1995
Gyula, HUN
12.1.1980
Madrid, ESP
6.3.1984
Llagosta, ESP
18.1.1994
Békéscsaba, HUN
25.1.1989
Juiz de Fora, BRA
30.9.1996
Székesfehérvár, HUN
14.9.1992
Budapest, HUN
20.12.1981
Székelyudvarhely, ROU
17.7.1981
Växjö, SWE
25.1.1997
Sarajevo, BIH
22.12.1997
Zenta, SRB
28.11.1996
Szeged, HUN
19.7.1988
Santesteban, ESP
8.5.1997
Senta, SRB
18.2.1995
Szeged, HUN
24.4.1986
Beograd, SRB
14.3.1997
Szeged, HUN
11.8.1994
Kecskemét, HUN
27.1.1997
Szeged, HUN
1.7.1996
Szeged, HUN
12.12.1996
Senta, SRB
26.9.1997
Szeged, HUN
25.4.1992
Orosháza, HUN
14.12.1988
Banja Luka, BIH
31.3.1984
Mezokövesd, HUN
21.5.1978
Moguer, ESP
6.1.1988
Warszava, POL194
13.4.1993
Zenta, SRB
9.1.1999
Szeged, HUN
23.7.1996
Szolnok, HUN
23,92
202
97
174
66
190
100
189
96
200
110
188
92
198
93
187
83
190
85
190
80
187
86
191
95
180
75
199
100
192
92
190
100
198
103
200
100
195
90
182
80
189
96
182
85
182
74
182
90
186
87
189
70
200
111
190
75
188
84
180
75
193
100
186
82
200
107
193
93
193
88
95
188
102
202
88
190
115
190,5 90,8
Juan Carlos Pastor
coach
•
one of the masterminds of contemporary handball with an incredible amount of silverware in his career
•
Szeged found him fit for the job of rebuilding their team in order to be able to challenge for the Hungarian title against Veszprém
•
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
85
José Manuel Sierra
goalkeeper
Jonas Källman
left wing
•
together with Piotr Wyszomirski supposed to
fill in for Hungarian international Roland Mikler, who
joined Veszprém
•
signed in the winter of 2013/14 and showed
his unique ability to defend in three positions
•
vital part of both coach Juan Carlos Pastor’s
defensive variatons and Szeged’s attacking edge
•
one of the most influential goalkeepers in the
world, the Valladolid legend has won an enormous
amount of trophies through his almost two decades
long career
•
spent more than a decade in Spain with
Ciudad Real and Atlético Madrid before returning
home (IFK Skövde) and finally signing a three-and-ahalf year contract with Pick
•
signed from PSG, has done a grand slam of
great Spanish teams (Barcelona, Ciudad Real and
Valladolid) in the past
EC trophies: CL 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2009
WCh: G 2013, EURO: B 2014
EC trophies: CL 2006, 2008, 2009, EHF Cup 2014
OG: S 2012
Thiagus Petrus Goncalves
left back
Ferenc Ilyés
left back
•
first Brazilian player of the 55-year-old history
of the club
•
one of the most influential Hungarian players
at both club and international level
•
his lethal shots come handy at Pick where the
shooting compartment badly needed reinforcement
•
one of the many who played both for Szeged
and Veszprém
•
joined Niko Mindegía, his former teammate
from La Rioja, where he won 2x silver in ASOBAL
•
defensive specialist can also be an impact
player at left back as shown by his marvellous
performance in the 2014 EHF Cup Finals
•
Brazilian international won gold at the Pan
American Games in 2015 in Toronto
•
great talisman for his team as won three
international trophies with three different clubs
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008, EHF Cup: 2010, 2014
Antonio García Robledo
left back
Szabolcs Zubai
line player
•
without a doubt the biggest name the EHF Cup
winner signed in the summer of 2014
•
one of the most technically gifted in his
position in Hungary
•
won a great deal of both individual, club and
national team silverware and a lot is expected from
the Granollers-raised shooter in Szeged
•
•
•
U2 fan signed a contract with Pick Szeged
in 2008 and has been the focal point of both the
team’s attacks and defence
former Spanish player of the year
•
well over his 100th cap and a decade in the
grinder of opponents’ walls finally managed to get a
grip on a trophy, which came in 2014
•
Szeged is his third team in the CL having tried
his luck with Leon and PSG before
WCh: G 2013, EURO: B 2014
coming from the famous Dunaferr school
Zsolt Balogh
right back
Roberto García Parrondo
right wing
•
joined Pick Szeged from Braun Gyöngyös in
2012
•
brought by coach Pastor when he took the
Szeged hotseat
•
by 2014 overtook Gábor Ancsin in the Pick
roster at his poition
•
the two won an incredible amount of trophies
together
•
not as tall as one would expect from a
backcourt player but has outstanding dribbling skills
and a sharp eye for passing
•
Madrid-born played for seven Spanish
teams before he decided to bring his talents to
international courts
•
new coach Pastor gave him more time and he
grabbed his chance
•
one of the few players to have literally won all
international trophies EHF had to offer
EC trophies: CL 2008, 2009, Cup Winners’ Cup 2005, EHF Cup 2013
WCh: G 2005, EURO: B 2011
86
GROUP B
Rhein-Neckar Löwen lost two pillars of the squad over the summer and their success this
season will rely heavily on whether their work in the transfer market has sufficiently covered
these losses. The Mannheim based club reacted to the departure of world class goalkeeper
Niklas Landin for German champions and three-time EHF Champions League winner THW Kiel,
with the capture of Serbian international Darko Stanic and Swede Mikael Apelgren from last
season’s EHF Cup participant Melsungen.
However, Landin is not the only Scandinavian loss for the “lions”, as Norwegian line player
Bjarte Myrhol signed for Danish VELUX Champions League participant Skjern. He was replaced
by German international Henrik Pekeler - and as he is currently injured. Löwen also signed
Spaniard Rafael Baena.
After finishing second in Germany once again, this time two points below Kiel, and getting
eliminated at the Last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition last season, now Löwen will face
some established and big-name opponents in Group B: defending champions Barcelona, Kielce,
Vardar, Kolding, Szeged, Kristianstad and Montpellier. “The only unknown team for us are
Kristianstad, as we faced the rest of those teams before. We will not have any easy match in
the group phase, as Barcelona and Kielce belong to the favourites of the Champions League,
and Skopje are also a candidate for making it to the VELUX EHF FINAL4,” says team captain
Uwe Gensheimer, who adds: “In the past, we had did not have easy encounters with Kolding,
Montpellier and Szeged.”
Playing hall
SAP Arena
Xaver-Fuhr-Str. 150
68219 Mannheim
Germany
Capacity: 12,900
Two opponents are in the focus of manager Lars Lamade and the team – two teams who
eliminated Löwen in the previous seasons. Barcelona, who snuck past Löwen by only one goal
in the 2013/14 quarter-finals, and Szeged, who ended their campaign last term. “Barcelona are
the strongest of all teams, and we failed against Szeged, which says all about the strengths of
the Hungarians. We know Montpellier, Kielce and Kolding from past seasons,” says Lamade, for
whom in general the group is tough: “Due to our small squad we definitely do not belong to the
favourites in this group of attractive opponents. But we are eager to proceed to the Last 16.”
Club Address:
Rhein-Neckar Löwen
Mollstraße 49a
68165 Mannheim
Germany
Champions League: runners-up in Germany
Media contact:
Christopher Monz
+491744288849
monz@rhein-neckar-loewen.de
Newcomers:
Darko Stanic (Al Kuwait SC)
Mikael Appelgren (MT Melsungen)
Hendrik Pekeler (TBV Lemgo)
Rafael Baena (BM Puente Genil Angel Ximénez)
Online information:
Website: www.rhein-neckar-loewen.de
Facebook: rnloewen
Twitter: @RNLoewen
Kit colours
Coach: Nikolaj Jacobsen (since July 2014)
Captain: Uwe Gensheimer
Left the club:
Niklas Landin (THW Kiel)
Bastian Rutschmann (Frisch Auf Göppingen)
Bjarte Myrhol (Skjern Handball)
Roko Peribonio (TSG Ludwigshafen-Friesenheim)
David Schmidt (TSG Ludwigshafen-Friesenheim)
Light
Player short: yellow
Goalkeeper shirt: red/white
Past achievements
season): 7
Semi-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11
Quarter-final (2): 2009/10, 2013/14
Last 16 (1): 2014/15
Other
Cup Winners’ Cup: Runners-up 2007/08
EHF Cup: Winners 2012/13, Semi-finals
2011/12, Quarter-finals 2006/07
German league: none
German Cup winner: none
Fraport Arena
Silostrasse 46
65 929 Frankfurt
Germany
Capacity: 5,000
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
Goalkeeper shirt: red/green
87
Biggest win:
40:25 (19:10) v Chambery Savoie HB FRA (h), 08.03.2009
39:24 (20:10) v HC Bosna BH Gas BIH (a), 18.10.2009
37:22 (19:11) v Chambery Savoie HB FRA (h), 10.10.2010
Biggest defeat:
37:23 (20:8) v THW Kiel GER (a), 26.04.2009
5 matches (12.10.2013 – 28.11.2013)
8 matches (30.04.2009 – 13.02.2010)
8 matches (12.10.2013 – 20.02.2014)
Longest losing run:
3 matches (21.02.2015 - 22.03.2015)
Longest run without win: 4 matches (28.05.2011 - 29.09.2013)
Most goals:
40 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 40:25W (h), 08.03.2009
38 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 38:38D (h), 20.02.2011
Most goals both teams: 76 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 38:38D (h), 20.02.2011
Fewest goals:
23 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 25:23L (a), 18.02.2009
23 v THW Kiel GER 37:23L (a), 26.04.2009
23 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 23:23 (a), 17.10.2010
Fewest goals opponent: 17 v St. Petersburg HC RUS 31:17W (h), 17.10.2013
Fewest goals both teams:46 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 23:23 (a), 17.10.2010
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
2008/09 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER
14
9
2
3
447:392
+55
20:8
1/2-finals
14
9
2
3
450:408
+42
20:8
1/4-finals
16
7
4
5
486:465
+21
18:14
Fourth Place
14
9
2
3
422:369
+53
20:8
1/4-finals
12
6
0
6
361:347
+14
12:12
Last 16
Total
70 4010 20 2166:1981
88
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
26
16
60
72
3
42
24
30
14
97
4
22
23
32
27
2
11
19
Michal
Rafael
Kim
David
Uwe
Marvin
Patrick
Gedeon
Max
Rico
Stefan
Mads Mensah
Hendrik
Alexander
Harald
Andre
Stefan Rafn
Marius
Abt
Baena Gonzalez
Ekdahl du Rietz
Ganshorn
Gensheimer
Gerdon
Groetzki
Guardiola Villaplana
Haider
Keller
Kneer
Larsen
Pekeler
Petersson
Reinkind
Schmid
Sigurmannsson
Steinhauser
GER
ESP
SWE
GER
GER
GER
GER
ESP
GER
GER
GER
DEN
GER
ISL
NOR
SUI
ISL
GER
Line Player
Line Player
Left Back
Line Player
Left Wing
Right Wing
Right Wing
Line Player
Line Player
Left Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Line Player
Right Back
Right Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Wing
25.7.1990
7.11.1982
23.7.1989
27.5.1989
26.10.1986
24.7.1996
4.7.1989
1.10.1984
26.4.1996
30.7.1997
19.12.1985
12.8.1991
2.7.1991
2.7.1980
17.8.1992
30.8.1983
19.5.1990
6.2.1993
193
191
194
191
188
179
189
199
189
192
194
188
203
186
195
190
197
187
12
Darko
Stanic
SRB
Goalkeeper
1
Mikael
Appelgren
SWE Goalkeeper
83
Marco
Bitz
GER
Goalkeeper
Average:
Nikolaj Jacobsen
coach
•
new face on the Löwen bench since 2014 as
his predecessor Gudmundur Gudmundsson became
Danish national team coach
•
coached Viborg, Bjerringbro (both as an
assistant) and Aalborg in the past, steering Aalborg
to a surprising title and the CL in 2013
•
six league titles and seven cup titles in
Denmark and Germany during his playing career
•
TV expert in 2007
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2002, 2004 (as player)
89
Heidelberg, GER
Estepa, ESP
Lund, SWE
Mannheim, GER
Mannheim, GER
Speyer, GER
Pforzheim, GER
Petrer, ESP
Heidelberg, GER
Heidelberg, GER
Bühl, GER
Holbæk, DEN
Itzehohe, GER
Riga, LAT
Trondheim, NOR
Horgen, SUI
Hafnarfjördur, ISL
Karlsruhe, GER
8.10.1978
Mojkovac, SRB
6.9.1989
Uddevalla, SWE
9.11.1995
Schwetzingen, GER
26,29
97
128
100
99
90
75
84
103
90
88
98
109
97
87
95
86
101
83
191
102
192
100
189
89
191,3 95,3
Darko Stanic
goalkeeper
Uwe Gensheimer
left wing
•
came in the summer of 2015 to fill the gap
after Niklas Landin, who transferred to Kiel
•
courtesy of his excellent skills Serbian
goalkeeper he is referred to as ‘Minister of Defence’.
•
born in Mannheim, he is the 100% local hero
•
playing for “his” club since 2003
•
his talent discovered early as he became
Junior European champion in 2006, one year later
awarded MVP at the Junior WCh
•
in his previous CL club Metalurg he
immediately won the hearts of the fans
•
voted into the 2012/13 All-star team, the same
award received at the EHF EURO 2012 in Serbia
•
in 2011 and 2012 German player of the year
•
top scorer of 2010/11 CL season
•
declined offers from Kiel and Barcelona
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2011
EURO: S 2012
Mads Mensah Larsen
centre back
Kim Ekdahl Du Rietz
left back
•
despite the huge competition at left back in
the previous seasons, the Swede became number 1
•
started his international career at AG
Kobenhavn & made it to the 2012 VELUX EHF FINAL4
•
arrived in Mannheim in 2012 from Nantes
after beginning his career at Lugi Lund
•
became Danish champion for the second time
at Aalborg, where he firstly was coached by Nikolaj
Jacobsen, when Jacobsen became Löwen coach in
2014, he followed him to Mannheim
•
made his first league debut at the age of 16
•
important part of the Löwen defence as well,
but famous for his long-range shots in the attack
•
•
was U20 EHF EURO champion with Denmark
•
his father is from Ghana, his mother Danish
particularly large shoe size of 51
OG: S 2012
WCh: S 2013, EHF EURO: S 2014
Andre Schmid
centre back
Gedeon Guardiola Villaplana
line player
•
•
defence boss of Löwen as the successor of
Oliver “The Rogg” Roggisch
five-time Swiss handball player of the year
•
played for both Zürich clubs Grasshoppers and
ZMC Amicitia until 2009
•
arrived in Mannheim in 2012 with his twin
brother Isaias, who then left to Aalborg in 2014
•
joined Löwen after one season with
Bjerringbro-Silkeborg
•
played at Logrono and San Antonio before he
joined Löwen
•
key in attack – both as playmaker and as
shooter
•
•
had been a karateka in his younger days
•
when scores for Löwen, the whole arena
shouts “Ole!”
best Bundesliga player in the 2013/14 season
WCH G 2013 EHF EURO B 2014, EHF Cup winner 2013
Alexander Petersson
right back
Patrick Groetzki
right wing
•
born in Latvia, took over Icelandic citizenship
and became an Olympic silver medallist in 2008 and
EHF EURO bronze medallist in 2010
•
born in Pforzheim only a few kilometres away
from Mannheim
•
right after ending his youth career he switched
to Löwen and became part of the German younger
age category national teams
•
moved to Germany in 2003, playing for
Düsseldorf, Großwallstadt, Flensburg-Handewitt,
and Füchse, before transferring to RNL in 2012
•
MVP and silver medallist of the Men’s 20 EHF
EURO in 2008 and junior world champion in 2009
•
more a playmaker on the right back position
but is also strong in man-to-man-actions
•
key player right after he was nominated for
the men’s national team for the first time
•
member of the 2011 WCh All Star Team and
the most experienced player of Löwen
OG: S 2008, EURO: B 2010
90
GROUP B
After ranking among the top teams in the Swedish league in the previous years and qualifying
for the EHF Cup Group Phase two seasons ago, the team of former world and EHF EURO
champion Ola Lindgren now is making their maiden voyage in the VELUX EHF Champions
League. For Lindgren it is his second appearance in this competition after being coach of
German side Rhein Neckar Löwen.
And the coach counts on a young and almost all-Scandinavian squad, but success always
causes interest from other clubs. So some cornerstones of the previous season like Markus
Olsson, Magnus Dahl (both to Danish Champions League participant Skjern) or Jonathan
Stenbäcken (Lemgo/Germany) left Kristianstad.
A new player with the most international experience is Iranian international Iman Jamali, who
arrives on loan from 2015 Champions League finalist MKB Veszprem.
Thanks to the Swedish ranking in the EHF seeding list, Kristianstad will cruise into the group
phase on their maiden voyage: Having their first ever Champions League match on home
ground with the Scandinavian duel against their Danish counterparts Kolding, they will
additionally face defending champions FC Barcelona, Kielce, Vardar Skopje, Szeged, Löwen and
Montpellier in Group B.
Playing hall
Kristianstad Arena
Västra Storgatan 1
29154 Kristianstad
Sweden
Capacity:
Club Address:
IFK Kristianstad
Västra Storgatan 69
29154 Kristanstad
Sweden
Media contact:
Anders Hallengren
+46 734 33 11 88
anders.hallengren@ifkkristianstad.se
Online information:
Website: www.ifkkristianstad.se
Facebook: IFKKristianstad
Twitter: @IFKKristianstad
Kit colours
Light
Player short: white
Goalkeeper shirt: red/yellow/black/white
Dark
Player shirt: black
Player short: black
Goalkeeper shirt: red/yellow/black/white
Having the lack of international experience in mind, the targets are clearly set: “We are the
newcomers and see our Champions League participation as an inspiring challenge in which we
might gain some points on home ground.
We hope to arrange memorable home events in our arena and to entertain our fans with fast
and creative handball,” club manager Nikolas Larsson says.
Kristianstad and their legendary mascot Krustis aim to have sold-out matches with 5000 fans.
“Our group is a tough one with Barcelona and Kielce in the favourite role,” says Larsson, who
in general expects that being part of the Champions League is “an important step for us in our
ambition to grow and expand the club.”
Team captain Johan Jepson is looking forward to his first ever away game in the VELUX EHF
Champions League in Barcelona on 26 September: “We have been drawn into a challenging
group and as the captain and the oldest player it will be an honour and a challenge to lead the
team in our first Champions League participation in our club’s history.”
Champions League: Swedish champions
Past achievements
Coach: Ola Lindgren (since February 2012)
Captain: Johan Jepson
season): 1
Newcomers:
Nebojsa Simic (HK Malmö)
Inge Aas Eriksen (Stord)
Richard Hanisch (Hamburg)
Marcus Dahlin (Arendal)
Iman Jamali (on loan from MKB Veszprem)
Left the club:
Markus Olsson (Skjern)
Jonathan Stenbäcken (Lemgo)
Daniel Lindgren (Varberg)
Dan Beutler (HK Malmö)
Magnus Dahl (Skjern)
91
Other
EHF Cup: Group Phase 2013/14
Swedish league: 5 titles (1941, 1948,
1952, 1953, 2015)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
7
21
28
14
33
29
30
22
15
10
11
66
27
29
24
18
17
Kristian
Andreas
Oskar
Marcus
Inge Aas
Richard
Emil
Iman
Johan
Albin
Johannes
Anton
Johan
Petter
Christian
Fredric
Jerry
Björnsen
Cederholm
Cosmo
Dahlin
Eriksen
Hanisch
Hansson
Jamali
Jepson
Lagergren
Larsson
Lindskog
Nilsson
Nyström
O’Sullivan
Pettersson
Tollbring
NOR
SWE
SWE
SWE
NOR
SWE
SWE
IRI
SWE
SWE
SWE
SWE
SWE
SWE
NOR
SWE
SWE
Right Wing
Right Back
Line Player
Right Back
Left Back
Back
Right Wing
Left Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Right Wing
Line Player
Back
Left Wing
Back
Line Player
Left Wing
10.1.1989
4.5.1990
27.3.1996
29.5.1991
25.4.1994
1.6.1990
24.4.1996
11.10.1991
15.7.1985
11.9.1992
9.8.1991
7.12.1993
23.8.1995
27.10.1996
22.8.1991
11.2.1989
13.9.1995
191
186
194
204
193
190
183
202
183
187
182
198
191
184
190
201
182
1
Leo
Larsson
SWE Goalkeeper
16
Nebojsa
Simic
MNE Goalkeeper
12
Fredrik
Landin
SWE Goalkeeper
36
Jesper
Larsson
SWE Goalkeeper
Average:
16.10.1990
Ystad, SWE
19.1.1993
Cetinje, MON
2.6.1996
Göteborg, SWE
27.7.1973
Kristianstad, SWE
23,95
Ola Lindgren
coach
•
head coach in Kristianstad since 2012, celebrated his greatest
triumph as a coach by leading Kristianstad to their first Swedish
championship title in 62 years in 2014/2015
•
before returning home to Sweden, he was coach by HSG
Nordhorn and Rhein-Neckar Löwen
•
apart from being head coach in Kristianstad, since 2008 he
is in charge of the Swedish national team together with his former
national teammate Staffan Olsson
•
was a great line player in his active days, the golden age of
Swedish national team handball
•
with 376 internationals for Sweden, he is the Swedish player
with second most caps
OG: S 1992, 1996, 2000, WCh: G 1990, 1999, S 1997, 2001, B 1993, 1995, EURO: G 1994, 1998, 2000
92
Stavanger, NOR
Hjo, SWE
Kristianstad, SWE
Stenungsund, SWE
Stord, NOR
Eskilstuna, SWE
Kristianstad, SWE
Esfahan, IRI
Karlshamn, SWE
Varberg, SWE
Kristianstad, SWE
Kristianstad, SWE
Kristianstad, SWE
Kristianstad, SWE
Oslo, NOR
Jönköping, SWE
Norrtälje, SWE
87
87
91
102
100
88
83
102
85
101
74
108
78
81
95
116
75
190
94
194
112
180
82
190
95
190,2 92,2
Leo Larsson
goalkeeper
Jerry Tollbring
left wing
•
joined from another league club in Southern
Sweden Ystads IF in 2013
•
joined from league colleagues Rimbo HK in the
summer of 2014
•
after spending quite a lot of time on the bench
in Ystad, he had got more match praxis since joining
Kristianstad.
•
signed as substitute to experienced Johan
Jepson in the left wing position, but his skills soon
made him first choice on the left wing
•
in for even more responsibility after
Norwegian international Magnus Dahl has left the
Kristianstad goal for Danish Skjern Handbold
•
still waiting for his debut on the senior
national team, but has played 20 matches in the
youth team and was one of Sweden’s key players at
Junior WCh in Brazil recently
•
had his big part of the credit for Kristianstad
winning the Swedish championship in 2015
Richard Hanisch
centre back
Iman Jamali
left back
•
joined Kristianstad ahead of this season from
a one-year stay by German Bundesliga club HSV
Hamburg.
•
Iranian heavy shooter on loan from Veszprém,
where he is in his final season of a four-year contract
•
spotted in the junior WCh where he scored 14
goals against Hungary and signed for Veszprem at
the age of 19, where often compared to their Cuban
legend Carlos Pérez
•
despite joining from Germany and having a
German sounding name, he is actually Swedish.
•
in Kristianstad, he is likely to be standing in for
Christian O´Sullivan in the playmaker position as well
as for Iman Jamali on the left back
•
in 2014 became the first Asian player to play at
the VELUX EHF FINAL4
•
likely to carry a lot of responsibility after two
highly skilled left backs Markus Olsson and Jonathan
Stenbäcken left over the summer of 2015
•
in spite of not being a regular starter by
Hamburg, he played 22 matches for them in the
Bundesliga and the EHF Cup, where he reached the
final in 2015, defeating Kristianstad on the road
Christian O´Sullivan
centre back
Fredrik Pettersson
line player
•
playing his second season for Kristianstad after
joining from Norwegian league club Baekkelagets SK
in the summer of 2014
•
•
started his career in the club Cyrus HK in his
Swedish homeland, but joined Kristianstad from a
stay with Danish league club Aarhus Handball
•
has Irish ancestors and could actually have
played for Ireland, but chose to play for Norway
•
playing his third season with the club
•
his height makes him relatively easy to find
for his teammates in the back court line, and his
physical strength also allows him to make room for
himself on the line as well as to set screens for the
shooters
has played 40 internationals for Norway
•
tall and athletic playmaker with a great ability
to read the game and organise his team’s attacking
play
•
on top of his skills in the attack, he is also a
great defender
Andreas Cederholm
right back
Kristian Björnsen
right wing
•
been with the club since 2013 when joining
from league colleagues IKF Skovde.
•
in for his second season with Kristianstad after
joining from Norwegian league club FyllingenBergen
•
with his 186 cm, his height is not among his
greatest advantages as a back court player, but he
compensates in full with a great and varied shot and
high flexibility and playing intelligence
•
has 40 internationals and 170 goals for
Norway under his belt.
•
being 191 cm tall, he is pretty tall for a winger,
and this give them an even more varied repertoire
of shots than many other wingers.
•
has played 17 internationals for Sweden so far,
scoring 37 goals
•
started his career in the right back position,
but already as a youngster, was moved to the wing
•
extended his contract with Kristianstad in
2015 for at least one more year, with an option for a
further year
93
GROUP B
To win a domestic title in France at the expense of the favourites from Paris and to proceed
from the group phase in the VELUX EHF Champions League - those are the major goals of
Montpellier Handball for the upcoming season. The 2003 winners start their 18th season in
the European top competition - and for the 18th time, Patrice Canayer is their record-breaking
coach, who is at the helm since 1994.
Things have changed at Montpellier in the previous years, but still Canayer can count on some
stalwarts like team captain Michael Guigou or right back Vid Kavticnik. However some of those
“all-time Montpellier stars” have said adieu at the middle of August as Tunisian line player
Issam Tej signed for Qatari side El-Jaish and was released by his club despite a valid contract.
Like a huge number of Champions League participants, Montpellier had a change between the
goal posts, as Croat Venjo Losert left the club and was replaced by French international Vincent
Gerard from former champion Dunkerque.
In addition to Gerard, Aymen Toumi (previously in Nantes) joined the Canayer squad, which
were eliminated by Polish champions Kielce closely in the Last 16 of last season.
“We want to go as far as possible in the Champions League,” says Canayer, for whom the Last
16 is the minimum goal.
Playing hall
Park & Suites Arena Montpellier
Rue de la Foire
34470 Pérols/Montpellier
France
Capacity: 8,000
Club Address:
Montpellier HB
Centre Jean-Paul Lacombe
Centre Jean Paul Lacombe - 1000
34090 Montpellier
France
Media contact:
Suzy Demonte
+33 499 610 358
suzy.demonte@montpellier-handball.com
Online information:
www.montpellierhandball.com
Facebook: montpellierhandball
Twitter: @mhbofficiel
Team captain Guigou expects a tough group phase, in which Montpellier face defending
champions Barcelona, Kielce, Löwen, Kolding, Vardar and Kristianstad. Therefore, Guigou
hopes to play better in our home matches compared to the last season, as otherwise we do
not get far due to the new format. “It will be a tough and long competition for our young
team. Below the two main contenders Barcelona and Kielce the rest of our group is balanced,
though we did not win a single point against Vardar and Löwen in last season’s group phase. So
it is necessary to try and change that. Against Kristianstad we need to win twice to proceed,”
Guigou said.
Champions League: runners-ups in France
Coach: Patrice Canayer (since 1994)
Captain: Michael Guigou
Newcomers:
Vincent Gerard (Dunkerque)
Aymen Toumi (Nantes)
Left the club:
Venjo Losert (N/A)
Balazs Laluska (N/A)
Antoine Gutfreund (Dijon)
Kevin Mesnard (Istres)
Issam Tej (El-Jaish/QAT)
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
season): 18
Winners (1): 2002/03
Semi-final (1): 2004/05
Quarter-final (4): 2000/01, 2005/06,
2009/10, 2010/11
Last 16 (5): 1995/96, 2003/04, 2006/07,
2011/12, 2014/15
Main Round (2): 2007/08, 2008/09
Group Phase (3): 1998/99, 1999/00,
2012/13
Other
EHF Cup: Runners-up 2013/14, Quarterfinal: 1996/97
Last 16: 1993/94, 1994/95
Last 32: 1997/98
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: white
Goalkeeper shirt: orange/light green
Past achievements
Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final
2001/02
Palais des Sports René Bougnol
1000 Av. du Val de Montferrand
34090 Montpellier
France
Capacity: 3,000
94
French league: 14 titles (1995, 1998,
1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
French cup: 12 titles
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
7 matches (21.12.2003 – 14.11.2004)
7 matches (18.10.2009 – 25.02.2010)
7 matches (16.10.2010 – 06.03.2011)
10 matches (18.10.2009 – 03.04.2010)
Longest losing run:
3 matches (23.10.2011 – 04.12.2011)
3 matches (07.10.2012 – 18.10.2012)
3 matches (14.02.2015 – 15.03.2015)
5 matches (02.12.2012 – 27.09.2014)
Most goals:
46 v AC PAOK GRE 46:20W (h), 04.10.2009
38 v Kolding KIF DEN 38:29L (a), 05.12.2004
38 v Pick Szeged HUN 38:35L (a), 19.11.2011
Most goals both teams: 78 v VfL Gummersbach GER 41:37W (h), 09.02.2008
Fewest goals:
17 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 26:17L (a), 03.01.1999
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
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
1998/99 Montpellier HB FRA
6
3
0
3
134:134
0
6:6
3rd Gr. A
6
3
0
3
139:148
-9
6:6
3rd Gr. A
8
4
1
3
193:193
0
9:7
1/4-finals
12
8
1
3
334:311
+23
17:7
Winner
8
6
0
2
216:199
+17
12:4
Last 16
12
9
0
3
375:328
+47
18:6
1/2-finals
10
6
0
4
282:272
+10
12:8
1/4-finals
8
5
1
2
224:198
+26
11:5
Last 16
12
7
0
5
358:348
+10
14:10
3rd MR Gr. 2
10
6
1
3
295:275
+20
13:7
4th MR Gr. 3
14
10
2
2
447:372
+75
22:6
1/4-finals
2010/11 Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA
14
10
0
4
442:379
+63
20:8
1/4-finals
12
6
0
6
357:357
0
12:12
Last 16
10
2
2
6
301:311
–10
6:14
5th Gr. A
12
4
2
6
351:377
–26
10:14
Last 16
Total
15489 10 55 4448:4202
95
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
3
24
18
9
54
11
13
27
25
22
30
10
14
23
51
21
4
3
26
19
2
Arthur
Baptiste
Felipe
Maxime
Jose
Jure
Allahkaram
Ludovic
Jean Loup
Matej
Dragan
Mathieu
Michael
Vid
Borut
Alexandre
Diego
Aymen
Allan
Kyllian
Iswaran
Anquetil
Bonnefond
Borges Dutra Ribeiro
Bouschet
Costa
Dolenec
Esteki
Fabregas
Faustin
Gaber
Gajic
Grebille
Guigou
Kavticnik
Mackovsek
Saidani
Simonet
Toumi
Villeminot
Villeminot
Zahm
FRA
FRA
BRA
FRA
POR
SLO
IRI
FRA
FRA
SLO
SLO
FRA
FRA
SLO
SLO
FRA
ESP
TUN
FRA
FRA
FRA
Left Wing
Left Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Line Player
Right Back
Left Back
Line Player
Left Back
Line Player
Right Wing
Left Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Centre Back
Right Wing
Line Player
Line Player
Left Back
23.7.1995
22.1.1993
4.5.1985
2.4.1996
23.3.1984
6.12.1988
20.3.1988
1.7.1996
23.3.1995
22.7.1991
21.7.1984
6.10.1991
28.1.1982
24.5.1984
11.9.1992
30.7.1994
26.12.1989
11.7.1990
24.5.1995
20.5.1998
23.5.1996
182
193
186
185
190
190
194
198
185
197
188
198
180
191
203
188
188
184
187
189
200
1
Vincent
Gerard
FRA
Goalkeeper
16
Arnaud
Siffert
FRA
Goalkeeper
12
Samir
Bellahcene
FRA
Goalkeeper
97
Maxime
Savonne
FRA
Goalkeeper
Average:
Patrice Canayer
coach
•
currently in his 22st season at the head of
Montpellier, in which he has won over 40 trophies
•
in 1994 he started his coaching career and
coached players like Nikola Karabatic, Thierry
Omeyer, Jerome Fernandez and Didier Dinart
•
reached the EHF Cup final in the 2013/14
season
•
in his active career played for Bordeaux and
Racing Paris.
96
Montpellier, FRA
Lyon, FRA
Sao Bernardo, BRA
Montpellier, FRA
Braga, POR
Ljubljana, SLO
Isfahan, IRI
Perpignan, FRA
Montpellier, FRA
Kranj, SLO
Celje, SLO
Paris, FRA
Apt, FRA
Gradec, SLO
Koper, SLO
Montpellier, FRA
Buenos Aires, ARG
Sousse, TUN
Lyon, FRA
Lyon , FRA
Saint Denis, FRA
16.12.1986
Woippy, FRA
6.12.1978
Longjumeau, FRA
20.2.1995
Montpellier, FRA
11.1.1997
Nimes , FRA
24,76
78
97
88
84
95
90
102
100
85
115
85
97
78
87
99
84
88
86
82
72
93
188
104
190
93
197
110
195
97
190,6 91,6
Vincent Gerard
goalkeeper
Michaël Guigou
left wing/centre back
•
formed in Montpellier, he came back to his
first club in the summer of 2015 after playing in
Istres and Dunkerque
•
player with the longest history in Montpellier
since he has played there for 15 seasons in a row
•
able to play on the left wing or on the centre
back position, very quick on fast breaks and able to
play in tiny spaces inside the defences
•
shares the position with Arnaud Siffert. Both
already played in Dunkerque together a couple of
seasons ago
•
over the years, he has become less of a scorer
and turned into the brain of the team
•
his exuberant celebrations have instantly
made him a fan favourite
•
in four years in Dunkerque, he reached twice
the last 16 in the CL and a EHF Cup final in 2012
•
only player of the winning CL campaign in
2003 who still plays for MAHB
OG : G 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, WCh: G 2009, 2011, 2015, B 2005
Felipe Borges
left wing
Borut Mackovsek
left back
•
discovered handball through beach handball,
which is played a lot in his native Sao Paulo
•
the last Slovenian to join the impressive
colony in the summer of 2014, arriving from Celje
•
played for two and a half seasons in Ademar
Leon before joining Montpellier in march 2013
•
played for three different clubs in the 2013/14
season: TSV Hannover-Burgdorf, then Dinamo
Minsk, then RK Celje
•
considered as the most successful active
Brazilian player at the moment, having won 14
domestic titles in less than eight years
•
famous for scoring 10 goals in a Last 16 CL
match against Hamburg two seasons ago
•
best Brazilian scorer at the 2015 WCh with 31
goals in eight games
•
at only 22, faces the task to make up for
Mathieu Grébille’s absence as the French will be out
all season due to a knee injury
Diego Simonet
centre back
Matej Gaber
line player
•
Argentinian scored 47 goals in the 2014/15
CL campaign, including an impressive 11-goal
performance in the last 16 game against Kielce
•
Slovenian rock of Montpellier’s defence, he
will now have a bigger role in attack since Issam Tej’s
left the club
•
best centre back of the French league in the
2013/14, but can play on the left back or even left
wing if needs be
•
arrived at the beginning of the 2013/14 season
alongside his friend Jure Dolenec and has done
everything since to justify his “hard-defending”
reputation
•
the second oldest brother of three in a family
totally dedicated to handball, his two brothers play
in Ivry, in the French national league, where Diego
used to play before coming to Montpellier
•
should become a very important piece of
Montpellier’s puzzle in the forthcoming years
Jure Dolenec
right back
Dragan Gajic
right wing
•
in his first season with Montpellier in 2013/14
had some ups and downs as he had to adapt to
French defences
•
arrived in 2011 together with fellow Slovenian
Vid Kavticnik and turned to be very useful to
Montpellier, both on and off the court
•
made his name in the CL with his former team
of Gorenje Velenje, scoring 64 goals in the 2012/13
season
•
had his best season so far in the 2013/14,
finishing as the best scorer of the EHF Cup (72 goals)
and of the French league
•
recently extended his contract with
Montpellier until 2019
•
also helped his Slovenian teammates to settle
in Montpellier, and that gave him quite a lot of work,
since there were five of them in the club
•
at 26, he already counts nearly a hundred
games with his national team
•
2015 WCh top scorer (71 goals) and All-Star
team right wing
97
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Group C preview
ВО
ЈВ Р.К
О .
Д
И
Н
А
1948
НОВИ�САД
TEAMS FACE TOUGH OPPONENTS AND LONG DISTANCES IN GROUP C
Along with Russian title holders, Spanish runners-up Naturhouse La Rioja and Belarusian Meshkov Brest should have the
edge in the group.
Three regular VELUX EHF Champions League contenders will meet in Group C along with two clubs returning to the
Champions league after an absence and an ambitious newcomer that will be eager to gain invaluable experience and
establish themselves on a European level. The clubs in Group C will enjoy travelling the furthest distance between ties
from Porto to Chekhovskie Medvedi, all of this is almost 3,700 kilometers.
There will be a tough battle for the top two spots, which guarantee group phase knock out fixtures against the top two
sides from Group D. Chekhovskie Medvedi are the most experienced side from the group. The 2010 VELUX EHF FINAL4
competitors led by respected coaching genius, Vladimir Maximov, look forward to new adventures this season. His main
task this season is to implement new rising stars of Russian handball and improve on their defensive work. Last year
Medvedi were the only team in the group phase not to win a game, despite having the seventh best scoring record.
Both Brest and La Rioja have also featured in the same group last season, La Rioja winning the home fixture and with
coming away with a draw in Brest. Meshkov will count on experienced coach Sergey Bebeshko, who has not miss
Champions league campaign since 2009. The Belarusian side can count on the services of ex-Presov giant Dainis Kristopans
and Russian international Pavel Atman, who were signed during the summer break.
La Rioja will look to repeat last year’s run, when they were stopped in the Last 16 by to-be finalists Veszprem. Their third
straight appearance in the goup phase is certainly a success for such a young club and proves they are on the right track
of becoming a well-recognized European side. The Spanish side is led by their long serving coach Jesus Javier Gonzalez
Fernandez, who was unlucky to have his new Serbian youngster Stefan Terzic injured.
Along with Brest, two other SEHA League contenders will meet in Group C. Whilst for Presov, this year’s group stage
campaign means comeback after four unsuccessful qualifying campaigns. Vojvodina’s match in Brest will be the start of a
new era for the club. Both teams are no direct favourites in the group, but Presov especially can be dangerous against any
team. Tatran are hungry to repeat their 2004/05 Last 16 run, but playing in three different competitions and a number of
hours spent travelling will test their roster heavily. For Vojvodina the story is slightly different. After three failed attempts to qualify for the Group Phase, the Serbian
champions can look forward to matches on the top European level. New coach Nikola Markovic will count on former
Russian international Alexey Rastvortsev to help him achieve positive results. Rastvortsev played in the FINAL4 with
Chekhovskie Medvedi in 2010 and this experience will be invaluable to them.
Last side to feature in Group C is Portuguese Champion Porto. In this group five champions will meet, the only team
excluded are La Rioja. Porto have only made it into the group phase in five out of six qualification attempts, successfully
getting through in 2013/14. Their main target is to win their home matches and entertain enthusiastic fans in the Dragao
Caixa.
Tomas Cuncik
99
Group C head-to-heads
Naturhouse La Rioja vs HC Meshkov Brest 1-1-0 (72:64) 3:1
28.09.2014 Naturhouse La Rioja vs HC Meshkov Brest, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
29.11.2014
HC Meshkov Brest vs Naturhouse La Rioja, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A
39:31 (20:14)
33:33 (15:18)
Naturhouse La Rioja vs Vojvodina 1-0-1 (50:45) 2:2)
24.11.2012
Naturhouse La Rioja vs RK Vojvodina, EHF Cup – Round 3
01.12.2012
RK Vojvodina vs Naturhouse La Rioja, EHF Cup – Round 3
28:19 (15:10)
26:22 (10:9)
HC Meshkov Brest vs Chekhovskie Medvedi 0-0-2 (55:67) 0:4)
23.10.2004 Brestskiy HC Meshkovo vs Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
13.11.2004 Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov vs Brestskiy HC Meshkovo, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C
29:34 (11:18)
33:26 (14:10)
HC Meshkov Brest vs Futebol Clube do Porto 2-0-0 (20:0) 4:0
2004/2005
Brestskiy HC Meshkovo vs FC do Porto, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round
2004/2005
Brestskiy HC Meshkovo vs FC do Porto, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round
10:0 (0:0)*
10:0 (0:0)*
HC Meshkov Brest vs TATRAN Presov 1-0-0 (26:24) 2:0
07.09.2014
HC Meshkov Brest vs TATRAN Presov, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Tournament Group 1
26:24 (12:12)
Chekhovskie Medvedi vs TATRAN Presov 2-0-0 (65:55) 4:0)
25.02.2006 Tatran Presov vs Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final
04.03.2006 Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov vs Tatran Presov, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final
27:30 (11:14)
35:28 (17:13)
Futebol Clube do Porto vs Vojvodina 2-0-0 (58:50) 4:0
01.03.2015 HC Vojvodina vs Futebol Clube do Porto, EHF Cup – Group C27:29 (13:15)
07.03.2015
Futebol Clube do Porto vs HC Vojvodina, EHF Cup – Group C29:23 (13:12)
Futebol Clube do Porto vs TATRAN Presov 1-0-1 (59:61) 2:2
05.09.2009 FC Porto/Vitalis vs TATRAN Presov, VELUX EHF Champions League - Qualification Tournament Group 4
03.09.2011 Tatran Presov vs FC Porto Vitalis, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Tournament Group 1
30:33 (11:15)
28:29 (16:15)
Vojvodina vs TATRAN Presov 0-0-1 (21:25) 0:2
06.09.2014 HC Vojvodina vs TATRAN Presov, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Tournament Group 1
21:25 (10:15)
No previous encounters
Naturhouse La Rioja vs Chekhovskie Medvedi
Naturhouse La Rioja vs Futebol Clube do Porto
Naturhouse La Rioja vs TATRAN Presov
HC Meshkov Brest vs Vojvodina
Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Futebol Clube do Porto
Chekhovskie Medvedi vs Vojvodina
100
GROUP C
Given that Naturhouse La Rioja was founded a mere nine years ago, the fact that they are part of
the VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase for the third straight time is a major success for
the club based in Logrono. In the previous season, the squad of head coach Jesús Javier González
Fernández (who is at La Rioja since the very beginning) even made it to the Last 16 before
eventual finalists Veszprem brought their run to an end. In Spain, they finished second ranked
below VELUX EHF Champions League and ASOBAL champions FC Barcelona.
In the new Champions League season, La Rioja fight for a Last 16 spot once again. A top two finish
is a must in Group C against Brest, Medvedi, Porto, Vojvodina and Presov. Team captain and
goalkeeper Gurutz Aguinagalde Akizu - brother of Kielce’s line player Julen Aguinagalde - hopes
to be at least as successful as last season.
“We wanted to be seeded in Group A or B, so now we are concentrated on showing everybody
that we are a competitive team.”
In Aguinagalde’s opinion, Brest and Presov are the strongest opponents for the fight in Group
C, his prediction: “Those teams, which do not lose their matches against weaker opponents will
make it to the Last 16.”
Playing hall
Palacio de los deportes de la Rioja
Avenida Moncalvillo 2
Logrono
Spain
Capacity: 3,500
Club Address:
Naturhouse La Rioja
Avenida de Moncalvillo 2
26008 Logrono
Spain
Media contact:
Jaime Luis Gonzalez Gutierrez
+34 63 77 66 107
naturhouselarioja.ehf@gmail.com
Online information:
Website: www.cbclogrono.com
Facebook: Club-Balonmano-NaturhouseLa-Rioja
Twitter: @NaturhouseRioja
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: red
Dark
Player shirt: black
Player short: black
The biggest losses for Naturhouse were the transfers of Brazilian Thiagus Santos to Pick Szeged
and of ASOBAL all-time top scorer Juanin Garcia to Ademar Leon. In total, seven players left
La Rioja, including the tall defensive specialists Ace Jonovski and Angel Romero. One of them
is goalkeeper Jorge Gomez, who retired from handball to start his new career as a lawyer. His
successor is Swedish Richard Kappelin, who had played in Spain, France, Qatar and Sweden in the
past and gained Champions League experience in Aalborg (Denmark).
One unlucky new arrival has been ruled out already: Serbian Stefan Terzic, who had played for
Hamburg and Vardar before, was hit by a cruciate ligament rupture during the Junior World
Championship in Brazil and will not be back earlier than March. During the Eurotournoi in
Strasbourg, Pablo Cacheda broke a finger in the match against Chambery and will miss the start
of the season. But despite those injuries and transfers, manager Jaime Luis González Gutiérrez
is confident: “Being part of the Champions League means the greatest adventure in our short
history, so our goal is to have a good atmosphere in our arena and to win our home matches. Our
group is tough with opponents on a similar level, so it will be difficult to qualify for the Last 16.”
Champions League: Spanish runners-up
Coach: Jesús Javier González Fernández (since 2007)
Captain: Gurutz Aguinagalde Akizu
Newcomers:
Richard Kappelin (Selesta Alsace Handball)
Alberto Val Sancho (BM Aragon)
Carlos Molina Cosano (Bada BM Huesca)
Eduardo Cadarso Caballero (CP Calasancio)
Imanol Garciandia Alustiza (BM Elgoibar)
Cristian Malmagro Viana (
Left the club:
Jorge Gomez Lite (end of career)
Juan Antonio Garcia Lorenzana (Ademar Leon)
Thiagus Petrus Gonçalves (Pick Szeged)
Luis Felipe Jimenz Reina (Toulouse)
Patrick Lykke Eilert (Ajax Kobenhavn)
Angel Romero Rodriguez (ECE Bulls)
Ace Jonovski (Bergischer HC)
101
Past achievements
season): 3
Group Phase (2): 2013/14, 2014/15
Other
EHF Cup: Semi-finalists 2009/10,
2010/11, Group Phase 2012/13
Spanish league: no titles
Spanish Cup winners: - (runners-up in
2013, 2014, 2015)
Biggest win:
39:31 (20:14) v HC Meshkov Brest (h), 28.09.2014
Biggest defeat:
2 matches (18.10.2014 - 16.11.2014)
2 matches (18.10.2014 – 16.11.2014)
3 matches (13.10.2013 – 16.11.2013)
Longest losing run:
2 matches (21.09.2013 – 29.09.2013)
2 matches (23.11.2013 – 27.11.2013)
2 matches (2.10.2014 - 12.10.2014)
2 matches (3.12.2014 - 14.02.2015)
4 matches (22.11.2014 - 14.02.2015)
Most goals:
39 v HC Meshkov Brest 39:31W (h), 28.09.2014
Most goals both teams: 72 v HK DROTT Halmstad SWE 38:34W (h), 20.02.2014
Fewest goals:
22 v HC PPD Zagreb CRO 22:21W (h), 18.10.2014
Fewest goals opponent: 21 v HC PPD Zagreb CRO 22:21W (h), 18.10.2014
Fewest goals both teams:43 v HC PPD Zagreb CRO 22:21W (h), 18.10.2014
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
2013/14 Naturhouse La Rioja ESP
10
3
2
5
292:320
-28
8:12
5th Gr. D
2014/15 Naturhouse La Rioja ESP
12
4
1
7
359:373
–14
9:15
Last 16
Total
227 3 12 651:693 -42 17:27
All stats in the media guide provided by Roy Knoppert
102
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
11
33
32
17
22
41
18
4
26
2
21
6
14
9
Pablo
Eduardo
Angel
Ruben
Francisco Javier
Imanol
Carlos
Albert
Pedro
Miguel
Philip
Alberto
Victor
Cristian
Cacheda Gonzalez
Cadarso Caballero
Fernandez Perez
Garabaya Arenas
Garcia Rubio
Garciandia Alustiza
Molina Cosano
Rocas Comas
Rodriguez Alvarez
Sanchez Migallon
Stenmalm
Val Sancho
Vigo Gerpe
Malmagro Viana
ESP
ESP
ESP
ESP
ESP
ESP
ESP
ESP
ESP
ESP
SWE
ESP
ESP
ESP
Centre Back
Left Wing
Left Wing
Line Player
Line Player
Right Back
Left Back
Right Wing
Right Wing
Back
Left Back
Line Player
Centre Back
Right Back
9.1.1992
13.2.1999
16.9.1988
15.9.1978
7.1.1990
30.4.1995
31.5.1991
16.6.1982
22.8.1990
8.2.1995
3.3.1992
6.3.1986
9.5.1984
11.3.1983
180
190
192
201
196
201
201
188
192
200
200
208
186
191
12
Gurutz
Aguinagalde Aquizu ESP
Goalkeeper
1
Richard Carl
Kappelin
SWE Goalkeeper
90
Javier
Romeo Lopez
ESP
Goalkeeper
Average:
Jesús Javier González Fernández
coach
•
for the first time in his coaching career he led
a CL participant in the 2013/14 season
•
awarded “best coach of the Spanish league” in
the 2012/13 season for the second time in his life
•
in 2007 the former player took over the team
of Logroño after being coach in Valladolid
•
after his arrival the club made their first steps
on the European stage
103
Lalín, ESP
Logroño, ESP
Santander, ESP
Aviles, ESP
Bolanos, ESP
Urretxu, ESP
Barcelona, ESP
Palafrugell, ESP
Vigo, ESP
Ciudad Real, ESP
Vaxjo, SWE
Zaragoza, ESP
Camariñas, ESP
Granollers, ESP
26.10.1977
Irun, ESP
30.9.1983
Irsta, SWE
1.6.1990
Logroño, ESP
27,41
82
71
88
110
115
98
100
84
85
96
100
113
90
88
201
110
191
96
195
95
194,9 95,4
Gurutz Aguinagalde Aquizu
goalkeeper
Richard Kappelin
coach
•
one of the most experienced players at La
Rioja during each of their European campaigns
•
joined Naturhouse La Rioja ahead of the
2015/16 season from French Selesta Alsace Handball
•
winner of the Spanish King’s Cup in 1996 and
the Spanish Super Cup in 1996
•
has previous CL experience from another
Spanish club, Aragon as well as from Danish Aalborg
•
important part in the Rioja’s run in the
2012/13 EHF Cup when they only narrowly missed
the quarter-finals
•
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
•
brother of Spanish national team line player
Julen
•
represented the Swedish league clubs IK
Sävehof and Alingsas HK before moving abroad
•
has not played any senior internationals, but
won the Junior WCh with Sweden in 2003
Angel Fernandez Perez
left wing
Philip Stenmalm
left back
•
playing in Naturhouse la Rioja since the
2013/14 season
•
talented left back with the hard and versatile
shot
•
replacement for Juanin Garcia who left for
Ademar after one season with
•
part of the Swedish U21 national team who
were triumphant at the WCh in 2013
•
in the 2014/15 season he played more minutes
in left back
•
MVP of the U21 WCh in 2013
•
the second best scorer of DROTT Halmstad in
the 2013/14 season before he decided to carry on in
the CL with Rioja
•
called by Manolo Cadenas for the Spanish
national team, played two games against Germany
in 2015
Víctor Vigo Gerpe
centre back
Rubén Garabaya Arenas
line player
•
•
very experienced pivot with seven EHF CL
participations
the 2014/15 season is his first in the CL
•
three previous experiences at European Cup
level, defending the Naturhouse (1) and Bm. Aragón
(2) shirts
•
started playing handball at the age of 12,
because “many friends did so too”
•
for the 4th consecutive year playing for Rioja
•
168 matches for the Spanish national team
•
in the 2006/07 scored in the last seconds with
Bm. Valladolid against Montpellier to clinch the first
position in their group, which helped them reach
semi-finals that year
•
his abilities on the court noticed by the
Spanish scouts, who started calling him for the U18
and Junior team
Cristian Malmagro Viana
right back
Albert Rocas
right wing
•
arrived from Baia Mare just a few days before
the start of the 2014/15 season to replace another
newcomer Stefan Terzic during his injury
•
double world champion with the Spanish
national team (2005 and 2013)
•
nominated as the best ASOBAL right wing in
2004, 2007 and 2008, and best right wing of the
Beijing Olympic Games in 2008
•
vast experience from the Spanish league, but
also from his foreign spells with Ajax Kobenhavn,
Montpellier, Al Ain and Baia Mare
•
after six seasons at Barcelona, Rocas made the
move to Denmark before the 2013/14 season, his
first to a foreign league
•
currently with a contract only until January
2016, when Terzic is expected to return
•
was a member of the Spanish national team
with 50 caps and 166 goals
•
OG: B 2008, EURO: S 2006
after one year with Kolding he is back in Spain
EC trophies: CL 2011, Cup Winners’ Cup 2004
OG: B 2008, WCh: G 2005, 2013, B 2011, EURO: S 2006, B 2014
104
GROUP C
Minsk, Zaporozhye - and now back to where his coaching career started – Belarus. Since 2009
Sergey Bebeshko is constantly coaching participants of the VELUX EHF Champions League.
For four years the 47-year-old former international (born in Kiev) was the key for success at
Dinamo Minsk, then Bebeshko transferred to Motor Zaporozhye and now is back at the force
of Belarusian handball in Brest. The reason for his return is that his forerunner Zeljko Babic
was appointed new national team coach of his home country Croatia, so the Meshkov job was
vacant - and Bebeshko takes on this new role. In the previous season, Brest were part of the
VELUX EHF Champions League group phase for the first time since 2007 and at the same time
managed to make it to the final of the multi-national SEHA Liga, but failed came up short in the
final tournament host MKB Veszprem.
Brest lost three experienced players to other participants of the VELUX EHF Champions League
- Janko Bozovic (Metalurg), Ivan Karacic (Baia Mare), David Spiler (Metalurg) - but signed one
star, who had started his international career under Bebeshko: Russian international Pavel
Atman, who knows his new coach from Dinamo Minsk. Previously he played for Medvedi,
Metalurg and then for a short time Qatari champions Al-Jaish.
In addition, Brest invested in height, in Latvian international Dainis Kristopans (from their
group phase opponent Presov) who is 2,15 metres tall. Besides the Slovak champions, Brest
face La Rioja, Medvedi, Porto and Vojvodina in Group C - and are seen to be one of the
favourites to finish in one of the top positions.
Playing hall
Sportshall Victoria
Leningradskaya 4
224028 Brest
Belarus
Capacity: 3,500
Club Address:
HC Meshkov Brest
Leningradskaya 4
224028 Brest
Belarus
Media contact:
Alexandr Kulbaka
+375 29 350 74 79
media@bgk-meshkova.com
Online information:
Website: www.bgk-meshkova.com
Facebook: bgkmeshkova
Twitter: bgk_meshkova
Kit colours
“It is our objective to reach the Last 16, it is a must for us,” says Bebeshko, who estimates
the opponents “more or less as on an equal level with us.” Team captain Dzmitry Nikulenkau
expects La Rioja to be the closest rival to finish on top, but: “We want to proceed to the next
stage, and we think the rest of the teams are manageable.”
Meshkov Brest introduced a new logo for the new season, in which all domestic titles and again
a good result in the SEHA Liga are the additional goals of the seven-time Belarusian champions.
Champions League: Belarusian champions
Coach: Sergey Bebeshko (since 2015)
Captain: Dzmitry Nikulenkau
Newcomers:
Pavel Atman (Metalurg, Al-Jaish)
Dainis Kristopans (Tatran, El Rajan)
Alexander Tioumentsev (Wisla Plozk)
Artsiom Kulak (Vitjaz, Minsk)
Andrey Yurynok (Vitjaz, Minsk)
Left the club:
Janko Bozovic (Metalurg)
Ivan Karacic (Baia Mare)
David Spiler (Metalurg)
Light
Player shirt: red
Player short: red
Goalkeeper shirt: orange
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
105
Past achievements
season): 7
Group Phase (5): 2004/05, 2005/06,
2006/07, 2007/08, 2014/15
Other
Cup Winners’ Cup: quarter-final
2011/12
Belarusian league: 7 titles (2004-08,
2014, 2015)
Belarusian cup: 9 titles
Biggest win:
28:22 (11:12) v Wisla Plock SSA POL (h), 13.11.2005
Biggest defeat:
36:17 (16:08) v GOG Gudme DEN (a), 09.10.2004
1 match (16.10.2004)
1 match (13.11.2005)
1 match (17.11.2007)
1 match (04.10.2014)
1 match (15.11.2014)
1 match (16.10.2004)
1 match (13.11.2005)
1 match (17.11.2007)
1 match (04.10.2014)
1 match (15.11.2014)
1 match (29.11.2014)
1 match (06.12.2014)
Longest losing run:
10 matches (09.10.2004 – 06.11.2005)
10 matches (30.09.2006 – 10.11.2007)
10 matches (30.09.2006 – 10.11.2007)
Most goals:
33 v Naturhouse La Rioja 33:33D (h), 29.11.2014
39 v BM Ciudad Real ESP 39:29L (a), 11.11.2006
39 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 39:31L (a), 28.09.2014
Most goals both teams: 70 v Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 39:31L (a), 28.09.2014
Fewest goals:
17 v GOG Gudme DEN 36:17L (a), 09.10.2004
17 v RK Gorenje Velenje SLO 27:17L (a), 30.10.2004
Fewest goals opponent: 22 v Wisla Plock SSA POL 28:22W (h), 13.11.2005
22 v HC PPD Zagreb CRO 26:22W (h), 15.11.2014
Fewest goals both teams:44 v RK Gorenje Velenje SLO 27:17L (a), 30.10.2004
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
Total
345 2 27 875:1031 -156 12:56
106
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
20
6
24
11
10
7
9
17
31
3
42
22
88
18
19
25
23
Pavel
Maxim
Maksim
Dzmitry
Dainis
Artsiom
Nikola
Dzmitry
Simon
Dzianis
Artsiom
Viachaslau
Siarhei
Rastko
Alexander
Andrei
Ljubo
Atman
RUS
Babichev
BLR
Baranau
BLR
Kamyshyk
BLR
Kristopans
LAT
Kulak
BLR
Manojlovic
SRB
Nikulenkau
BLR
Razgor
SLO
Rutenka
BLR
Selvasiuk
BLR
Shumak
BLR
Shylovich
BLR
Stojkovic
SRB
Tioumentsev Barabash ESP
Tsypak
BLR
Vukic
CRO
Position
Left Back
Line Player
Right Wing
Left Back
Right Back
Centre Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Wing
Line Player
Line Player
Right Back
Line Player
Centre Back
Left Wing
Left Wing
25.5.1987
7.3.1986
11.4.1988
1.5.1990
27.9.1990
23.2.1996
1.12.1981
12.7.1984
18.9.1985
14.2.1986
8.12.1992
22.12.1988
16.5.1986
12.7.1981
4.10.1983
12.2.1993
3.8.1982
190
196
188
200
213
186
196
187
183
187
190
204
198
191
185
185
192
1
Ivan
Pesic
CRO Goalkeeper
21
Vitali
Charapenka
BLR
Goalkeeper
16
Dzmitry
Patotski
BLR
Goalkeeper
Average:
17.3.1989
Rijeka, CRO
27.1.1984
Brest, BLR
3.10.1992
Baranovichi, BLR
28,05
Sergey Bebeshko
coach
•
was appointed the new head coach of Brest in early June
replacing Zeljko Babic who concentrated on his job with Croatia
national team
•
already worked in Belarus as a head coach of Dinamo Minsk
in 2009-13 and led Minsk not only to four consecutive titles of the
national champion but also for the first time in Belarusian handball to
the CL Last 16 in 2013
•
in Brest he once again met a number of players that had worked
with him in Minsk including Pavel Atman, Siarhei Shylovich, Dzianis
Rutenka, Dzmitry Nikulenkau and Maxim Babichev
•
moved to his native Ukraine in 2013 and led Motor Zaporozhye
to the champion title the next year, but left the club in December 2014
OG: G 1992 (as player)
107
Volgograd, RUS
Minsk, BLR
Bobruysk, BLR
Minsk, BLR
Ludza, LAT
Brest, BLR
Belgrad, SRB
Minsk, BLR
Celje, SLO
Minsk, BLR
Brest, BLR
Brest, BLR
Bobrujsk, BLR
Belgrad, SRB
Ajtubinsk, RUS
Brest, BLR
Split, CRO
94
97
82
95
135
79
100
87
84
85
93
116
95
104
85
84
96
194
110
194
86
195
107
192,7 95,7
Ivan Pesic
goalkeeper
Simon Razgor
left wing
•
was invited to Brest in 2013 by Zeljko Babic
who became head coach in that very year
•
the 30-year-old Slovenian is beginning his
second season in Brest
•
also played in RK Maribor Branik, HC Zagreb
and Veszprem, but his spell in Hungary was marred
by a tragic incident in a night club when he was
stabbed and his teammate Marian Cozma was killed
•
before joining the Belarusian team, he spent
his entire career at home playing for Celje and RK
Maribor
•
the best all-time scorer of RK Maribor with
1,052 goals
•
after that he had a kidney removed, but that
did not prevent him from continuing his career
•
his father was also a handballer who played
for Celje as well as for the Yugoslavia junior national
team and later became a coach
•
also practiced taekwondo in his childhood
and even won some medals on a junior level, but
eventually preferred handball
Pavel Atman
left back
Nikola Manojlovic
left back
•
the blonde Russian international joined Brest
this summer and signed a two-year contract
• joined Brest in the summer of 2014 and
quickly became of the key players on the court
•
this is his second time in Belarus — between
2010 and 2013, he played for Dinamo Minsk,
coached by Bebeshko at that time, and won three
titles of Belarusian champion
• with the Serbia national team participated
in a number of major tournaments including the
London Olympics
• at a club level, he played also in his native
Serbia, Switzerland, Slovenia, Romania, Germany
•
in 2013 moved from Minsk to Metalurg Skopje
where he quickly became one of the fans’ favorites
and won the national league in 2014
•
left Metalurg before the end of the 2014/15
season and spent the rest of the season playing for
Al-Jaish in Qatar
• at an early age, his dream was to become
a professional basketball player, and although it
never happened, he still plays on a recreational
level
EURO: S 2012
Dzmitry Nikulenkau
centre back
Rastko Stojkovic
line player
•
the 31-year-old native of Minsk is a national
player of Belarus and a well-respected player in the
country
•
joined Brest in December 2013 after spending
a few months in Qatar
•
the native of Belgrade started his career at RK
Crvena Zvezda and moved abroad at the age of 24
•
during a number of years, he played a key role
at Dinamo Minsk where he was the captain
•
was at Dinamo since the club foundation in
2008 and until the club ceased to exist in February
2014, and won five titles of Belarus league
•
his first foreign experience was Germany
where he spent four seasons at Pfullingen and
Nordhorn-Lingen, and with the latter team won the
EHF Cup in 2008
•
had some offers from abroad but preferred to
move to Brest where he won the Belarusian league
two more times
•
played for Kielce in 2009-13 and won three
titles of Polish champion as well as four Polish Cups,
also reached the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2013
EURO: S 2012
Dainis Kristopans
right back
Dzianis Rutenka
right wing
•
born in a small Latvian town Ludza and
started his career in the local club Latgols
•
younger brother of Siarhei Rutenka, the
famous left back who currently plays for Barcelona
•
at the age of 18, moved to Tatran Presov and
stayed almost six years in Slovakia, having won the
national league five times
•
unlike his brother, Dzianis has spent most
of his career at home — he became a five-time
Belarusian champion with Dinamo Minsk and then
added two more titles with HC Meshkov Brest
•
left Tatran in February 2015 and spent a few
months in Qatar before joining Brest in summer
•
moved to Brest in March 2014 immediately
after Dinamo Minsk had gone bankrupt and ceased
to exist
•
with the height of 213 cm, he is the tallest
handball player not only in Brest but in the whole CL
•
regular member of the national team, he was
one of Belarus’ best players at the 2015 WCh in
Qatar, where, however, the team finished only 18th
108
GROUP C
Just like in Croatia (RK PPD Zagreb) it’s almost impossible to bet on the champions of the
Russian Super League since the foundation of Chekhovskie Medvedi, successor of CSKA
Moscow in 2002, who have taken the Russian throne each and every season. The Bears just
celebrated their 15th straight championship title and after they had missed the Russian Cup
one year ago, they reclaimed the double again in 2015.
All of the success is founded on one name - one of the most successful coaches in the history
of handball: Vladimir Maximov. On 14 October, four days after their fourth group match of
the new VELUX EHF Champions League season, legendary Maximov will celebrate his 70th
birthday, yet the former Russian national team coach has no thoughts of retiring. The new
season will offer some challenges for Maximov to integrate more young Russian talents in his
squad. Some experienced stars moved abroad such as Alexander Dereven (Skopje), Dmitry
Zhitnikov (Plock) and Sergei Shelmenko (Zaporozhye). The biggest name among the new
arrivals is Oleg Skopintsev, arriving from Zaporozhye.
The previous VELUX EHF Champions League season was a lesson for Maximov and his squad:
Despite having the seventh best scoring record of all 24 group phase participants, the Bears
were the only team without any win in this stage - the main problem was the defence, as no
other competitor conceded more goals than the Russians. Now they aim for a revival in Group
C, in which Chekhov will face La Rioja, Brest, Porto, Vojvodina and Presov. “Our aim is to
proceed to the Last 16,” says club manager Alexandr Safonov. Therefore, the Russians need to
finish in the top two of their group and win the subsequent play-off.
Playing hall
Sport Hall “Olimpiyskiy” Chekhov
Poligrafistov Str. 30
142300 Chekhov
Russia
Capacity: 3,000
Club Address:
Chekhovskie Medvedi
Poligrafistov str. 30
142300 Chekhov, Mosk. oblast
Russia
Media contact:
Olga Belysheva
+7 909 6391 839
victi@bk.ru
Online information:
Website: www.ch-medvedi.ru
“You cannot underestimate any of our opponents, as each team is strong,” team captain
Dmitry Kovalev says, adding: “We aim for good results and to proceed to the next stage.”
The best result of the Moscow Region based team was qualification for the very first VELUX
EHF FINAL4 in 2010.
Champions League: Russian champions
Coach: Vladimir Maximov (since 2000)
Captain: Dmitry Kovalev
Newcomers:
Alexander Kotov
Dmitry Shelestyukov (both Kaustik Volgograd)
Ruslan Parshutin (Dinamo Astrakhan)
Oleg Skopintsev (Motor Zaporozhye)
Left the club:
Dmitry Zhitnikov (Orlen Wisla Plock)
Alexander Dereven (Vardar Skopje)
Sergei Shelmenko (Motor Zaporozhye)
Maxim Makarov (N/A)
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: white
Dark
Player shirt: purple
Player short: purple
109
Past achievements
season): 15
Semi-final (1): 2009/10
Quarter-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11
Last 16 (3): 2004/05, 2006/07, 2012/13
Main Round (1): 2007/08
Group Phase (7): 2000/01, 2001/02,
2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06,
2011/12, 2014/15
Other
Cup Winners’ Cup: Winner 2005/06
Russian league: 14 titles (2002, 2003,
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
Russian cup: 13 titles
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
5 games (29.11.2003 – 06.11.2004)
8 games (18.10.2012 – 14.03.2013)
Longest losing run:
5 games (10.11.2001 – 08.12.2001)
5 games (24.03.2013 – 19.10.2014)
5 games (22.11.2014 – 21.02.2015)
Longest run without win: 11 games (24.03.2013 – 21.02.2015)
Longest run without win: 6 games (23.04.2011 – 22.10.2011)
Most goals:
46 v AC PAOK GRE 22:46W (a), 03.03.2010
45 v TBV Lemgo GER 45:32L (a), 04.12.2004
Most goals both teams: 77 v TBV Lemgo GER 45:32L (a), 04.12.2004
Fewest goals:
19 v Montpellier HB FRA 27:19L (a), 12.10.2003
19 v RK Zagreb CRO 26:19L (a), 08.10.2006
Fewest goals opponent: 17 v HC Bosna BH Gas BIH 30:17W (h), 31.03.2011
Fewest goals both teams:45 v TBV Lemgo GER 23:22W (h), 11.12.2004
45 v RK Zagreb CRO 26:19L (a), 08.10.2006
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
Last 16
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
Last 16
12
7
1
4
369:331
+38
15:9
2nd MR Gr. 1
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
14
8
3
3
437:396
+41
19:9
1/4-finals
10
3
4
3
291:276
+15
10:10
5th Gr. B
12
6
4
2
373:347
+26
16:8
Last 16
10
0
1
9
300:349
–49
1:19
6th Gr. C
Total
12659 15 52 3875:3724 +151 133:119
110
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
11
2
10
4
23
6
17
9
7
14
19
26
21
3
92
9
22
Pavel
Sergei
Vladimir
Ivan
Alexander
Victor
Albert
Alexander
Alexey
Dmitriy
Alexander
Kirill
Dmitry
Maxim
Timofei
Roman
Anton
Ruslan
Dmitrii
Dmitry
Oleg
Evgeny
Roman
Andreev
Bolotin
Borzykin
Busen
Chernoivanov
Furtsev
Gumarov
Izmailov
Karibov
Kornev
Kotov
Kotov
Kovalev
Kuretkov
Maslennikov
Ostashchenko
Otrezov
Parshutin
Santalov
Shelestyukov
Skopintsev
Trushin
Tsarapkin
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
RUS
Line Player
Centre Back
Right Back
Left Back
Line Player
Line Player
Left Wing
Centre Back
Right Back
Right Wing
Right Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Right Wing
Centre Back
Centre Back
Left Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Right Wing
Centre Back
Right Back
19.7.1992
9.4.1996
2.2.1996
12.4.1994
13.2.1979
17.6.1996
4.2.1998
30.10.1995
3.5.1996
16.6.1992
11.7.1994
23.5.1992
15.5.1982
16.11.1994
10.3.1997
26.9.1992
24.8.1988
25.1.1991
7.4.1996
29.7.1992
15.4.1984
24.11.1995
9.5.1995
195
181
198
197
202
200
181
185
193
186
196
185
180
191
185
184
192
200
196
185
184
189
197
1
Oleg
Grams
RUS
Goalkeeper
36
Artem
Grushko
RUS
Goalkeeper
12
Dmitry
Pavlenko
RUS
Goalkeeper
Mikhail
Safronov
RUS
Goalkeeper
Average:
Vladimir Maximov
coach
•
handball legend is still the only person who
has become an Olympic champion both as a coach
and as a player
•
led the Russian national team to a number of
big titles but resigned from that job in 2012 to fully
concentrate on his club duties at Medvedi
•
joined the club in 2001 and has led the team
to the title of the Russian champion every year since
that time
•
last season was no exception as Medvedi won
the gold medals for the 14th consecutive time
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
111
Saint Petersburg, RUS
Krasnoyarsk, RUS
Chekhov, RUS
Kirov, RUS
Krasnodar, RUS
Belgorod, RUS
Astrahan, RUS
Astrakhan, RUS
Astrahan, RUS
Vologda, RUS
Volgograd, RUS
Moscow, RUS
Omsk, RUS
Maykop, RUS
Chekhov, RUS
Moscow, RUS
Alma-Ata, KAZ
Astrakhan, RUS
Blagoveshensk, RUS
Volgograd, RUS
Krasnodar, RUS
Krasnoyarsk, RUS
Moscow, RUS
20.2.1984
Krasnodar, RUS
20.6.1993
Odessa, RUS
1.1.1991
Zaporoje, UKR
4.9.1995
Teuchejsk, RUS
23,11
85
78
97
93
105
100
74
85
86
75
92
75
80
87
60
83
89
91
87
74
80
90
92
200
103
193
91
192
89
198
97
191,3 86,4
Oleg Grams
goalkeeper
Oleg Skopintsev
left wing
•
born and raised in Krasnodar, the 31-year-old
moved to Chekhov at a very young age
•
returned to Chekhov after the three-year
break, during which he played at Dinamo Minsk and
Motor Zaporozhye
•
has been a member of Medvedi since the club
foundation in 2001
•
born in Krasnodar but moved to Chekhov at
the age of 17
•
during this time, he has become a 14-time
Russian champion
•
played six years for the reserve team of
Medvedi before becoming a regular player in the
main squad
•
gained a lot of experience on the international
stage, competing both for Medvedi and for the
Russian national team at he EURO, WCh and the
Olympics
•
the fast winger is technically gifted and
frequently used in the 5:1 defence.
EC trophy: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006
Dmitryi Shelestyukov
left back
Anton Otrezov
centre back
•
born in Volgograd, he started his career at
the local team Kaustik where he stayed until the
summer of 2015
•
Was born in Stavropol, a city in the south
of Russia and started his career at the local team
Dinamo-Viktor where he gradually became one of
the key players
•
having moved to Chekhov, already won the
Russian Supercup with his new team and was
actually the top scorer of Medvedi in that game
against SKIF Krasnodar
•
moved to Chekhov in 2014 and the following
year won the Russian league for the first time in his
career
•
his ambition is to play for the Russia national
team and eventually to become an Olympic
champion
•
•
was one of the leaders of the Russian team
that took the sixth place at the Universiade in
Gwangju, Korea this summer
his idol is Denmark’s star Mikkel Hansen
Pavel Andreev
line player
Alexander Chernoivanov
line player
•
born in St.Petersburg and started to play
handball there
•
veteran is currently the oldest player in the
squad, and his rich experience is very helpful for his
young teammates
•
joined Medvedi at the beginning of his career
but needed some time to gain experience in the
reserve team
•
was born in Krasnodar and started his career
at the local club SKIF
•
joined Chekhov in 2004 but needed two years
to move up from the reserve to the first team
•
started to regularly play for the first team of
Medvedi in the 2014/15 season and already won a
number of trophies including Russian championship,
Cup and Supercup
•
already a member of the Russia national team
•
nine-time Russian champion
Alexander Kotov
right back
Dmitry Kovalev
right wing
•
born in Volgograd and started his career at
Kaustik
•
captain of Medvedi and one of the key figures
both on and off the court
•
moved to Chekhov together with his
teammate from Kaustik Dmitri Shelestyukov
•
born in Omsk, he played a few seasons at
Sungul Snezhinsk before moving to Chekhov in 2003
•
in the summer of 2015, he has played for the
Russia U-21 team at the Junior WCh in Brazil
•
last spring, he won the Russian league for the
12th consecutive time
•
•
with the Russia national team he participated
in a number of major international tournaments
including the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing
not a relative of his teammate Kirill Kotov
112
GROUP C
Five times in the previous six seasons, FC Porto have failed to qualify for the VELUX EHF
Champions League Group Phase, in the 2013/14 season they were part of it and caused some
remarkable surprises. After getting eliminated by Zaporozhye in the 2014 qualification, now
Porto were awarded a direct spot in the competition and will face La Rioja, Brest, Medvedi,
Vojvodina and Presov in Group C of the VELUX EHF Champions League.
After their 20th national championship, the Portuguese record champions have changed their
coach: Ricardo Costa is the successor of Ljubomir Obradovic, who led Porto to the group phase
of the EHF Cup last season. Five new arrivals are in his squad, while four players left Porto.
Because of the new playing system, the Portuguese champions have to finish at least in second
position of their group to qualify for the Last 16.
Club director Manuel Arezes is confident of making it to the knock-out stage for the first time
since the 1999/00 season: “We will have to face strong opponents, but we believe that we
have a chance to win all our ten group matches and to make it to the Last 16.”
Besides defending the domestic titles in Portugal, all matches in the Champions League have a
huge importance for Porto, as Arezes mentions: “We face some of the best teams and players
of the world and thus have a perfect opportunity to raise the level of our players and to
increase the interest for handball in Portugal. In addition, it is a chance for the whole club and
the sponsors to spread its brand to new markets.”
Playing hall
Dragao Caixa
Via Futebol Clube do Porto,
4350419 Porto,
Portugal
Capacity: 2,225
Club Address:
Estadio do Dragao vi FC Porto
Entrada Poente, Piso 3
4350-451 Porto
Portugal
Media contact:
Joana Moreira
Tel: +351 22 508 32 68
joana.moreira@fcporto.pt
Online information:
Website: www.fcporto.pt
Facebook: FC-Porto
Twitter: @FC_Porto
Kit colours
Team captain Ricardo Moreira is sure that Porto are on the same level as their opponents in
Group C: “We have to win our home matches to proceed to the next stage - and we want to
provide our fans with some good games and attractive handball in the Dragao Caixa (Dragon’s
den), our arena.”
Champions League: Portuguese champions
Coach: Ricardo Costa (since 2015, former club:
ISMAI)
Captain: Ricardo Moreira
Newcomers:
Gustavo Rodrigues (Pinheiros-Brazil)
Rui Silva (Sporting Lisboa)
António Areia (Benfica Lisboa)
Felisberto Landim (Belenenses)
Jordan Pitre (Valence)
Left the club:
Mick Schubert (Ajax Kobenhavn)
João Ferraz (HSG Wetzlar)
Wesley Freitas (N/A)
Francisco Silva (N/A)
Light
Player shirt: white and blue
Player short: blue
Goalkeeper shirt: grey/blue
Dark
Player shirt: brown
Player short: dark brown
Goalkeeper shirt: grey/blue
113
Past achievements
season): 9
Last 16 (1): 1999/2000
Qualification (6): 2004/2005,
2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2011/2012,
2012/2013, 2014/15)
Other
Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-finals
2000/2001, 2001/2002
Portuguese league: 19 titles (1954,
1957, 1958, 1959, 1963, 1964, 1965,
1968, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009,
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
Portuguese cup: 7 titles
Biggest win:
27:24 (15:11) v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN (h), 30.11.2013
Biggest defeat:
35:23 (16:13) v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL (a), 29.09.2013
1 match (20.10.2013)
1 match (30.11.2013)
1 match (20.10.2013)
1 match (30.11.2013)
1 match (15.02.2014)
Longest losing run:
3 matches (22.09.2013 – 12.10.2013)
3 matches (07.02.2014 – 19.02.2014)
Most goals:
30 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 30:35L (h), 07.02.2014
35 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 30:35L (h), 07.02.2014
Most goals both teams: 65 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 30:35L (h), 07.02.2014
Fewest goals:
20 v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 25:20L (a), 22.09.2013
Fewest goals opponent: 21 v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 22:21W (h), 20.10.2013
Fewest goals both teams:43 v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 22:21W (h), 20.10.2013
MP
W
T
L
2013/14 FC Porto Vitalis POR
10
2
1
7
Total
102 1 7
114
GF GA
GD
241:278
-37
241:278 -37
PTS
Stage
5:15
5th Gr. B
5:15
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
15
5
9
8
24
22
41
7
29
17
97
22
19
26
10
14
Daymaro
Gilberto
Gustavo
Yoel
Hugo
Alexis
Michal
Edgar
Felisberto
Nuno Miguel
Jordan
Antonio
Ricardo
Nuno
Miguel
Rui
Amador Salina
Brito Duarte
Cesar Rodrigues
Cuni Morales
Delgado Santos
Hernandez Borges
Kasal
Mendes Ribeiro
Mendes Ribeiro
Pereira Goncalves
Pitre
Rodrigues Areia
Silva Moreira
Silva Soares Roque
Soares Martins
Sousa Martins Silva
CUB
POR
BRA
CUB
POR
CUB
CZE
POR
POR
POR
FRA
POR
POR
POR
POR
POR
Line Player
Left Back
Right Back
Right Back
Left Wing
Line Player
Left Back
Left Back
Line Player
Left Back
Left Wing
Right Wing
Right Wing
Centre Back
Centre Back
Centre Back
1.9.1987
6.7.1990
9.4.1995
15.2.1987
2.3.1992
6.10.1991
3.4.1994
15.6.1987
3.11.1992
24.3.1993
6.4.1992
21.6.1990
28.4.1982
13.3.1987
4.11.1997
28.4.1993
200
96
95
189
178
195
207
198
194
94
189
191
185
183
192
186
16
Hugo
Madeira Laurentino POR Goalkeeper
1
Alfredo
Bravo Quintana
POR Goalkeeper
12
David
Santos Sousa
POR Goalkeeper
Average:
22.7.1984
Evora, POR
20.3.1988
Havana, CUB
5.2.1997
Porto, POR
24,89
Ricardo Costa
coach
•
in June 2014 replaced Ljubomir Obradovic, who took over
the Montenegrin national team during the previous season
•
Manolo Cadenas and Jordi Ribera are his greatest source
of inspirations
•
has already won six national championships for FC Porto
(three as a player and three as assistant coach
•
in the 2014/15 season was the head coach of ADA Maia.
•
during his player career gathered 206 caps, only three
players in the national team history have more
115
Havana, CUB
Portimao, POR197
São Paulo, BRA191
Havana, CUB
Porto, POR
Habana, CUB
Nové Mesto n. M., CZE
Lisboa, POR
Lisboa, POR
Tavira, POR 196
Saint Mande, FRA
Lisboa, POR
Figueira da Foz, POR
Benavente, POR
Porto, POR
Guimaraes, POR
105
85
70
115
100
96
112
81
91
82
87
85
80
188
88
201
95
191
91
192,2 92
Hugo Laurentino
goalkeeper
Hugo Delgado Santos
left wing
•
experienced goalkeeper has been of most
importance to the Dragons since he joined the club
in 2005/06, winning seven championships
•
Porto-born winger has never played
professional handball for other club than FC
•
in the premiere season of FC Porto in the CL
(13/14) scored 12 goals
•
might not be from the north of Portugal (born
in Évora), but he certainly carries the northern spirit
•
after the departure the Danish left wing Mick
Schubert in the summer of 2015 to Ajax Kobenhavn
he should get more playing time, but will share his
position with a French newcomer Jordan Pitre
•
has had a distinguished career with FC Porto,
but has also played for clubs in the south of the
country, such as Vitória de Setubal and Évora AC, as
well as being a regular on the Portugal national team
Gilberto Duarte
left back
Nuno Roque
centre back
•
standing at 1.97 m one of FC Porto’s towers
and one of the most important players in the squad
•
arrived at Porto at the beginning of the
2014/15 season and won the championship title in
his first season
•
was already a force to be reckoned with when
joining the club in 2007, later he won seven national
championships since his arrival
•
before Porto he played for league rivals Aguas
Santas and reached the Challenge Cup semi-final in
2013/14
•
awarded best player of the league in 2011/12
and was honored with the FC Porto’s Golden Dragon
in that same season, an award that rewards the best
athlete of each sport
•
also had stints with Sporting and Benfica
Lisbon and Madeira
•
member of the Portuguese national team
Rui Silva
centre back
Alexis Borges
line player
•
came to FC Porto as one of the summer
reinforcemenets in 2015
•
debuted in the CL with Porto in 2013 at the
age of only 21 years
•
played in Sporting Lisboa, which played
against Porto in the 2015/16 league final
•
very strong player on the 6-metres-line almost
always capable of finding a way through defenders
•
promising playmaker, a lot of people compare
him with Carlos Resende, the best Portuguese
handball player of the history
•
part of the Cuban national team
•
shares the position with another Cuban player
Gustavo Cesar Rodrigues
right back
Ricardo Moeira
right wing
•
Brazilian signed for FC Porto before the
2015/16 season
•
Captain of the side, he is the soul of the
Dragons
•
•
was an FC Porto Player from 1997 to 2001 and
returned to the club three years later to become the
most influential player in the dressing room
played in EC Pinheiros (Sao Paulo – Brazil)
•
plays in the youth Brazilian national team,
which reached 8th position in the Youth World
Championship 2015
•
also played in Vitória de Setubal, CPN and
Belenenses
•
won Panamerican (2015) and Paulista
championship (2014).
•
besides being the starting right wing, he
usually takes the penalties
•
known by keeping a cool head when things are
going wrong for FC Porto, putting his teammates’
minds in place
116
GROUP C
RK Vojvodina (SRB)
Novi Sad based club HC Vojvodina became Serbian champion for the fourth time in May, but
after three failed attempts at qualification for the VELUX EHF Champions League, they now
have their maiden voyage in the group phase of the competition. It is the icing on the cake of
the most successful season of Vojvodina’s history, winning the domestic treble for the first
time with the Serbian league, cup and super cup.
The mastermind behind those successes was coach Djordje Ćirković, but he left to become
coach of Romanian side Constanta and since July Nikola Marković has taken up the role
alongside coaching the Serbian U19 national team at the World Championship in Russia. A
quirky fact about the management team is that Marković (former coach of Red Star Belgrade),
his assistant coaches Dragan Kukic and Milan Mirkovic and even new team manager Snezana
Vukanovic were all line players in their active handball career.
Vojvodina will be part of three competitions - the Serbian league, SEHA Liga and VELUX EHF
Champions League - and their concrete goal for the Champions League is to win at least three
matches against their opponents La Rioja, Brest, Medvedi, Porto and Presov in Group D.
Playing hall
Spens,Novi Sad
Sutjeska 2
21000 Novi Sad
Serbia
Capacity: 7,000
Club Address:
RK Vojvodina
Sentandrejski put 106B
21000 Novi Sad
Serbia
Media contact:
Dan Fracile
+381 65 861 8533
rkvojvodina1@gmail.com
Online information:
Website: www.rkv.rs
Facebook: RK Vojvodina
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: red
Player short: red
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
To reach this goal, Vojvodina made one major transfer: Powerful and tall Former Russian
international Alexej Rastvortsev, who had been playing for Vardar Skopje in the past and
competed at the very first VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2010 with Chekhovskie Medvedi. On the other
hand, two Serbian internationals - Miroslav Kocić (to Besiktas Istanbul) and Uroš Elezović
(to Lakwiya/Qatar) - have left the club, as did Montenegrin Vuk Lazović to German side
N-Lübbecke.
But despite those departures, Vojvodina are aiming to defend their Serbian titles and to
“represent Serbian handball in a proud way,” as manager Darko Jevtic says, adding that the
participation in the European top flight is an “affirmation for the club, the chance to promote
handball and a complete new experience for the club and the players.”
Team captain Danimir Ćurković is hoping to give “strong resistance to all opponents and to
provide the fans with the best possible results.”
Champions League: Serbian champions
Coach: Nikola Marković (since July 2015)
former coach: Djordje Ćirković
Captain: Danimir Curkovic
Newcomers:
Aleksandar Gugleta (Radnički Nis)
Goran Trkulja (Bidasoa Irun)
Milan Vučković (Požarevac)
Dejan Pralica (Radnički Nis)
Alexej Rastvortsev (Vardar Skopje)
Left the club:
Miroslav Kocić (Besiktas Istanbul)
Boban Živković (Železničar)
Mladen Ivanović (Zvezda)
Jovan Kukobat (Sloga Požega)
Vuk Lazović (TUS N-Lübbecke)
Srdjan Veljković (Zrenjani)
Uros Elezović (Lakhwiya)
Miralem Bećirović (destination unknown)
117
Past achievements
Participation (including 2015/16
season): 4
Qualification (3): 2005/06, 2013/14,
2014/15
Other
Cup Winners’ Cup: Last 16 2011/12
Serbian league: 4 titles (2005, 2013,
2014, 2015)
Serbian cup: 4 titles
Vojvodina (SRB)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
22
99
78
91
20
17
23
4
25
13
19
15
18
31
7
35
5
77
Nikola
Danimir
Sergo
Aleksandar
Milan
Filip
Zoran
Milos
Ognjen
Dejan
Stefan
Alexei
Vanja
Strahinja
Bojan
Goran
Stefan
Milan
Arsenic
Curkovic
Datukashvili
Gugleta
Jovanovic
Marjanovic
Nikolic
Orbovic
Petrovic
Pralica
Ranisavljevic
Rastvortsev
Smiljanic
Stankovic
Todorovic
Trkulja
Trkulja
Vuckovic
SRB
SRB
GEO
SRB
SRB
SRB
SRB
SRB
SRB
SRB
SRB
RUS
SRB
SRB
SRB
BIH
SRB
SRB
Centre Back
Left Back
Left Back
Right Wing
Left Back
Left Wing
Line Player
Right Back
Left Wing
Centre Back
Right Back
Left Back
Right Wing
Right Wing
Centre Back
Line Player
Centre Back
Left Back
30.11.1996
4.1.1984
28.4.1978
17.7.1991
24.1.1998
10.2.1989
23.2.1991
2.11.1993
25.5.1995
23.3.1985
3.2.1997
8.8.1978
25.8.1996
12.6.1991
23.7.1990
22.8.1985
28.4.1998
30.4.1992
Novi Sad, SRB
Vrbas, SRB
Tbilisi, GEO
Knin, CRO
Vrbas, SRB
Beograd, SRB
Beograd, SRB
Vrbas, SRB
Novi Sad, SRB
Sarajevo, BIH
Novi Sad, SRB
Belgorod, RUS
Apatin, SRB
Vrbas, SRB
Belgrade, SRB
Banja Luka, BIH
Novi Sad, SRB
Prokuplje, SRB
190
196
197
193
194
190
188
194
182
191
197
200
187
185
186
200
190
207
80
100
93
87
84
82
100
90
79
92
88
115
83
84
87
100
90
100
1
12
32
Luka
Bojan
Todor
Arsenic
Perovic
Jandric
SRB
SRB
SRB
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
27.11.1993
23.1.1982
2.6.1998
Zrenjanin, SRB
Apatin, SRB
Novi Sad, SRB
186
187
198
82
82
90
Average:
Nikola Markovic
coach
•
started coaching career in 2004, after being promoted
as the first team coach at RK Crena Zvezda
•
had a spectacular coaching debut, winning against the
then holders Celje Pivovarna Lasko (32:32) in the CL Group
Phase
•
former RK Crvena Zvezda player, and a member of a
highly acclaimed generation that won the double after 50
years
•
vast experience coaching in the Serbian League, having
led Crvena Zvezda, Zeleznicar Nis and Jugovic Kac before
joining Vojvodina
118
Filip Marjanovic
left wing
Luka Arsenic
goalkeeper
•
went trough the youth ranks of SK Beograd,
but made his name playing for RK Metaloplastika
•
made his breakthrough to Vojvodina first team
in 2011 aged 18, playing his 5th season with the club
•
•
spent 2014/15 as a backup for the first-choice
Miroslav Kocic, displaying great potential
joined RK Vojvodina in the summer of 2014
•
occasional Serbian national team member,
making his debut in 2011 coached by Veselin
Vukovic
•
former junior national team key player is
among the top goalkeeping talents in Serbian league
•
his seven-goal performance in a key match
against Bosnia Herzegovina saw Serbia qualify for
the EHF EURO 2014
•
comes from a handball family, as both mother
and father were former players, younger brother,
19-year old Nikola is a talented centre back and
current Vojvodina teammate
•
member of Metaloplastika side that made the
final of the Challenge Cup in 2013/14
Sergo Datukashvili
left back
Alexey Rastvortsev
left back
•
first ever Georgian player to play for any
Serbian handball club, joining Metaloplastika in
2000
•
veteran played 13 seasons for Chekhov,
before spending two seasons at Vardar ahead and
eventually joining Vojvodina
•
real journeyman sharpshooter, having played
in 13 countries before joining Vojvodina in 2014
•
played at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2009/10
with Chekhovskie Medvedi
•
represented Montenegrin side Lovcen Cetinje
in the Group Phase of the CL during 2000/01 season
•
lifted the Cup Winners’ Cup trophy in 2005/06,
in addition to playing in the Champions Trophy finals
the same year
•
reached the EHF Cup final with RK Gorenje
Velenje in 2008/09
•
scored 40 goals in Russia’s bronze medal run
at 2004 Olympic Games in Athens
OG: B 2004
Dejan Pralica
centre back
Goran Trkulja
line player
•
has experience playing in the CL Group Phase
with RK Crvena Zvezda in 2008/09
•
made his first handball steps playing for RK
Borac m:tel Banja Luka
•
real household name in the Serbian
championship, having played for Crvena Zvezda,
Metaloplastika, Radnicki Kragujevac before
•
spent 2014/15 season playing for the Spanish
second-tier CS Bidasoa
•
joined RK Vojvodina to replace Montenegrin
line player Vuk Lazovic at the heart of Vojvodina’s
6-0 defence
•
best scorer for Radnicki Kragujevac in the
2014/15 with 149 goals in all competitions
•
2014/15 Serbian Super League play-off MVP,
averaging above six goals per match (6.1)
Milos Orbovic
right back
Aleksandar Gugleta
right wing
•
started career in local club RK Vrbas,
representing them in the Challenge Cup
•
started playing handball for Serbian First
League outfit RK Crvenka
•
considered one of the biggest right back
prospects in Serbian handball
•
made his name playing for Radnicki Kragujevac
in the SEHA league and Challenge Cup scoring 103
goals in last season alone
•
joined RK Vojvodina in 2014, quickly
establishing himself as a first-choice right back
•
occasional Serbia national team member,
since making his debut in 2014
•
current Serbian national team member and
third choice right back behind Marko Vujin and
Nemanja Zelenovic
•
joined Vojvodina in 2015 to be able to play in
the CL
•
has a silver medal won at the Universiade in
Gwangju 2015
119
GROUP C
Tatran Presov (SVK)
Their tallest player leaves, a new coach arrives and they get seeded for the group phase
meaning they avoided playing in the VELUX EHF Champions League Qualification Tournament
– a short summary of the major happenings at Tatran Presov ahead of the start of the season.
After failing to qualify four times straight from 2011 to 2014, the Slovak champions are back
in the Group Phase, in which they will compete with La Rioja, Brest, Chekhov, Porto and
Vojvodina in Group C.
The new coach of the eleven-time Slovak champions is Rastislav Trtik, who took over from
Peter David. In the preparation, Trtik’s team finished second twice at tournaments in Sala
(Slovakia) and Doboj (Bosnia), which they had won in 2013 and 2014. The new squad consists
of five newcomers arriving from five different countries. Four players left - including 2,13
metres tall Latvian Dainis Kristopans is now playing for Presov’s group phase rival Brest. In
addition, Trtik has to cope with some long-term injuries, such as left back Oliver Rabek and
playmaker Vasja Furlan. “After four years in a row of missing the qualification for the VELUX
EHF Champions League it is great to be back and to be able to promote handball in Slovakia
and our region,” says manager Branko Benko, adding: “Our objective is to do our best, win all
home matches, try to steal some points in away matches and aim for second place. With a new
head coach and five new players I believe it is a feasable goal.”
Playing hall
City Hall Presov
Jana Pavla II 2
0801 Presov
Slovakia
Capacity: 3,500
Club Address:
TATRAN Presov
Holleho 3
080 01 Presov
Slovakia
Media contact:
Branko Benko
+421 911 620435
manager@tatranpresov.sk
Online information:
Website: www.tatranpresov.sk
Facebook: TatranPresovHandballTeamSlovakia
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: white
Besides the Slovak Super League and the Champions League, Tatran will compete in the
multinational SEHA Liga - and to make it among the top six teams like in 2014/15 is there
additional goal for the season. Benko expects some interesting games in the Group Phase and
will welcome some well-known faces into their arena: “It is a quite interesting group. We face
teams from all over Europe, from far East like Chekhov all the way to the far West like La Rioja
or Porto. Also we face two of our regular opponents of the SEHA League, Meshkov Brest and
Vojvodina Novi Sad. I believe that all matches will be interesting and will sell out our Tatran
Handball Arena.”
Team captain, left wing Radoslav Antl, expects close matches too: “All opponents are very
strong and it will be really hard to play against them. We would like to take advantage of our
home matches and of course to do our best in the away matches. Hopefully we can finish in
second when it is all done and dusted.”
Champions League: Slovakian champions
Newcomers:
Alexey Peskov (ZTR Zaporozhye)
Igor Chupryna (Lokomotiv Chelyabinsk)
Ivan Ivkovic (HCB OKD Karvina)
Vladimir Bozic (ALPLA HC Hard)
David Pogany (START Nove Zamky)
Left the club:
Dainis Kristopans (Meshkov Brest)
Tomas Urban (ThSV Eisenach)
Jakub Krupa (Azoty Pulawy)
Svetislav Verkic (ThSV Eisenach)
Coach: Rastislav Trtik (since 2015, successor
of Peter David)
Dark
Player shirt: green
Player short: green
Past achievements
season): 12
Last 16 (1): 2004/05
Last 32 (1): 1993/94
Group Matches (4): 2005/06, 2007/08,
2008/09, 2010/11
Qualification (5): 2009/10, 2011/12,
2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15
Other
EHF Cup
Quarter-final 2011/12, Last 16 1994/95,
1995/96, Group Phase 2012/13, Round
4 2009/10, Round 3 2006/07
Cup Winners’ Cup
Quarter-final 205/06, Last 16 2007/08,
2008/09, Round 4 2002/03
Slovak league: 11 titles (2004, 2005,
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2013, 2014, 2015)
Slovak cup: 12 titles
120
Tatran Presov (SVK)
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
2 matches (12.11.2005 – 29.09.2007)
2 matches (09.10.2004 – 17.10.2004)
2 matches (12.11.2005 – 29.09.2007)
Longest losing run:
7 matches (05.12.2004 – 05.11.2005)
7 matches (16.11.2008 – 20.11.2010)
Most goals:
37 v RK Metkovic CRO 37:24W (h), 30.10.2004
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:
20 v HSV Hamburg GER 32:20L (a), 02.10.2008
Fewest goals opponent: 18 v RK Metkovic CRO 18:29W (a), 17.10.2004
Fewest goals both teams:47 v RK Metkovic CRO 18:29W (a), 17.10.2004
47 v HC Banik Karvina CZE 22:25L (h), 23.10.2004
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
2004/05 Tatran Presov SVK
8
3
1
4
231:237
-6
7:9
Last 16
6
1
0
5
154:201
-47
2:10
3rd Gr. F
6
1
1
4
182:211
-29
3:9
3rd Gr. D
6
2
0
4
165:183
-18
4:8
3rd Gr. D
10
0
2
8
273:325
-52
2:18
6th Gr. B
Total
367 4 25 1005:1157-152 18:54
121
Tatran Presov (SVK)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
28
21
18
6
77
5
9
19
22
85
7
2
15
11
13
3
17
8
Radoslav
Tomas
Vasja
Jakub
Ivan
Michal
Dominik
Radovan
Alexey
Andrej
David
Oliver
Alexandr
Viacheslav
Lubos
Milos
Lukas
Richard
Antl
Cip
Furlan
Hrstka
Ivkovic
Kopco
Krok
Pekar
Peskov
Petro
Pogany
Rabek
Radcenko
Sadovyi
Sarpataky
Sarpataky
Urban
Wilga
SVK
CZE
SLO
CZE
CRO
SVK
SVK
SVK
RUS
SVK
SVK
SVK
CZE
UKR
SVK
SVK
SVK
SVK
Left Wing
Right Wing
Centre Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Line Player
Left Back
Left Back
Right Back
Line Player
Left Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Left Back
Right Wing
Centre Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
2.3.1978
5.10.1989
28.7.1986
17.3.1990
19.3.1996
27.1.1988
22.1.1991
27.12.1980
16.12.1983
28.1.1986
1.2.1993
30.9.1987
5.7.1973
11.7.1990
15.1.1996
15.1.1996
22.6.1995
12.2.1996
180
189
184
188
207
195
189
196
199
200
202
204
187
191
185
183
199
186
1
Vladimir
Bozic
CRO Goalkeeper
73
Igor
Chupryna
UKR
Goalkeeper
16
Matej
Vernarsky
SVK
Goalkeeper
Average:
24.3.1983
Split, CRO
25.4.1990
Illychevsk, UKR
1.3.1994
Presov, SVK
26,76
Rastislav Trtik
coach
•
collected his first coaching experience with Banik
Karvina in the Czech Republic
•
Czech Republic national team head coach for three
years between 2002 and 2005
•
in 2005, won promotion to German Bundesliga with
MT Melsungen
•
head coach of Tatran Presov between 2008 and 2011,
winning three Slovak championship titles, leading Tatran into
their last CL Group Phase campaign in 2010/11
122
Kosice, SVK
Zubri, CZE
Postojna, SLO
Zubri, CZE
Split, CRO
Kosice, SVK
Bardejov, SVK
Presov, SVK
Moscow, RUS
Sala, SVK
Dunajska Streda, SVK
Nove Zamky, SVK
Krasnodar, RUS
Kiev, UKR
Presov, SVK
Presov, SVK
Presov, SVK
Presov, SVK
82
94
88
91
105
115
79
107
99
127
100
102
90
85
85
87
86
74
197
99
198
110
186
73
192,6 94,2
Vladimir Bozovic
goalkeeper
Radoslav Antl
left wing
•
best goalkeper in Super Globe 2013 for Al
Rayyan, played the Asian CL final with that club
•
legend of the club, longest serving player with
the club from current squad in his ninth season
•
number one option for Tatran in goal,
recoginised as a key to their solid defensive work
•
fans love him for his passionate approach and
communication with the crowd during the game
•
very enthusiastic and communicative during
games, one of the leaders on the court
•
competed at all major tournaments for Slovakia
•
with excotic playing experience in Japan
•
his maximum in Europe remains Last 16 in the
CL with Bosnain side HC Bosna BH Gas in 2010/2011
•
in 2004/2005 scored his record 43 goals in the
CL paving the way for Presov to the Last 16
•
arrived from Bregenz, before he spent two
seasons with Brest, four seasons in Spanish ASOBAL
•
awarded the Slovak Player of the Year (2005 &
2014)
Dominik Krok
left back
Vasja Furlan
centre back
•
one of the players who remembers last CL
group phase adventure back in 2010/2011
•
creativity and quick thinking, ability to
produce key passes in the offensive game are main
strengths of the Slovenian national team player
•
joined Presov in 2009, ever since became one
of the longest serving players in current squad
•
moved to Presov last year from Norway,
where considered one of the best players of Follo HK
•
known for his powerful shots from the
distance, one of the favourites of fans in Presov for
his friendliness and ever present smile
•
in Slovenia played for Gold Club Kozina, Celje
Pivovarna Lasko and RK Maribor Branik
•
often compared to the veteran playmaker
Alexander Radcenko for his style of play
•
big fan of tennis, where he develops his skills
and accuracy
•
had his best European season in 2008/2009,
scoring 24 goals for Celje in the CL
Michal Kopco
line player
Andrej Petro
line player
•
awarded the Slovakian line player of the year
in 2014, his leadership on and off the court is vital
•
one of the most experienced players in the
club joined Tatran in 2012
•
successor of Antl, was chosen as the team
captain in the beginning of the 2014/15 season
•
considered to be one of the heaviest players in
Europe (127 kg), his physical strength provides him
ability to fight his way through the opponents
•
together with Andrej Petro, they form superb
duo and they motivate each other to improve on the
club level as well as in national team
•
joined Presov after his spells abroad for
Kadetten, Ivry, Kecskemeti and Dormagen
•
one of the key man of Tatran’s defensive play,
aggressive and hard to beat one on one
•
featured at two EUROs (2008 and 2012) and
two WChs (2009 and 2011) for Slovakia
Alexey Peskov
right back
Tomas Cip
right wing
•
two-metre tall Russian international came to
to replace Latvian giant Dainis Kristopans in 2015
•
Czech international started his career in his
hometown, Zubri, where he played until his transfer
to Presov in the summer of 2011
•
most experienced player from the squad,
played the CL for his mother club Chekhovski
Medvedi and Celje
•
one of the two players from Zubri, the other
one being left winger Jakub Hrstka
•
regular Czech national team starter, until now
has featured in 47 games and scored 113 goals
•
also played in Poland’s Wisla Plock and
Ukraine’s Dinamo-Poltava, with the latter having
won the Ukrainian league in 2012, spent three
seasons in Ukrainian Zaporozhye
•
able to defend on the wing as well as attack,
although he is highly rated for his game in offence
123
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Group D preview
ELVERUM
HÅNDBALL
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IN GROUP D
Group D of the VELUX EHF Champions League seems to become the most unpredictable group
If this Group D had been played two years ago, no one would probably have hesitated to name HC Metalurg as favourites
to win it – apart from the fact that the Macedonian club would not even have played in Group C or D back then due to the
their strength at the time. However, after losing more than 20 players, even the charismatic coach Lino Cervar will have his
trouble taking the team to one of the two top positions, which would qualify them for the knock out stage. Still, it is hard to
point out one or even two obvious favourites in the group, and this may be the Skopje based team’s chance after all.
Two Norwegians and a Swede have reinforced Skjern Handbold who are in the Champions League for the first time since
the 2003/04 season. Line player Bjarte Myrhol and goalkeeper Magnus Dahl, both from Norway as well as Swedish left
back Marcus Olsson have both strengthened the Danish runners-up from last season. If Skjern had not loaned out Danish
international Henrik Möllgaard to Paris shortly before the start of the season, the third team of the EHF Cup last season
would probably have been favourites to win the group. As it is, they are likely to have to struggle for a top two position.
HC Motor Zaporozhye are in for their third Champions League season in a row – and the third in history. Having reached the
Last 16 in the debut season in 2013/14, they did not make it any further than the group phase last season. The big question
is if they will be strong and consistent enough this season to conquer one of the two positions, which will mean a knock out
berth.
Kadetten Schaffhausen definitely do not miss European experience. In fact, the Swiss club have been in a European Cup
competition each and every year in the history of the EHF, and this season is their seventh in the Champions League group
phase. Last season, the came close to qualifying for the Last 16, but lost the chance on the last match day of the group
phase. However, with players like the experienced left wing Manuel Liniger and the Hungarian playmaker Gabor Csaszar,
just to mention a few, the Cadets are certainly among the contenders for the two tickets.
For the first time in three years, Romanian handball is represented in the VELUX EHF Champions League, and at the same
time, there is a new kid in the class. Until recently, HCM Baia Mare have been better known for their women’s team, but
this season, the men from the club celebrate their Champions League debut. At the same time, Baia Mare are celebrating
their return to European men’s handball after ten years of absence, as their latest European adventure was in the 2005/06
season.
Just like Baia Mare, Elverum Handball Herrer are debutants in the Champions League, where they are the first Norwegian
team in six years. An impressive first place in the qualification tournament in Bosnian Banja Luka made the group phase
berth for the team under the playing Swedish coach Mikael Apelgren. Already before the qualification tournament,
Apelgren stated, that should his team reach the group phase, the Last 16 would not be an unrealistic goal.
The coming months will prove him either right or wrong.
Peter Bruun
125
Group D head-to-heads
Historic encounters of the Group D opponents in the EC
HC Metalurg vs Skjern Handbold 0-0-2 (46:67) 0:4
11.10.2001 Skjern Handball vs RK Metalurg Skopje, Challenge Cup – Round 2
13.10.2001 Skjern Handball vs RK Metalurg Skopje, Challenge Cup – Round 2
34:21 (18:11)
33:25 (21:10)
HC Motor Zaporozhye vs Kadetten Schaffhausen 2-0-0 (68:58) 4:0
13.11.2014
HC Motor Zaporozhye vs Kadetten Schaffhausen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
20.11.2014
Kadetten Schaffhausen vs HC Motor Zaporozhye, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D
31:26 (18:13)
32:37 (14:18)
No previous encounters
HC Metalurg vs HC Motor Zaporozhye
HC Metalurg vs Kadetten Schaffhausen
HC Metalurg vs HCM Baia Mare
HC Metalurg vs Elverum Handball Herrer
Skjern Handbold vs HC Motor Zaporozhye
Skjern Handbold vs Kadetten Schaffhausen
Skjern Handbold vs HCM Baia Mare
Skjern Handbold vs Elverum Handball Herrer
HC Motor Zaporozhye vs HCM Baia Mare
HC Motor Zaporozhye vs Elverum Handball Herrer
Kadetten Schaffhausen vs HCM Baia Mare
Kadetten Schaffhausen vs Elverum Handball Herrer
HCM Baia Mare vs Elverum Handball Herrer
126
GROUP D
HC Metalurg (MKD)
If seven or eight players leave a team, it is a huge transition, but if - like in the case of Metalurg
Skopje - 25 players say good-bye, it is a complete restart. After facing some financial problems
in the previous season, coach Lino Cervar had to push the reset button in the Macedonian
capital. With the exception of the Austrian international Janko Bozovic, arriving from Meshkov
Brest, Metalurg only signed young players. As they do not compete in the multinational SEHALiga this season, they can focus fully on the Macedonian league.
In the domestic league they will try to snatch the title from their city rivals Vardar. Cervar’s
team will face Skjern, Zaporozhye, Schaffhausen, Baia Mare and Elverum in Group D in the
VELUX EHF Champions League. Despite all their difficulties, Cervar hopes to make it to the
Last 16: “We have a young team eager to take on new challenges. I hope we will start the
Champions League fully motivated and I also hope that some good results will come our way.
Our goal is to get out of the group and to be among the best 16 teams. I know it will be difficult
given that this is a young and new team that does not have too much experience on the
international stage.”
Playing hall
Boris Trajkovski
bul. 8 Septemvri bb
Skopje
FYR Macedonia
Capacity: 7,000
Metalurg started their preparation in Mavrovo, and then took part in two test tournaments in
Bursa (Turkey) and Skopje. The former national champions even have to replace one of their
biggest talents for the rest of the year, as Marko Neloski is still recovering from knee surgery
after an injury which occurred in the last match of the 2014/15 season at Vardar. Metalurg
hope for a Neloski-comeback in 2016. Cervar calls the group phase opponents: “Interesting
and challenging we are up against experienced teams like Kadetten or Zaporozhye, home
and away matches will be tough. Skjern are dangerous, and motivated debutants Baia Mare
are a bit of an unknown entity to us.” But the coach is confident that being part of the VELUX
EHF Champions League brings Metalurg forward: “Playing in the Champions League for us
has always been very special. Despite losing more than 20 top players it is a privilege to play
against the best handball teams in the world.”
Champions League: Macedonian runners-up
Club Address:
HC Metalurg
ul. Jane Lukroski 6
1000 Skopje
FYR Macedonia
Media contact:
Ana Neloska
+389 723 103 98
a.neloska@rkmetalurg.mk
Online information:
Website: www.rkmetalurg.mk
Facebook: rkmetalurgofficial
Twitter: @RKMetalurg
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: black
Goalkeeper shirt: yellow/orange/white
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: black
Coach: Lino Cervar (since 2009)
Captain: Zarko Pesevski
Left the club:
Darko Stanic (Rhein-Neckar Löwen)
Miroslav Kocic (RK Vojvodina)
Dejan Manaskov (RK Vardar)
Naumce Mojsovski (El Jaish)
Pavel Atman (Meshkov Brest)
Filip Mirkulovski (HSG Wetzlar)
Vuko Borozan (N-Lübbecke)
Luka Cindric (HC Vardar)
Renato Vugrinec (Maccabi Rishon LeZion)
Vladan Lipovina (HSG Wetzlar)
Goce Georgievski (Fenix Touluse)
Ace Jonovski (Bergischer HC)
Velko Markoski (RK Rabotnicki)
Nikola Markoski (RK Rabotnicki)
Mijajlo Marsenic (HC Vardar)
Vanco Dimovski (RK Rabotnicki)
Janja Vojvodic (RK Vrbas)
Gjorgje Golubovic (destination unknown)
Darko Djukic (Besiktas)
Damir Efendic (Borac Banja Luka)
Dragan Vrgoc (Benfica)
Martin Manaskov (RK Vardar II)
Goce Ojleski (Odorhei)
Nikola Mitrevski (Benfica)
Petar Misovski (end of career)
127
Past achievements
season): 8
Quarter-final (2): 2012/13, 2013/14
Last 16 (1): 2011/12
Group Phase (3): 2006/07, 2008/09,
2014/15)
Other
9 participations in other EC
Macedonian league: 6 titles (2006,
2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014)
Macedonian cup: 5 titles
Newcomers:
Janko Bozovic (Meshkov Brest)
Marko Matic (Mecklenburg-Schwerin)
Luka Mrakovcic (RK Zamet)
Milos Vukovic (Spartak Subotica)
Kemal Fazlic (RK Gorazde)
Antonio Pesevski (HC Metalurg II)
Daniel Dupjachanec (Besa Famiglia)
Konstantin Petrov (RK Radovis)
Filip Kuzmanovski (RK Pelister)
HC Metalurg (MKD)
Biggest win:
32:18 (18:14) v Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN (h), 24.02.2013
Biggest defeat:
16:35 (3:17) v THW Kiel (a), 15.02.2015
4 matches (30.09.2012 – 20.10.2012)
4 matches (16.02.2013 – 23.03.2013)
4 matches (30.09.2012 – 20.10.2012)
4 matches (16.02.2013 – 23.03.2013)
4 matches (16.02.2014 – 30.03.2014)
Longest losing run:
8 matches (28.09.2006 – 12.10.2008)
Most goals:
37 v Drammen HK NOR 37:30W (h), 18.10.2008
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:36 v HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 19:17L (a), 11.10.2014
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
12
6
2
4
294:275
+19
14:10
1/8-finals
14
9
0
5
361:313
+48
18:6
1/4-finals
14
7
2
5
356:373
-17
16:12
1/4-finals
10
1
1
8
233:294
–61
3:17
6th Gr. A
Total
62 255 32 1549:1633 -84 55:69
128
HC Metalurg (MKD)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
7
15
8
25
23
18
6
98
24
76
44
25
28
30
Janko
Marko
Nikola
Goran
Milorad
Filip
Bojan
Tadej
Marko
Davor
Zharko
Kostadin
Filip
Martin
Luka
Bozovic
Buvinic
Kosteski
Krstevski
Kukoski
Kuzmanovski
Madjovski
Matijasic
Neloski
Palevski
Peshevski
Petrov
Taleski
Velkovski
Mrakovcic
AUT
Right Back
CRO Right Back
MKD Right Wing
MKD Centre Back
MKD Left Back
MKD Left Back
MKD Left Wing
SLO
Left Wing
MKD Centre Back
MKD Left Wing
MKD Line Player
MKD Line Player
MKD Left Back
MKD Right Back
CRO
20
Daniel
Dupjacanec
MKD
31
Antonijo
Peshevski
MKD
Average:
Position
14.7.1985
28.6.1992
22.8.1992
29.3.1996
7.12.1987
3.7.1996
8.5.1994
22.1.1994
6.6.1996
26.2.1997
11.4.1991
30.3.1992
28.3.1996
10.3.1997
22.9.1994
203
190
183
195
195
198
184
174
199
175
195
190
201
189
Goalkeeper
15.7.1983
Prilep, MKD
Goalkeeper
23.12.1990
Skopje, MKD
22,86
Lino Cervar
coach
•
most successful coach of the Croatian men’s national
team, becoming Olympic gold medallist in 2004 and world
champion in 2003
•
collected several more medals like two WCh silver
medals in 2005 and 2009 and EHF EURO silver 2008 and 2010
•
parallel to his work for the Croatian federation, was
coach of RK Zagreb for a long time
•
in 2009 he started coaching Metalurg – a job he focuses
on completely since resigning from the helm of Croatia
•
Bar, MNE
Pula, CRO
Struga, MKD
Resen, MKD
Struga, MKD
Bitola, MKD
Skopje, MKD
Ljubljana, SLO
Struga, MKD
Skopje, MKD
Skopje, MKD
Veles, MKD
Krusevo, MKD
Skopje, MKD
steered them to quarter-finals in 2013 and 2014
OG: G 2004, EURO: S 2008, 2010, WCh: G 2003, S 2005, 2009
129
101
90
74
79
100
105
80
74
92
70
110
105
90
84
189
99
209
110
191,8 91,4
Antonio Peshevski
goalkeeper
Marko Neloski
left back
•
older brother to Zarko Pesevski, current
Metalurg captain
•
product of Metalurg’s youth system, came
into prominence under Cervar’s coaching baton
•
towering at 209cm, he is one of the tallest
goalkeeper in the VELUX EHF Champions League
•
this 19-year old completes the exceptional
talent Metalug nurtures at left back position in the
2015/16 season
•
came trough the youth ranks of RK Metalurg,
became the first team member in 2015 after
spending one season on loan at RK Dracevo
•
made a breakthrough into the first team setup
at Metalurg in 2013/14
Filip Taleski
left back
Milorad Kukoski
left back
•
considered one of the biggest talents in
Macedonian handball
•
one of few experienced players that stayed at
the club despite financial difficulties of last season
•
made his first team debut for Metalurg at the
age of 17
•
has garnered a good national reputation,
playing for the very best Macedonian league teams:
Pelister, Vardar, Zomimak and now Metalurg
•
scored 27 goals in three matches at the Men’s
20 EURO qualification, has made 16 caps for all
Macedonian youth selections before called up for
the senior team
•
equally adept at playing as a line player, in
both attack and defence phase
•
his debut for Macedonian national team came
in 2014 in the WCh 2015 play-off against Greece
•
made his CL debut in a match against THW Kiel
Goran Krstevski
centre back
Zharko Peshevski
line player
•
among the frontrunners of new Metalurg
generation
•
current Macedonia national team member,
having played in all the youth selection for his
country
•
member of the highly talented Metalurg’s
generation of players born in 1996
•
Metalurg team captain
•
rose through the youth ranks at Metalurg
alongside current first team teammates Filip Taleski
and Marko Neloski
•
brother Antonio a teammate, goalkeeper at
Metalurg
Janko Bozovic
right back
Marko Buvinic
right wing/right back
•
Austrian national team member, with 85 caps
and 197 goals
•
joined Metalurg in 2015 from RK Porec,
relishing a chance to work under fellow Croatian,
coach Lino Cervar
•
made his first team debut in 2009, becoming
a first-choice line player after Mijajlo Marsenic left
to join Vardar
•
2015/16 will be his second CL season, having
joined from another group phase outfit and SEHA
League finalist HC Meshkov Brest
•
very versatile player, with ability to play on
both the right back and right wing position
•
has been a member of all the Croatian youth
national teams
•
son of legendary Buducnost player Stanka
Bozovic
130
GROUP D
2014/15 was the most successful season in Skjern Handbold’s club history. They took the Danish
cup, qualified for the EHF Cup Finals in Berlin, where they finished third, and qualified for the VELUX
EHF Champions League for the first time since 2003 as runners-up of the Danish championship.
Now the team of coach Ole Nörgaard wants more. However, Skjern lost two of their most prolific
back court scorers: Henrik Möllgaard moved to Paris Saint-Germain for one season on loan, while
giant shooter Nikolaj Markussen joined domestic rivals Bjerringbro.
In a big move of their own, Nörgaard and manager Anders Dahl-Nielsen secured a transfer coup
in the form of Norwegian line player Bjarte Myrhol. The transfer from German side Rhein Neckar
Löwen brings a huge amount of international experience.
In addition, the club infrastructure was improved by the enforcement of their home fortress,
the Skjern Bank Arena, which now has a capacity of 3,200 and opens up much better marketing
opportunities. The premiere for the enforced arena was the Danish Super Cup, in which Skjern gave
a tough fight to reigning champions KIF Kolding Kobenhavn, losing by a solitary goal, 22:23.
Besides fighting for top spots in the domestic competitions and to qualify again for an EHF
European Cup competition, Skjern hope to finish among the top two teams in Group D of the VELUX
EHF Champions League, in which they face Metalurg, Zaporozhye, Schaffhausen, Baia Mare and
the winner of the qualification tournament. “We hope to win our home matches and to take some
important points abroad,” says Dahl Nielsen, who had been coach and director of 2014 VELUX EHF
FINAL4 winners Flensburg a number of years ago.
Playing hall
Skjern Bank Arena
Ranunkelvej 1
6900 Skjern
Denmark
Capacity: 2,400
Club Address:
Skjern Handbold
Ostergade 40
6900 Skjern
Denmark
Media contact:
Jette Alstrup
+45 606 602 59
jette@skjernhaandbold.dk
Online information:
Website: www.skjernhaandbold.dk
Facebook: skjernhaandbold
Twitter: @SkjernHaandbold
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: light blue
Player short: black
The Skjern manager expects “an interesting group with some very strong teams. Kadetten
Schaffhausen have experience in playing Champions League and it is always a challenge to play in
Ukraine, FYR Macedonia and Romania.”
Team captain Thomas Klitgaard estimates the group as a challenging one: “We have to face
very difficult opponents, which all have European experience - especially Kadetten, Metalurg
and Zaporozhye. It will be some very interesting matches. But we gained a lot of international
experience from last season, which we hope to benefit from. We will fight hard to advance from the
group.”
Champions League: Danish runners-ups
Past achievements
Newcomers:
Magnus Dahl (Kristianstad)
Markus Olsson (Kristianstad)
Bjarte Myrhol (Rhein Neckar Löwen)
season): 3
Last 16 (1): 2003/04
Group Phase (1): 1999/2000,
Left the club:
Frederik Børm (SønderjyskE)
Kristoffer Laursen (Skanderborg)
Nikolaj Markussen (Bjerringbro-Silkeborg)
Henrik Møllgaard (Paris Saint Germain)
Coach: Ole Nørgaard (since 2012)
Captain: Thomas Klitgaard
Dark
Player shirt: dark blue
Player short: dark blue
Goalkeeper shirt: lightblue
131
Other
Challenge Cup: Winners 2001/02,
2002/03
EHF Cup: Semi-final 2006/07, 2014/15
2005/06
Danish league: 2010, 2013
Danish cup: 2012 Super-Cup winner
Biggest win:
30:20 (18:11) v RK ‘Bosna’ Sarajevo BIH (h), 18.10.2003
Biggest defeat:
24:34 (11:18) v SC Magdeburg GER (a), 20.12.2003
1 match (20.11.1999)
1 match (18.10.2003)
1 match (22.11.2003)
1 match (14.12.2003)
2 matches (11.10.2003 – 18.10.2003)
Longest losing run:
3 matches (30.10.1999 – 13.11.1999)
3 matches (28.11.1999 – 11.10.2003)
Most goals:
30 v RK ‘Bosna’ Sarajevo BIH 30:20W (h), 18.10.2003
30 v SC Magdeburg GER 30:25W (h), 14.12.2003
34 v SC Magdeburg GER 34:24L (a), 20.12.2003
Most goals both teams: 62 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 33:29L (a), 29.11.2003
Fewest goals:
16 v ZTR Zaporozhye UKR 16:20L (h), 13.11.1999
Fewest goals opponent: 20 v ZTR Zaporozhye UKR 16:20L (h), 13.11.1999
20 v RK ‘Bosna’ Sarajevo BIH 30:20W (h), 18.10.2003
Fewest goals both teams:36 v ZTR Zaporozhye UKR 16:20L (h), 13.11.1999
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
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
Total
144 1 9
132
339:362 +23
9:19
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
14
19
9
12
13
35
33
20
7
15
18
34
4
32
26
21
22
25
Emil Siersbæk
Bergholt
Bjarke Fredsted Christensen
Morten Balling Christensen
Magnus
Dahl
Jacob Lyhne
Hansen
Mathias Gliese Jensen
Simon Storgaard Jensen
Jesper Dahl
Jørgensen
Thomas
Klitgaard
Lasse
Mikkelsen
Bjarte Hakon
Myrhol
Morten Kirkeby Nielsen
Markus
Olsson
Simon
Opstrup
Simon Overgaard Poulsen
Rene Toft BrøllingRasmussen
Kasper
Søndergaard Sarup
Daniel
Svensson
Nat.
Position
DEN
DEN
DEN
NOR
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
NOR
DEN
SWE
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
DEN
Line Player
Left Wing
Left Wing
Goalkeeper
Left Back
Right Wing
Centre Back
Right Wing
Line Player
Centre Back
Line Player
Left Back
Left Back
Left Wing
Centre Back
Right Wing
Right Back
Centre Back
25.8.1997
26.1.1992
12.8.1987
28.9.1988
4.5.1995
5.3.1997
1.2.1995
23.3.1994
10.12.1977
19.5.1988
29.5.1982e
28.12.1997
31.3.1990
5.1.1994
11.1.1993
29.8.1989
9.6.1981
3.4.1982
190
186
189
198
200
182
190
190
195
200
192
200
186
180
187
176
192
190
1
Søren
Pedersen
DEN Goalkeeper
16
Jacob Lund
Kjaer
DEN Goalkeeper
30
Loke Peter
Brasen
DEN Goalkeeper
Average:
Ole Norgaard
coach
• joined Skjern in the summer of 2012 debuting as
the coach of a senior team
• previously head of development of talents under
the Danish Handball Federation
• in his first season he led Skjern to the bronze
medals in the Danish league and a ticket in the EHF
Cup
• calm and analysing coach who is good at making
his players understand his plans and ideas
133
Ringkøbing-Skjern, DEN
Ringkobing-Skjern, DEN
Skive, DEN
Oslo, NOR
Esbjerg, DEN
Lemvig, DEN
Herning, DEN
Aalborg, DEN Brønderslev, DEN
Oslo, NOR
Karlshamn, SWE
Skive, DEN
Copenhagen, DEN
20.8.1986
Thistedm, DEN
25.11.1992
Herning, DEN
11.12.1997
Herning, DEN 25,1
85
82
88
100
94
82
87
87
98
96
96
96
90
70
85
83
95
101
191
98
185
81
202
92
190,5 89,8
Magnus Dahl
goalkeeper
Bjarke Christensen
left wing
• joined Skjern from Swedish champions IFK
Kristianstad ahead of the 2015/16 season
• playing his 10th successive season in Skjern after
joining from nearby Tarm Foersom IF
• over 50 internationals for Norway guarantees a
certain international experience
• total of 67 junior internationals for Denmark, but
still none at senior level
• has also gained international experience from
playing in Atletico Madrid, PSG and Wetzlar apart
from the Norwegian clubs Nordstrand, Follo and
Fyllingen
• good from the wing in the established attacking
play, but his greatest strength is the counter-attack
• turned down an offer from Flensburg in 2013 to
extend his contract with Skjern instead
• in Skjern, replacing one of the greatest talents in
Danish handball, Kristoffer Laursen who has left for
league colleagues Skanderborg
Markus Olsson
left back
Lasse Mikkelsen
centre back
• just like Norwegian goalkeeper Magnus Dahl,
joined from new Swedish champions IFK Kristianstad
ahead of this season
• joined Skjern from league rivals KIF Kolding in the
summer of 2011
• said goodbye to Kristianstad in style by scoring
11 goals in the Swedish championship final against
Alingsas HK
• 29 junior internationals, but the senior debut is
still waiting
• his 197 cm make him a tall playmaker, and beside
setting up his team’s attacking play, he is also
dangerous himself with a variety of shots
• Skjern is his first club outside Sweden, while
having EHF Cup experience with Kristianstad from
three previous seasons, the CL will be new to him
• like with so many other back court players, his
biggest idol is Nikola Karabatic
• in Skjern, replacing 211 cm tall Danish
international Nikolaj Markussen who has left for
league rivals Bjerringbro Silkeborg
Bjarte Myrhol
line player
Thomas Klitgaard
line player
• joined Skjern in the summer of 2015 from RheinNeckar Löwen
• in his seventh season in Skjern a key player in the
central defence as well as on the line in the attack
• in August 2011 diagnosed with cancer, a surgery
and chemo therapy changed his life
• having started his career in Aalborg, he has had
foreign adventures in Spanish CBM Galdar and
German MT Melsungen
• always willing to fight and only two and a half
months after the surgery he returned to the court
• his skills have earned one international for
Denmark as well as one junior international
• after leaving first club in Sandefjord, he joined
Veszprem, before arriving in Nordhorn and later
Mannheim
• not only his age (37), but also his 248 league
matches for Skjern make him one of the most
experienced players in the team
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2008, 2013
Daniel Svensson
back
Rene Rasmussen
right wing
• originally a left back and playmaker, but can play
all three positions in the back court line
• playing his 7th season in succession for Skjern
after joining from third league club Raekker Moelle
• playing his second season in Skjern after joining
from Bundesliga side TUS-N-Lübecke in 2013
• highly reliable wing with a great take-off from the
right wing position, fast in counter attacks
• has also a career in Spanish handball behind him,
in Toledo Balonmano
• total of 33 junior internationals for Denmark.
• his twin brother Joergen is also a handball player,
but on the opposite wing, playing for league rivals
and neighbours FC Midtjylland
• physically strong and a passionate fighter who is
not afraid of taking risks in his way of playing
• got cancer in the spring 2013, but managed to be
back on the handball court seven months later, fully
cured
134
GROUP D
The current situation in Ukraine has made things far from easy for for Motor Zaporozhye,
but the three-time domestic champions keep their heads held high for the new season in the
VELUX EHF Champions League.
Motor’s newcomer Sergiy Shelmenko is even holding some very high hopes to make it to the
VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne: “As a player of Chekhovskie Medvedi I played in Cologne, so I am
sure we can succeed with Motor as well.”
Besides Shelmenko, Boris Pukhovskiy from SKA Minsk is the biggest name among the five
newcomers in Zaporozhye.
In addition, Motor have a new coach on their bench: Nikolai Stepanec, who replaces Sergej
Bebeshko, who had resigned after missing the Last 16 of the previous Champions League
season and now took over Belarussian champions and Champions League participant Meshkov
Brest.
On the other hand, some well-known faces left Motor such as top shooter Sergyi Onufrienko,
who joined French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, Inal Aflitulin made it to Motor’s group
phase opponent Baia Mare (Romania), while Oleg Skopincev went the opposite way of
Shelmenko, signing for the Chekhov bears.
Playing hall
TEC Terminal
Kievskaya 316
07400 Brovary
Ukraine
Capacity: 3,500
Club Address:
HC Motor Zaporozhye
Ivanova Str. 24
69068 Zaporozhye
Ukraine
Media contact:
Dmitriy Karpushchenko
+380 50 5581181
hkmotor@yandex.ru
Online information:
Website: www.handball.motorsich.com
Facebook: HC-Motor
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white/red
Player short: white
Goalkeeper shirt: yellow/black
Dark
Player shirt: blue
Player short: blue
Goalkeeper shirt: red/black
Despite these losses, Stepanec is confident that “we are ready to fight with any rival of our
group.”
Zaporozhye will face Metalurg, Skjern, Schaffhausen, Baia Mare and the winner of the
qualification tournament in Group D. “All teams look to be quite equal,” according to Stepanec,
adding: “It is great to be part of the VELUX EHF Champions League again.”
Champions League: Ukrainian champions
Newcomers:
Gleb Kalarash (St. Petersburg HC)
Sergiy Shelmenko (Chekhovskie Medvedi)
Boris Pukhovskiy (SKA Minsk)
Aidenas Malasinskas (Fraikin BM. Granollers)
Serhi Orlovskiy (ZNTU-ZAS Zaporozhye)
Left the club:
Egor Evdokimov (N/A)
Oleg Skopincev (Chekhovskie Medvedi)
Inal Aflitulin (HCM Baia Mare)
Alex Pedan (N/A)
Richard Stochl (N/A)
Sergyi Onufrienko (Paris Saint-Germain Handball)
Coach: Nikolay Stepanets (since 2015, successor of
Sergey Bebeshko)
Captain: Sergey Shelmenko
135
Past achievements
season): 3
Last 16 (1): 2013/14
Other
Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-finals
2011/12
Ukrainian league: 3 titles (2013, 2014,
2015)
Ukrainian cup: 2 titles
Biggest win:
24:18 (14:10) v St. Petersburg HC RUS (a), 21.11.2013
36:30 (16:16) v Aalborg Handball DEN (a), 15.02.2015
Biggest defeat:
44:27 (20:13) v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN (a), 10.10.2013
2 matches (17.11.2013 – 21.11.2013)
2 matches (13.11.2014 – 20.11.2014)
2 matches (19.09.2013 – 26.09.2013)
2 matches (17.11.2013 – 21.11.2013)
2 matches (13.11.2014 – 20.11.2014)
Longest losing run:
6 matches (20.03.2014 – 18.10.2014)
Most goals:
37 v Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 32:37W (a), 20.11.2014
44 v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 44:27L (a), 10.10.2013
Most goals both teams: 71 v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 44:27L (a), 10.10.2013
Fewest goals:
21 v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 21:23L (h), 04.10.2014
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
MP
MP
W
W
T
T
L
L
GF GA
GF GA
GD
GD
PTS
PTS
Stage
Stage
2013/14 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR
12
4
1
7
333:367
-34
9:15
Last 16
2014/15 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR
10
3
0
7
283:284
-1
6:14
5th Gr. D
Total
227 1 14 616:651 -35 15:29
136
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
69
11
32
14
21
20
5
18
7
27
87
83
10
24
2
Sergii
Zakhar
Vladyslav
Dmytro
Gleb
Artem
Iurii
Kostyantyn
Aidenas
Sergii
Barys
Sergey
Olexandr
Ievgen
Stanislav
Burka
Denysov
Dontsov
Doroshchuk
Kalarash
Kozakevych
Kubatko
Kurylenko
Malasinskas
Orlovskyi
Pukhouski
Shelmenko
Shevelev
Zhuk
Zhukov
UKR
UKR
UKR
UKR
RUS
UKR
UKR
UKR
LTU
UKR
BLR
RUS
UKR
UKR
UKR
Left Back
Left Wing
Right Back
Line Player
Line Player
Right Wing
Right Back
Left Back
Centre Back
Left Wing
Centre Back
Right Back
Line Player
Left Wing
Left Back
9.6.1987
1.3.1990
22.9.1995
29.9.1986
29.11.1990
2.10.1992
28.8.1988
10.7.1980
29.4.1986
18.4.1992
3.1.1987
5.4.1983
2.12.1987
4.8.1990
26.3.1992
208
188
197
198
205
182
184
193
189
188
186
195
200
184
198
55
Gennadiy
Komok
UKR
Goalkeeper
1
Valentyn
Koshovy
UKR
Goalkeeper
23
Yevgen
Sapun
UKR
Goalkeeper
Average:
5.7.1987
Zaporozhye, UKR
5.2.1981
Zaporozhye, UKR
11.6.1985
Zaporozhye, UKR
27,55
Nikolay Stepanets
coach
•
not a new face in Motor as he worked as their assistant coach
in the past
•
in role of an interim coach he won two Ukrainian championship
titles and also had his debut in the CL in their last two group phase
•
convinced the Motor’s managers to give him a chance to start
the 2015/16 season as head coach
•
Kiev born, 50-year-old coached also domestic rivals Budivelnik
Brovary and also steered Etoual Sportiv du Sahel to Tunisian league
silver and the League Cup in 2007
•
as Motor play in Brovary in the 2015/16 season, Stepanets
returns where he made his first steps as a coach
137
Zaporozhye, UKR
Ilychevsk, UKR
Zaporozhye, UKR
Volyn reg., UKR
Moscow, UKR
Novovolynsk, UKR
Zaporozhye, UKR
Zaporozhye, UKR
Lietuva, LTU
Zaporozhye, UKR
St.Mazorita, BLR
Kiev, UKR
Zaporozhye, UKR
Zaporozhye, UKR
Novovolynsk, UKR
110
82
94
115
94
68
78
98
84
80
100
98
115
75
94
196
96
200
90
185
85
193,1 92
Gennadiy Komok
goalkeeper
Ievgen Zhuk
left wing
•
talented goalie last play the CL in the 2011/12
season with Russian St.Petersburg, in the only year
he spent abroad
•
•
after a few seasons in Burevestnik Lugansk he
returned to his mother club
•
raised in Zaporozhye , he was number one
goalkeeper in the team of city rivals ZTR, multiple CL
participant
•
promising Ukrainian prospect on the left wing
•
after Skopintsev left for Chekhov he should get
more prominence on the playing court
•
helped ZTR to win five national titles
scored 12 goals in two CL seasons with Motor
•
has exellent accelaration and can surprise
with hard shots even from a back court position
•
a key player in the national team of Ukraine on
the way for their last major tournament EHF EURO
2010, currently taking a break for the national team
Sergey Burka
left back
Aidenas Malasinskas
centre back
•
the tallest (208 cm) player of the Ukrainian
championship joined Motor in 2012 from the city
rivals of ZTR
•
joined Motor in the summer of 2015, but
quickly became a key element in Motor
•
Lithuanian international has no problems with
language barrier speaking Russian as well as all team
of Motor
•
collected four national titles with his former
club ZTR and added two with Motor
•
played also for Kaunas clubs Lusis and
Granitas-Karys in his homeland followed by
stints with Irun Bidasoa, Fraikin BM. Granollers,
Naturhouse La Rioja
•
together with his current teammate Shevelev
was among players of the national team of Ukraine
at their last major tournament - EHF EURO 2010
•
since then he has been a regular fixture in the
Ukrainian selection
•
came from BM Puerto Sagunto and finished
third in the ASOBAL top scorers list in the 2014/15
season
Barys Pukhouski
centre back
Olexandr Shevelev
line player
•
moved to Motor Zaporozhye from SKA Minsk
•
one of not too many Ukrainians who played in
the European leagues recently
•
spent the end of the last season at his home
club SKA after leaving Hungary’s Csurgo for family
reasons
•
arrived from Dinamo Minsk (BLR), but played
in Astrakhan, Aalborg and in service of Ciudad Real
scored his first goals in the CL in 2011
•
also had an experience of playing for Dinamo
Minsk in the past
•
his premiere appearance in the CL was in the
2006/07 season with Ukrainian club Portovik
•
one of the leaders and the best all-time scorer
(571 goals) of the Belarus national team
•
experience and physical strength make him a
crucial figure in the center of defence and attack
Sergey Shelmenko
right back
Artem Kozakevich
right wing
•
born in Ukraine and played for the national
team, but then acquired Russian citizenship and
opted to play for Russia
•
Motor’s long hunt for one of the most talented
players in Ukraine was successfully completed in
2014 after the winger from Portovik Yuzhniy signed
•
after a number of seasons at Medvedi,
Shelmenko left the team for Dinamo Minsk, but was
unlucky as this club ceased to exist
•
his dream to score first goals in the CL came
true in the 2014/15 season
•
shares the position with Yuriy Kubatko and
is considered as one of the main specialists for
penalties
•
came back to Russia where he spent the rest
of the 2013/14 season at St.Petersburg
•
after a short second stint with Medvedi he
signed for Motor in the summer of 2015
138
GROUP D
After narrowly missing the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16 last season, eight-time Swiss
champions Kadetten Schaffhausen have their sights set on reaching the knockout stages again
this time around, like they did in 2011 and 2012. Coached by former German international and
world champion Markus Baur (coach of the German junior national team as well), Kadetten
bolstered their squad for their ninth participation in Europe’s elite club competition since 2005.
In addition to four talents from their youth programme, the biggest newcomer is Austrian
international Nikola Marinovic. The goalkeeper arrives from German club Frisch Auf Göppingen
and replaces young German Jonas Maier, who left for TBV Lemgo alongside Swedish line player
Anton Mansson.
In Marko Mamic (Dunkerque) and Rares Jurca (Basle), two more experienced players left
Schaffhausen. Luka Maros (Pfadi Winterthur) is the biggest signing from within the domestic
league.
The summer transfers gives manager Gabor Vass confidence that they can progress from
Group D (opponents: Metalurg, Skjern, Baia Mare and Elverum). In his opinion, the VELUX EHF
Champions League is “the most important international competition. Each participation shows
every top club in Europe how they have developed.”
Playing hall
BBC Arena
Schweizersbildstr. 10
8207 Schaffhausen
Switzerland
Capacity: 3,000
Team captain David Graubner shares the hopes of making it through from the first stage: “As
simple as it sounds, as hard it will be: the objective for the next season is to qualify for the next
round. Therefore, we want to finish the group phase in position one or two.”
In Graubner’s opinion “the teams in our group are equally strong, which makes it difficult to
say who is going to qualify for the next stage. We expect a lot of tight games and hope to be
strong enough in crunch time.”
Champions League: Swiss champions
Club Address:
Schweizersbildstrasse 10
8207 Schaffhausen
Switzerland
Media contact:
Barbara Imobersteg
+41 787203247
imo.schule@gmx.ch
Online information:
Website: www.kadettensh.ch
Twitter: @kadettensh
Facebook: kadettensh
Kit colours
Light
Player short: black
Coach: Markus Baur (since 2013)
Captain: David Graubner
Newcomers:
Nikola Marinovic (Frisch auf Göppingen)
Luka Maros (Pfadi Winterthur)
Johan Koch (TV Emsdetten)
Christoffer Brännberger (Haslum Handballklub)
Albin Alili (Kadetten Espoirs)
Lucas Meister (Kadetten Espoirs)
Zoran Markovic (Kadetten Espoirs)
Kaj Stokholm (Kadetten Espoirs)
Left the club:
Jonas Maier (TBV Lemgo)
Anton Mansson (TBV Lemgo)
Marko Mamic (Dunkerque)
Rares Jurca (RTV Basel)
Ruben Schelbert (N/A)
Benjamin Geisser (St. Otmar St. Gallen)
Leszek Starczan (NLB Espoirs)
Dark
Player shirt: black
Player short: orange
139
Past achievements
season): 9
Last 16 (2): 2010/11, 2011/12
Group Phase (5): 2005/06, 2006/07,
2007/08, 2012/13, 2014/15)
Other
EHF Cup: final 2009/10
Cup Winners’ Cup: semi-final: 2007/08
Swiss league: 8 titles (2005, 2006, 2007,
2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015)
Swiss Cup: 7 titles
Biggest win:
43:18 (23:08) v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH (h), 09.02.2012
Biggest defeat:
25:36 (13:19) v FC Barcelona Intersport ESP (a), 01.12.2012
2 matches (28.11.2010 – 05.12.2010)
2 matches (19.02.2011 – 23.02.2011)
2 matches (09.02.2012 – 16.02.2012)
2 matches (06.10.2007 – 13.10.2007)
2 matches (28.11.2010 – 05.12.2010)
2 matches (19.02.2011 – 23.02.2011)
2 matches (09.02.2012 – 16.02.2012)
2 matches (05.10.2014 – 09.10.2014)
2 matches (04.12.2014 – 12.02.2015)
Longest losing run:
4 matches (06.10.2011 – 17.11.2011)
4 matches (17.10.2012 – 01.12.2012)
5 matches (18.10.2014 – 04.12.2014)
Most goals:
43 v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH 43:18W (h), 09.02.2012
40 v Füchse Berlin GER 35:40L (h), 14.02.2013
Most goals both teams: 75 v Füchse Berlin GER 35:40L (h), 14.02.2013
Fewest goals:
22 v SC Pick Szeged HUN 22:23L (h), 11.11.2006
Fewest goals opponent: 18 v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH 43:18W (h), 09.02.2012
Fewest goals both teams:45 v SC Pick Szeged HUN 22:23L (h), 11.11.2006
MP
W
T
L
GF GA
GD
PTS
Stage
2005/06 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI
6
1
1
4
160:181
-21
3:9
3rd Gr. G
6
2
1
3
168:169
-1
5:7
3rd Gr. B
2007/08 Kadetten Schaffhausen GCZ SUI
6
2
1
3
179:174
+5
5:7
3rd Gr. C
12
5
1
6
362:376
-14
11:13
1/8-finals
12
5
0
7
366:345
+21
10:14
1/8-finals
10
2
0
8
284:330
–46
4:16
6th Gr. D
10
2
2
6
264:297
–33
6:14
6th Gr. D
Total
62 196 37 1783:1872 -89 44:80
140
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
22
10
17
3
8
21
6
5
19
20
2
22
9
7
11
14
Albin
Christoffer
Gabor
Nikola
David
Johan
Dimitrij
Manuel
Zoran
Luka
Lucas
Sergio
Andrija
Filip
Markus
Leszek
Aleksandar
Nik
Alili
Brännberger
Csaszar
Cvijetic
Graubner
Koch
Küttel
Liniger
Markovic
Maros
Meister
Muggli
Pendic
Pendic
Richwien
Starczan
Stojanovic
Tominec
SUI
SWE
HUN
SUI
SUI
DEN
SUI
SUI
SUI
SUI
SUI
SUI
SUI
SUI
GER
POL
SRB
SLO
Left Back
Line Player
Centre Back
Right Wing
Left Back
Line Player
Right Back
Left Wing
Left Back
Left Back
Line Player
Centre Back
Centre Back
Line Player
Right Wing
Left Wing
Right Back
Right Wing
1.6.1996
29.12.1990
16.6.1984
1.12.1989
29.5.1984
29.11.1990
18.2.1994
10.9.1981
6.5.1995
20.3.1994
16.8.1996
6.7.1993
12.3.1987
20.8.1988
5.7.1985
28.11.1977
22.6.1983
26.3.1991
196
200
188
183
194
185
192
180
197
196
197
178
190
190
186
183
197
190
12
Nikola
Marinovic
AUT
Goalkeeper
1
Nikola
Portner
SUI
Goalkeeper
16
Kaj
Stokholm
SUI
Goalkeeper
Average:
29.8.1976
Belgrad, SRB
19.11.1993
Bern, SUI
15.4.1995
Zürich, SUI
26,52
Markus Baur
coach
•
one of the most prolific playmakers ever in Germany
and was part of the “golden generation“
•
as a player was “the extended arm” of coach Heiner
Brand, so it was obvious that he would become a coach
•
started his coaching career at his former club Lemgo
and in 2012 became part of the coaching staff of the German
federation
• 2014 was his most successful year as a coach, leading Kadetten to the Swiss
championship and cup title and the German juniors to gold at the Men’s 20 EHF EURO
EC trophies: EHF Cup: 2006
OG: S 2004, WCh: G 2007, S 2003, EURO: G 2004, S 2002, B 1998
141
Frauenfeld, SUI
Farsta, SWE
Celldömölk, HUN
Schaffhausen, SUI
Moosseedorf, SUI
Svendborg, DEN
Gersau, SUI
Winterthur, SUI
Schaffhausen, SUI
Zürich, SUI
Basel, SUI
Zürich, SUI
Arbon, SUI
Krusevac, SRB
Magdeburg, GER
Olesnica, POL
Jagodina, SRB
Luzern, SUI
94
105
94
83
93
91
90
76
92
88
100
78
90
95
84
90
103
88
198
100
194
90
195
100
190,9 91,6
Nikola Marinovic
coach
Nikola Portner
goalkeeper
•
for more than ten years the number 1 of the
Austrian national team
•
quite international - born in France and
goalkeeping number 1 of the Swiss national team
•
was born in Belgrade, but changed the
citizenship to Austrian in 2004
•
his father Zlatko was a famous handball player
in ex-Yugoslavia
•
•
had his first match in the Swiss league at the
age of 17
his first CL start with Austrian side Bregenz
•
later transferred to various German clubs
(Wetzlar, Balingen and Göppingen)
•
joined Kadetten in summer 2014, but after
two seasons he leaves for Montpellier
•
Joined Kadetten before the 2015/16 season to
replace Jonas Maier
•
Austrian handball player of the year in 2007
David Graubner
left back
Manuel Liniger
left wing
•
experienced wing player had been part of the
successful Kadetten team from 2007 until 2010
•
Swiss international is one of the most
experienced players in the Kadetten squad
•
twice semi-finalist of the Cup Winners’
Cup (becoming top scorer of the competition in
2008/09) and finalist in the EHF Cup 2009/10
•
already played seven years for Schaffhausen
until 2012, before he joined German side
Großwallstadt, but returned one year later
•
started his career in Winterthur and also had
spell at German sides Wilhelmshaven, Lemgo and
Balingen
•
like Liniger part of the Kadetten team, which
made it to three EC semi-finals, including the final of
the EHF Cup in 2010, when they lost against Lemgo,
former club of their coach Markus Baur
•
one of the all time top scorers of Swiss
national team with over 800 goals
•
six-time Swiss champion
Gabor Csaszar
centre back
Johan Koch
line player
• had played professional handball in five
different countries: Hungary, Denmark, Spain,
France and now Switzerland
•
had been playing for German side Emsdetten
before he joined Kadetten at the start of the
2015/16 season
• joined Kadetten in the middle of the 2014/15
season, arriving from French powerhouse PSG Paris
•
replaces Swedish line player Anton Mansson,
who left for Lemgo (Germany)
•
•
had been teammate of Mikkel Hansen in his
first club GOG Svendborg
the playmaker of the Hungarian national team
• part of two Olympic Games (2004, 2012) with
Hungary, each time to finish fourth
•
•
played three years for current Swedish
champions Kristianstad until 2013, before he moved
to Germany
national champion in Hungary and Switzerland
Dimitrij Küttel
right back
Markus Richwien
right wing
•
had 99 appearances in the Swiss youth and
junior national teams, scoring an overall of 341 goals
•
German is the only current Kadetten player,
who was part of a VELUX EHF FINAL4 tournament,
playing at Cologne with Füchse Berlin in 2012
•
had his debut in the Swiss men’s national team
in 2014
•
born in Magdeburg, he went through all youth
teams of former CL winner SCM
•
belong to the successful Swiss junior team,
which now is an integral part of the men’s team
•
•
in 2007 joined Füchse Berlin, where he
became German international – debuting against
Switzerland in 2008
arrived from Aarau at Schaffhausen
•
shares the right back position with more
experienced Alexandar Stojanovic
•
after winning the German cup and making it
to the EHF Cup Finals on home court in 2014, signied
for Kadetten, his first club abroad
142
GROUP D
HCM Baia Mare (ROU)
After 16 years, a men’s team from Baia Mare is back in the Champions League - in 1998 and
1999 they played the 1/16 round and came up short twice under their old name Minaur Baia
Mare. HCM is, apart from HC Vardar, the only club with a male and a female Champions League
participant. For the third time they became Romanian champions and by winning this they
ended the long series of trophies for HCM Constanta. In Group D, Baia Mare will face Metalurg,
Skjern, Zaporozhye, Schaffhausen and the winner of the Qualification Tournament - Elverum
Handball Herrer.
Ivan Karacic arrives from Meshkov Brest, former Veszprem wing Tamas Ivancsik joined the
Romanian side as well as his former team mate Uros Vilovski, Inal Aflitulin arrived from their
opponents Zaporozhye and Vladislav Ostroushko from Hungarian side Csurgoi. Romanian
champions have benefitted greatly from their Danish born coach Lars Walther, who had been
coaching clubs in Denmark, Germany, Slovenia and Italy, before he took over Wisla Plock from
2010 to 2013 to lead them to the Polish championship and the VELUX EHF Champions League.
Since 2014, Walther has been Baia Mare’s coach. He expects tight games in their group with
his country fellows from Skjern being the favourites for the top position: “Skjern, Kadetten,
Motor and Metalurg are teams with a lot of Champions League experience, we are a potential
underdog. “But we are here to learn. It is very important for us to show Europe that interesting
things are happening in Romanian handball and especially in Baia Mare.”
Playing hall
Sala Polivalenta Lascar Pana
Bd. Unirii Nr.14 A
430272 Baia Mare - Maramures
Romania
Capacity: 2,080
Manager Liviu Bala hopes to gain international experience too: “Coming back to play in major
European club competition is a great honour for us. It is our aim to gain experience and to
qualify for the Last 16.”
Club Address:
HCM Baia Mare
Str. Valea Rosie 26
4800 Baia Mare - Maramures
Romania
Unfortunately for Walther, two key players missed the season preparation - Antonio Pribanic
and Karacic are injured, but both are supposed to be back on track for the start of the
Champions League season.
Media contact:
Paul Ursachi
+40 757 275 832
paul@minaur.ro
Online information:
Website: www.minaur.ro
Facebook: hcminaur
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: blue-white
Player short: blue-white
Goalkeeper shirt: multicolour
Dark
Player short: yellow
Goalkeeper shirt: multicolour
To reach this goal, team captain Viorel Fotache wants to focus on the home strength of his
team: “Our aim is to try and win our home games because the away game will be difficult for
us due to our lack of experience. Kadetten are the team with the most experience in our group
and I am sure they will be in first place by the end of the Group Phase.”
Champions League: Romanian champions
Past achievements
Coach: Lars Walther since 2014
Captain: Viorel Fotache
season): 1
Newcomers:
Uros Vilovski (Balatonfüredi)
Tamas Ivancsik (Balatonfüredi)
Ivan Karacic (Meshkov Brest)
Ionut Ramba (HC Odorhei)
Vladislav Ostroushko (Csurgoi KK)
Cristi Ghita (Selestat)
Inal Aflitulin (HC Motor)
Albert Cristescu (HCM Constanta)
Left the club:
Steffen Stegavik (Elverum)
Nikola Eklemovic (retired)
Andrei Grasu (CSA Steaua)
Patricio Martinez Chavez (retired)
Ivan Milas (Gwardia Opole)
Cristian Malmagro (Naturhouse La Rioja)
Daniel Muresan (retired)
143
Other
Challenge Cup: Quarter-final 2003/04,
2004/05
EHF Cup: Round 3 2005/06
Romanian league: 3 titles (1998, 1999,
2015)
Romanian Cup: 5 titles
HCM Baia Mare (ROU)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
13
73
11
55
15
13
9
18
20
21
32
7
14
8
25
17
23
Inal
Daniel
Mihai Ionut
Albert Georgian
Viorel
Radu Cristian
Tamas
Ivan
Tudor Mihai
Bogdan Patru
Vladislav
Andrei Mihai
Antonio
Ionut
Alexandru
Marius
Paul Andrei
Uros
Aflitulin
Bera
Busecan
Cristescu
Fotache
Ghita
Ivancsik
Karacic
Marta
Mihai
Ostroushko
Popescu
Pribanic
Ramba
Sabou
Sadoveac
Simulescu
Vilovski
Position
RUS
Centre Back
ROU Left Wing
ROU Line Player
ROU Line Player
ROU Left Back
ROU Right Back
HUN Right Wing
BIH
Centre Back
ROU Right Wing
ROU Right Back
UKR
Left Back
ROU Centre Back
CRO Line Player
ROU Left Back
ROU Left Wing
ROU Right Wing
ROU
HUN Line Player
22.3.1988
Astrakhan, RUS
26.5.1990
Fagaras, ROU
1.6.1987
Baia Mare, ROU
30.5.1992
Moreni, ROU
15.5.1989
Galati, ROU
22.11.1990
Bacau, ROU
3.4.1983
Györ, HUN
26.5.1985
Mostar, BIH
1.2.1988
Baia Mare, ROU
21.6.1982
Botosani, ROU
5.3.1986
Cherkasy, UKR
16.9.1989
Baia Mare, ROU
13.12.1987
Rijeka, CRO
8.2.1991
Fagaras, ROU
20.4.1982
Baia Mare, ROU
7.5.1985
Timisoara, ROU
12.6.1995
25.2.1984
Senta, SRB
182
181
195
194
197
189
179
190
180
198
202
183
185
198
189
193
82
81
105
97
106
92
75
93
79
99
101
87
95
100
89
88
197
103
1
Razvan Mihai
Pop
ROU Goalkeeper
12
Peter
Tatai
HUN Goalkeeper
Average: 20.6.1985
Baia Mare, ROU
23.6.1983
Györ, HUN
28,25
188
195
190,3
90
98
92,6
Lars Walther
coach
•
his best CL performance is the Last 16, with Slovenian
powerhouse Gorenje Velenje, in 2006
•
a local hero in Baia Mare, Walther led HCM to a historic
double, the second in the club’s history and the first after 16 years
•
as a player made a trip through Europe, playing for a number
of Danish clubs and for sides from Germany, Portugal, and Iceland
•
in 2000 started his coaching career at Virum Sorgenfri in
Denmark, followed by stints at Roskilde, SG Flensburg-Handewitt,
Velenje, Hildesheim, Conversano, Emsdetten and Orlen Wisła Płock
144
Peter Tatai
goalkeeper
Alexandru Sabou
left wing
•
after leaving Pick Szeged in 2014, Tatai won his
first Romanian championship title with HCM Baia
Mare in the 2014/15 season
•
born and raised in Baia Mare, Sabou made his
comeback after a seven-year exile in Constanta
•
integral part of HCM’s team which won their
first title after a 16-year hiatus, it was his dream as a
little boy to see Baia Mare win the championship
•
Hungarian reached the CL semi-final with
Veszprem in 2006, where he also claimed the Cup
Winners’ Cup and two Hunagarian league titles
•
with six Romanian championships and seven
Romanian Cups, is one of the most decorated
Romanian players ever
•
his amazing saves have earned him a special
place in the hearts of Baia Mare’s fans
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008, EHF Cup 2014
Ionut Ramba
left back
Inal Aflitulin
centre back
•
has three silver medals in the Romanian
championship with Stiinta Bacau, but left the club in
bad terms, after a falling-out with the coach
•
very technical player, with a high handball IQ,
he became an instant fan-favourite in Baia Mare
after his arrival from Zaporozhye in 2015
•
his dream is to play in Bundesliga, he had
several offers, but Bacau declined all of them
•
Astrakhan-born started playing in the youth
team of Chekhovskie Medvedi and in 2011 he
transferred to Motor
•
after a stint in HC Odorhei, where he won the
Challenge Cup, he left for Baia Mare
•
has 15 games in the Russian national team and
has played in the EHF EURO 2014
•
his idol is Siarhei Rutenka, the legendary
Belarussian left back
•
named the MVP of the Men’s 19 European
Open in Sweden in 2007
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2015
Antonio Pribanic
line player
Uros Vilovski
line player
•
defensive specialist, has already played two
seasons in the CL with Pick Szeged
•
has been Tamas Ivancsik’s teammate in
Veszprem and Balatonfüredi
•
admits he knew nothing about HCM before his
arrival, but after one year he says that Baia Mare is a
perfect city for him
•
came to Baia Mare after Nikola Eklemovic,
the former Veszprem and Baia Mare player,
recommended him to sign with HCM
•
had trouble learning Romanian, but says he is
getting better day by day
•
the Hungarian press branded Vilovski as a
“guardian angel”, after he saved Zarko Sesum’s and
Ivan Pesic’s life, after an incident in Veszprem which
cost the life of Romanian Marian Cozma
•
being born in Rijeka, a port at the Adriatic Sea,
his favourite hobbies are fishing, scubadiving and
navigating
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008, Champions Trophy 2008
Marius Sadoveac
right back
Tamas Ivancsik
right wing
•
versatile left-hander plied his trade as a right
wing at HCM Constanta, but he seldom plays on the
wing in Baia Mare
•
former teammate with Tatai and Vilovski in
Veszprem, is Baia Mare’s most decorated player,
with seven Hungarian championships, six Hungarian
Cups and the Cup Winners’ Cup in 2008
•
played six years for Constanta, winning six
titles and four Romanian Cups
•
his older brother, Gergö plays for Veszprem,
while younger brother Adam is in Tatabanya KC
•
even if he was seen as a huge talent, he did
not leave his home town, Timisoara, until he was 23,
as he did not believe he could adapt in another town
•
played eight consecutive seasons in the CL
(2007-2014), scoring at least 11 goals in each
•
married to a successful lawyer with whom he
shares the exact date of birth
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008, Champions Trophy 2008
145
A six year long wait and their absence is no more - Norwegian handball is back in the VELUX
EHF Champions League. After Fyllingen was the last team to be part of the VELUX EHF
Champions League Group Phase in the 2009/10 season, now Elverum put Norway back on
the map after two wins at the qualification tournament in Banja Luka against the OCI Lions
(Netherlands) and Alpla Hard (Austria). Two years ago, the club located close to Hamar and
Gjövik failed qualify against Porto after becoming Norwegian champions for the first time,
now they made their dream come true, right before the club’s 70th anniversary in 2016. It is
reported that more than 3,000 fans came to the outdoor matches in the 1960’s, so Elverum
have a long handball tradition.
The mastermind behind the recent success is the only player-coach among the 28 Champions
League participants: Swedish playmaker Michael Apelgren. Apelgren gained Champions League
experience in Sävehof, and took over the coaches’ position in 2014 continuing on from current
Norwegian national team coach Christian Berge, who is still part of Elverum’s coaching’ staff.
In the 2013/14 season - after coming up short in the Champions League qualification - the
biggest international success so far for the almost all-Scandinavian squad was making it to the
group phase of the EHF Cup. Now they hope for more sold-out matches in their arena, when
they host their Group D opponents.
Playing hall
Terningen Arena
Hamarvegen 112
2418 Elverum
Norway
Capacity: 2,400
Club Address:
Postboks 295
2403 Elverum
Norway
Media contact:
Erik Henriksen
+47 400 21299
erik@ehh.no
Online information:
Website: www.ehh.no
Facebook: elverumhandball
Twitter: @ElverumHandball
Kit colours
Light
Player shirt: white
Player short: black
Dark
Player shirt: black
Player short: black
Some of their more experience players like former team captain Leonel Ojala ended their
career after becoming champions in spring, so Apelgren’s team is quite fresh. Now the whole
club is eagerly awaiting their first ever Champions League Group Phase match against Swiss
champions Schaffhausen. It is the goal of EHH to “develop the players and to put the club up
there with the best names in handball. After our dream came true, we want to make the best
of playing in the Champions League.”
Nicolaj Mehl, right back in the squad, and, in addition, part of the club management, hopes
that his club can “show Europe that the Norwegian league is better than the people believe.
Being part of the Champions League is a really big thing for us and Norwegian handball.
“Though we face really good teams in the group phase, we hope to be lucky enough to cause
some surprises on home ground.” Team captain Morten Nergaard shares those expectations:
“We want to make it difficult for all teams to beat us. Our club has dreamt of being part of the
Champions League for so many years, so now we are eager to get things started. We have a lot
of respect for our opponents and their great players, and we are really happy to host them in
Norway.”
Champions League: Norwegian champions,
winner of the Qualification Tournament
Past achievements
Coach: Michael Apelgren (since 2014)
Captain: Morten Neergaard
season): 2
Newcomers:
Lars Norberg (Kolstad)
David Wattström (Anderstorp SK)
Petter Överby (Nötteröy)
Jörgen Jansrud (Falk Horten)
Steffen Stegavik (Baia Mare)
Left the club:
Leonel Ojala (end of career)
Henri Auer (end of career)
Kjetil Aanestad (end of career)
Jörgen Bakke (Varberg)
Rolf Sandberg (end of career)
Erik Hallberg (Charlottenlund)
Martin Karlsson (RP IF Linköping)
146
Other
2010/11
Norwegian league: 3 titles (2009, 2013,
2015)
Team roster
No.
First Name
Surname
Nat.
Position
9
Michael
Apelgren
SWE Centre Back
4
Karl Anders VictorBjörkman
SWE Right Wing
7
Aleksander
Borresen
NOR Line Player
18
Jonas
Burud
NOR Right Wing
19
Hakon Bratvold Ekren
NOR Centre Back
3
Torbjörn
Fredriksen Eide
NOR Left Back
14
Joergen
Jansrud
NOR Left Back
15
Andre
Lindboe
NOR Left Wing
2
Didrik W.
Linderud
NOR Right Wing
11
Nikolaj
Mehl
DEN Right Back
20
Luka
Mitrovic
SRB
Left Back
87
Morten
Nergaard
NOR Goalkeeper
10
Lars
Nordberg
NOR Back
24
Vegard Bakken Oeien
NOR Goalkeeper
24
Petter
Överby
NOR Line Player
21
Steffen Stormo Stegavik
NOR Centre Back
17
Erik Thorsteinsen Toft
NOR Left Back
Average:
Date of Birth Place of Birth
Height Weight
20.8.1984
Stockholm, SWE
7.10.1983
Varnamo, SWE
30.8.1985
Baerum, NOR
20.10.1993
Oslo, NOR
10.7.1994
Elverum, NOR
27.11.1990
Melhus, NOR
23.7.1996
Eidskog, NOR
3.11.1988
Tonsberg, NOR
7.12.1995
Oslo, NOR
3.8.1984
Struer, DEN
17.5.1987
Vrsac, SRB
26.2.1987
Elverum, NOR
23.4.1982
Elverum, NOR
8.7.1994
Elverum, NOR
26.3.1992
Kongsvinger, NOR
30.11.1983
Trondheim, NOR
14.11.1992
Elverum, NOR
26,11
181
87
180
80
206
111
195
95
186
97
193
95
195
93
186
80
183
87
190
98
192
85
189
92
197
100
190
100
200
110
183
90
192
80
190,592,9
Michael Apelgren
coach
•
joined Elverum as playing head coach ahead of the 2014/15
season
•
succeeded former Norwegian international Christian Berge,
as Berge became national team coach of Norway
•
was a successful playmaker for Puerto Sagunto in the
Spanish Liga Asobal before joining Elverum
•
as a player, he has also represented BM Granollers as well
as several Swedish clubs
•
has five Swedish championships as a player
•
played five internationals for Sweden in his playing days.
147
Morten Nergaard
goalkeeper
Andre Lindboe
left wing
•
has spent far most of his career in Elverum,
had a short foreign adventure by Danish Aalborg in
2012
•
born in the women’s handball stronghold
Larvik played for four other Norwegian clubs before
he joined Elverum in 2011 (Halsen, Larvik, Fram,
Sandefjord)
•
played eight internationals for Norway
•
made a debut in the national team of Norway
in April 2011 against Germany
•
one of the Elverum players who has European
experience from the 2012/13 CL qualification and
the EHF Cup Group Phase
•
took part at the EHF EURO 2014 scoring seven
goals in three matches
Erik Toft Thorsteinsson
left back
Luka Mitrovic
left back
•
versatile back court player, and though being
right handed, he can actually play all three back
court positions
•
a versatile Serbian back court player who can
also play the playmaker position which he has done
in several of his previous clubs
•
has always played in Elverum, the place where
he was also born
•
playing his second season with Elverum after
joining from Danish Norsjaelland Haandbold in the
summer of 2014
•
had his debut in Elverum’s league team
already at the age of 16.
•
•
is not the only famous name in his family, as
his mother is in charge of a well-known Norwegian
TV program
•
has played ten senior internationals for Serbia
•
came from Metaloplastika Sabac in his
homeland originally, but before joining Elverum,
he played three years in Denmark (Nordsjaelland,
Aalborg and Skive FH)
played 27 junior internationals for Norway
Hakon Bratvold Ekren
centre back
Petter Överby
line player
•
•
joined Elverum ahead of the 2015/16 season
from league rivals Notteroy signing a two-year
contract with an option for a further year
has played all his handball career in Elverum
•
played one senior international and 17 junior
internationals for Norway.
•
played 12 senior internationals for Norway,
including the EHF EURO 2016 qualifiers against
Croatia
•
physically strong player and an inventive
playmaker, his idol used to be another quite
inventive playmaker, Ivano Balic
•
by joining Elverum, he left his younger brother
Henrik who was among his teammates in Notteroy
•
apart from being good at organising his team’s
attacking play, he is also good at seeking his own
chance by breaking through the opponents’ defence
•
strong and solid pivot who is good at making
room on the line and with a fine scoring percentage
from the line.
Nikolaj Mehl
right back
Karl Anders Björkman
right wing
•
playing his second season in Elverum after
joining from league rivals Drammens HK in the
summer of 2014
•
on his second stay with Elverum after a trip
back to his homeland Sweden to play for league club
H43 Lund from 2010-2012
•
•
came originally from Anderstorps SK in the
second Swedish league
has been playing in Norway since 2012
•
has a past career in the Danish league clubs
Team Tvis Holstebro and Lemvig Thyboron as well as
second league club Faaborg HK
•
sustained a knee injury in last season´s
Norwegian play-off final against Bodo, but was
expected fit for the start of the 2015/16 season
•
has an academy exam in international trade
and marketing
148
Think one passion
can reach many
countries.
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
19 countries and more than
9.3 million customers.
www.uniqagroup.com
2014/15 Top Scorers
Rank
1
Player
Club
Goals
Momir Ilic (SRB)
MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN)
114
2
Kiril Lazarov (MKD)
FC Barcelona (ESP)
106
3
Mikkel Hansen (DEN)
103
4
Karol Bielecki (POL)
92
5
Timur Dibirov (RUS)
HC Vardar (MKD)
78
6
Zsolt Balogh (HUN)
76
Marko Vujin (SRB)
THW Kiel (GER)
76
8
Nikola Karabatic (FRA)
FC Barcelona (ESP)
75
9
Igor Karacic (CRO)
HC Vardar (MKD)
74
10
Alex Dujshebaev (ESP)
HC Vardar (MKD)
73
11
Dragan Gajic (SLO)
Montpellier Agglomeration HB (FRA)
71
Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson (ISL)
FC Barcelona (ESP)
71
13
Dean Bombac (SLO)
69
14
Bo Dybdal Spellerberg (DEN)
66
15
Uwe Gensheimer (GER)
65
Zlatko Horvat (CRO)
HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)
65
Alexander Dereven (RUS)
62
Thomas Mogensen (DEN)
62
17
19
Renato Sulic (CRO)
MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN)
60
20
Dmitry Zhitnikov (RUS)
59
2014/15 All-Star Team
150
Past Winners
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)
2007 THW Kiel (GER)
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)
1995 Elgorriaga Bidasoa (ESP)
1994
TEKA Santander (ESP)
151
History: 22 years of EHF Champions League
1993 – 2005
1999/00
Final: THW Kiel – FC Barcelona 28:25 / 24:29 (52:54)
THW Kiel became the first German team to make it into the Final but
even a 28:25-victory in the final’s first leg was not enough to end
Barcelona’s EHF Champions League winning streak. Backed by half
of the Spanish national team and international stars like Christian
Schwarzer and Tomas Svensson, Barcelona won their fifth title.
1993/94
Final: ABC Braga vs TEKA Santander 22:22/21:23 (43:45)
The inaugural year of the Men’s EHF Champions League saw the
classic home and away knockout matches being replaced with a
totally new system. 32 teams went into two qualification rounds,
eliminating 24 clubs. The remaining eight teams were placed into
two groups of four teams each playing in a round-robin system. TEKA
Santander and ABC Braga topped their respective groups and faced
each other in the final. Santander narrowly kept the upper hand and
started what should become an eight-year Spanish club winning
streak in the Men’s EHF Champions League.
2000/01
Final: Portland San Antonio – FC Barcelona 30:24 / 22:25 (52:49)
For Barcelona it was a whole new feeling to watch another team
celebrating at the end of the Champions League Final. Following five
consecutive titles an era came to end when Spanish King Juan Carlos
handed the huge tropy to Portland San Antonio at the end of allSpanish Final.
1994/95
Final: Elgorriaga Bidasoa Irun vs Badel Zagreb 30:20 / 26:27 (56:47)
The final of the EHF Champions League’s second season became the
match of a lifetime for Irun’s Nenad Perunicic, nicknamed “the canon”
or “Il Conquistadore” by the fans. He was his team’s key player in
the final and, in his first year in Spain, not only he lifted the EHF
Champions League but also the national championship trophy with
Irun.
2001/02
Final: Fotex Veszprem vs SC Magdeburg 23:21 / 25:30 (48:51)
One year after Barcelona’s dominance had ended in the EHF
Champions League, the dominance of Spanish clubs also came to
an end, when SC Magdeburg became the first German team to win
the competition. And late at night, at the end of a glittering party,
Stefan Kretzschmar and coach Alfred Gislason were still up for
jokes: “Training is on the agenda. The entire team is going to run
through the whole town until 08:00 tomorrow morning,” they both
proclaimed.
1995/96
Final: FC Barcelona vs Elgorriaga Bidasoa Irun 23:15 / 23:23 (46:38)
In the season that was marked by the “Bosman decision”, which had
substantial effects on transfer regulations and transfer fees in sport,
FC Barcelona won their first EHF Champions League title. No other
should be capable of dethroning the Catalan side for the next four
years.
2002/03
Final: Portland San Antonio – Montpellier HB 27:19 / 19:31 (46:50)
A new star was born during the finals of the 2002/03 EHF Champions
League season. Montpellier’s Nikola Karabatic scored 11 goals in the
first leg in Spain and another six in front of his home fans, enabling
his team to turn around the eight goal defeat from the first leg and to
become the first French side to win the EHF Champions League.
1996/97
Final: FC Barcelona vs Badel Zagreb 31:22 / 30:23 (61:45)
In their second consecutive EHF Champions League Final Barcelona
dominated both matches against Badel Zagreb. And while the Spanish
side celebrated their second EHF Champions League triumph, the
Croatian side had lost their second final. Also in 1996/97 the so called
“fast break” was born due to a rule change, making handball more
attractive and athletic than ever before.
2003/04
Final: Celje vs Flensburg- Handewitt 34:28 / 28:30 (62:58)
In March 2003 the EHF had decided on a new structure for the
competition. Three teams from Spain and Germany now had a
starting slot. Two representatives from Hungary, Slovenia, Denmark
and Croatia would start in the Group Phase. Overall 32 teams (8
groups of 4 teams each) made up the Group Phase. Flensburg had
profited from the new system but Slovenian side Celje was too strong
in the final.
1997/98
Final: FC Barcelona vs Badel Zagreb 28:18 / 28:22 (56:40)
Barcelona beat Zagreb once more to win their third consecutive EHF
Champions League title. But at least as much news as the repeated
triumph made the wedding of Barcelona player Inaki Urdangarin who
married Christina, youngest daughter of Spanish King Juan Carlos and
Queen Sofia, on 4th October 1997.
2004/05
Final: BM Ciudad Real vs FC Barcelona Cifec 28:27 / 27:29 (55:56)
Following four years without being present in the final, Barcelona
won their sixth EHF Champions League title. And while the spectator
record for one match was 10,000 fans, the whole city celebrated
Barcelona’s victory. “We did a lap of honour in the Stadion Nou Camp
in front of 100,000 spectators and were celebrated by the whole
town,” remembers Barcelona’s Dane Lars Krogh Jeppesen.
1998/99
Final: Badel Zagreb vs FC Barcelona 22:22 / 18:29 (40:51)
Once again there were tears in Zagreb and joy in Barcelona. The
Spanish team beat Zagreb in their third consecutive final and lifted
the EHF Champions League trophy for the fourth time in a row.
Zagreb’s coach Velimir Klajic had to admit that Barcelona “at this
moment in time, were quite simply the best club team in the world.”
152
History: 22 years of EHF Champions League
2005 – 2015
2010/11
Final: FC Barcelona vs Renovalia Ciudad Real 27:24
Since 2010 the event is known as the VELUX EHF Champions League.
40,000 fans stormed to Cologne to attend the VELUX EHF FINAL4
weekend and TV viewing audience figures went to a new height. 310
million viewers from 76 countries worldwide watched 2,800 hours of
TV transmissions 2010/11. Barcelona extended their lead as the most
successful club in EHF Champions League history when won their
seventh title, beating Ciudad Real in the Final.
2005/06
Final: Portland San Antonio vs BM Ciudad Real 19:25 / 28:37 (47:62)
Spanish businessman and BM Ciudad Real president, Domingo Diaz de
Mera, had put together a team that proved to be unbeatable in the
2005/06 Champions League season. Mera bought superstars from all
over Europe and the team around Olafur Stefansson, Mirza Dzomba,
Didier Dinart et al. paid justified Mera’s expenses when they beat
Spanish rival San Antonio in the final.
2006/07
Final: SG Flensburg- Handewitt vs THW Kiel 28:28 / 27:29 (55:57)
The EHF Champions League, through the efforts of the 2005
founded EHF Marketing GmbH, became a unified look. Since 2006,
TV spectators across Europe know they are watching a men’s EHF
Champions League match when they see the distinct blue lagoon
and black supplied by flooring specialists Gerfloor in addition to the
season’s individual yellow and blue handball supplied by adidas. On
the sport side of things, Kiel won their first EHF Champions League
title, beating arch rival Flensburg-Handewitt.
2011/12
Final: THW Kiel vs BM Atletico Madrid 26:21
The German powerhouse sensationally lost in their first home match
of the season against Montpellier, but no other team was able to
overcome THW Kiel throughout the remaining of the season. Gíslason
led his team to the third trophy in the club’s history becoming the first
coach who won with two different teams. Defending champions from
Barcelona were eliminated in the quarter-finals by AG København, but
the Danish side was stopped in the semi-final by Atlético Madrid, who
made it to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 for the fourth time in a row.
2007/08
Final: BM Ciudad Real vs THW Kiel 27:29 / 31:25 (58:54)
In the 2007/08 season a second Group Phase with four groups of four
teams each replaced the Last 16-matches and the quarter-finals.
The first teams of each group qualified for the semi-finals and in the
final 2006 champion Ciudad Real faced 2007 champion THW Kiel. The
Spanish side prevailed and could win their second EHF Champions
League trophy.
2012/13
Final: FC Barcelona vs HSV Hamburg 29:30 AET
HSV Hamburg go into the new season as the defending champion. For
the first time the extra-time had to decide the winner. In 20 years of
EHF Champions League history there have only been two champions,
Montpellier in 2003 and Celje in 2004, who neither came from
Spain nor from Germany. The All-Stars team of the 20 years were
announced: Goalkeeper Tomas Svensson (SWE), Left Wing Stefan
Kretzschmar (GER), Left Back Filip Jícha (CZE), Line Player Andrei
Xepkin (ESP), Centre Back Jackson Richardson (FRA), Right Back
(Oláfur Stefansson), Right Wing Mirza Džomba (CRO), Best defender
Didier Dinart (FRA)
2008/09
Final: THW Kiel vs BM Ciudad Real 39:34 / 27:33 (66:67)
THW Kiel and BM Ciudad Real faced each other in the final for the
second year in a row and even though Kiel had won the first leg of the
final by five goals, it was Ciudad Real that won the EHF Champions
League for a second consecutive time. Kiel were still in the lead
by 20:16 after 39 minutes but with a series of 10:3 goals within 11
minutes Ciudad Real turned the match in their favour.
2013/14
Final: SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel 30:28
For the third year in a row a team from Northern Germany prevailed
as SG Flensburg-Handewitt took both of their opponents at the
VELUX EHF FINAL4 by surprise. In the semi-final the “Vranjes boys”
eliminated giants of FC Barcelona after a penalty-shoot-out thriller
and made the Cinderrella story perfect by beating their neighbours
from Kiel 30:28 in the final.
2009/10
Final: FC Barcelona Borges vs HW Kiel 34:36
In the 2009/10 season the number of participating teams in the first
Group Phase was reduced from 32 to 24. Four groups of six teams
each were formed and the first four teams qualified for the knockout
phase which replaced the second group phase. For the first time the
VELUX EHF FINAL4 tournament, which combined the Semi-finals and
the Final, was held in Cologne, Germany, to decide the champion.
THW Kiel won their second title when they beat Barcelona.
2014/15
Final: FC Barcelona vs MKB-MVM Veszprem 28:23
The defending champions from SG Flensburg-Handewitt were
eliminated already in the Last 16 as well as Rhein-Neckar Löwen.
The end of the three-year-old reign of Bundesliga was sealed only in
Cologne as THW Kiel were unable to repeat their 2014 semi-final win
against Veszprem. However, the effort of Hungarian champions for
their premiere trophy were denied by FC Barcelona who rose to the
throne for the eighth time in the EHF history.
153
All-time club standings (1993-2015)
#
TR
Name of the club
MP
W
D
L
GF:FA
1
1
FC Barcelona Lassa ESP
228
170
16
42
2
2
THW Kiel GER
220
158
13
3
3
MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN
202
136
8
4
4
HC PPD Zagreb CRO
208
103
5
5
BM Atletico Madrid ESP
144
6
6
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO
174
7
7
Montpellier HB FRA
8
8
9
9
10
GD
P
NP
%
G
7053:5830 +1223
356:100
(19)
78,07
B
49
6869:5909 +960
329:111
(19)
74,77
A
58
5844:5231 +613
280:124
(20)
69,31
A
22
83
5498:5344 +154
228:188
(22)
54,81
A
111
5
28
4502:3803 +699
227:61
(10)
78,82
A
98
9
67
4989:4671 +318
205:143
(18)
58,91
A
154
89
10
55
4448:4202 +246
188:120
(16)
61,04
B
SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER
130
82
9
39
3929:3599 +330
173:87
(11)
66,54
A
HSV Hamburg GER
98
68
9
21
3088:2670 +418
145:51
(7)
73,98
10
Portland San Antonio ESP
100
64
6
30
2929:2594 +335
134:66
(9)
67,00
11
11
Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS
126
59
15
52
3875:3724 +151
133:119
(14)
52,78
C
12
12
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN
104
52
9
43
2982:2932 +50
113:95
(12)
54,33
B
13
13
MOL-Pick Szeged HUN
118
51
9
58
3221:3264 -43
111:125
(13)
47,03
B
14
14
KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL
90
52
6
32
2612:2513 +99
110:70
(9)
61,11
B
15
15
Reale Ademar Leon ESP
100
50
6
44
2875:2817 +58
106:94
(10)
53,00
D
16
16
Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER
70
40
10
20
2166:1981 +185
90:50
(6)
64,29
B
17
17
Chambery Savoie Handball FRA
74
29
3
42
2028:2133 -105
61:87
(8)
41,22
18
18
HC Metalurg MKD
62
25
5
32
1549:1633 -84
55:69
(7)
44,36
D
19
19
RK Gorenje Velenje SLO
62
26
1
35
1779:1775 +4
53:71
(6)
42,74
A
20
20
SC Magdeburg GER
40
24
3
13
1166:1077 +89
51:29
(4)
63,75
21
22
HC Vardar MKD
68
21
9
38
1796:1980 –184
51:85
(9)
37,50
B
22
23
Orlen Wisla Plock POL
66
22
2
42
1740:1922 –182
46:86
(9)
34,85
A
23
24
Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI
62
19
6
37
1783:1872 -89
44:80
(8)
35,48
D
24
26
Paris Saint-Germain Handball FRA
42
20
3
19
1167:1159 +8
43:41
(5)
51,19
A
25
46
TATRAN Presov SVK
36
7
4
25
1005:1157 -152
18:54
(7)
25,00
C
26
47
Naturhouse La Rioja ESP
22
7
3
12
651:693
-42
17:27
(3)
38,64
C
27
50
HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR
22
7
1
14
616:651
-35
15:29
(3)
34,09
D
28
55
HC Meshkov Brest BLR
34
5
2
27
875:1031
-156
12:56
(6)
17,65
C
29
63
Skjern Handbold DEN
14
4
1
9
339:362
–23
9:19
(3)
32,14
D
30
83
Futebol Clube do Porto POR
10
2
1
7
241:278
-37
5:15
(2)
25,00
C
31
102
Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu TUR
10
1
0
9
253:303
–50
2:18
(2)
10,00
A
32
111
Alpla HC Hard AUT
6
0
0
6
138:180
-42
0:12
(1)
0,00
Q
NR
Elverum Handball Herrer NOR
0
0
0
0
0:0
0
0:0
(1)
0,00
D
NR
HCM Baia Mare ROU
0
0
0
0
0:0
0
0:0
(1)
0,00
D
NR
Vojvodina SRB
0
0
0
0
0:0
0
0:0
(1)
0,00
C
NR
IFK Kristianstad SWE
0
0
0
0
0:0
0
0:0
(1)
0,00
B
NR
RK Borac m:tel BIH
0
0
0
0
0:0
0
0:0
(0)
0,00
Q
NR
OCI-LIONS NED
0
0
0
0
0:0
0
0:0
(0)
0,00
Q
L – losses
GF:GA – goals for:goals against
P – points
NP – number of participations
% = winning percentage
G - group
All stats in this guide are provided by Roy Knoppert
^ = Excluding Qualifying matches
The club name is the last used name in the CL
TR – total ranking
MP – matches played
W – wins
D – draws
154
2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League Group Phase
Media Guide
by
EHF Media & Communications, 15/09/2015
Contributors: Björn Pazen, Peter Bruun, Bence Martha, Zoran Milosavljevic, Kevin Domas, Magda Pluszewska, Bruno Pinevic, Sergey
Nikolaev, Francisco Miranda, Igor Grachev, Amina Idrizi, Nejc Adnik, Eren Cetin, Fulya Oktem, Tomas Cuncik, Adria Barrio, Adrian Costeiu,
Nemanja Savic, Roy Knoppert
155
For further information please contact:
Vladislav Brindzak
EHF Media & Communications
+43 1 80151 161
brindzak@eurohandball.com
European Handball Federation
Hoffingergasse 18
1120 Vienna
Austria
EHF Marketing GmbH
Hoffingergasse 18
1120 Vienna
Austria
Tel +43 1 80151 0
Tel +43 1 80151 224

Media Information - European Handball Federation

Transcription

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