group phase
TRANSCRIPT
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueSeason 2015/16
Group Phase
Media Information
Title sponsor
Premium sponsor
Partners
RegionalPremium sponsor
VELUX EHF Champions League 2015/2016OFFICIAL PROGRAMME
VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPONSORS
www.velux.by
The convenient top operation not only makes it easy to open the window with a single-handed tug at the elegant control bar, it also offers the opportunity to place furniture beneath the window. A unique ventilation flap is cleverly integrated in the control bar.
Handle as you like
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4
Foreword 6
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
Head-to-heads in the EC 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
Table of contents
5
GROUP C
Preview 99
Head-to-heads in the EC 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
Head-to-heads in the EC 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
Table of contents
6
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 BrihaultEHF President
7
EHF/M media contacts
Clubs media contacts
Media matters
Vlado BrindzakMedia and Communications European Handball Federation+43 1 80 151 [email protected]
TV and Radio
Miguel Mateo MarcellanMedia ManagerEHF Marketing GmbH+43 1 80 151 [email protected]
GROUP A
THW Kiel (GER)Christian Robohm +49 [email protected]
Veszprém HC (HUN)Zsolt Sevinger+36 [email protected]
Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA)Louise Cosnard+33 675 591 [email protected]
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO)Nejc Ajdnik+386 [email protected]
Orlen Wisla Płock (POL)Tomasz BaumanTel: +48 723 100 [email protected]
HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)Goran Roknic+385 95 9999 [email protected]
Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu (TUR)Berk Karahan+90 535 358 [email protected]
SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER)Sandra von Wallis+49 [email protected]
GROUP D
HC Metalurg (MKD)Ana Neloska+389 723 103 [email protected]
Skjern Handbold (DEN)Jette Alstrup+45 606 602 [email protected]
HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR)Dmitriy Karpushchenko+380 50 [email protected]
Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)Barbara Imobersteg+41 [email protected]
HCM Baia Mare (ROU)Paul Ursachi+40 757 275 [email protected]
Elverum Handball Herrer (NOR)Erik Henriksen+47 400 [email protected]
GROUP B
FC Barcelona Lassa (ESP)Gustau Galvache+34 [email protected]
KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL)Sebastian Kozubek+48 [email protected]
HC Vardar (MKD)Marko Savovski+389 75 200 [email protected]
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN)Thomas Christensen+45 22 [email protected]
MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN)Levente Juhasz+36 70 543 [email protected]
Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER)Christopher [email protected]
IFK Kristianstad (SWE)Anders Hallengren+46 734 33 11 [email protected]
Montpellier HB (FRA)Suzy Demonte+33 499 610 [email protected]
GROUP C
Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)Jaime Luis Gonzalez Gutierrez+34 63 77 66 [email protected]
HC Meshkov Brest (BLR)Alexandr Kulbaka+375 29 350 74 [email protected]
Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS)Olga Belysheva+7 909 6391 [email protected]
Futebol Clube do Porto (POR)Joana Moreira+351 22 508 32 [email protected]
HC Vojvodina (SRB)Dan Fracile +381 65 861 [email protected]
Tatran Presov (SVK)Branko Benko+421 911 [email protected]
8
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status: 24.06.2015
QualificationTournament
16.-20.09.15 (1); 23.-27.09.2015 (2);05./06.09.2015 30.09.-04.10.2015 (3); 07.-11.10.2015 (4) 16.-20.03.2016 20.-24.04.2016 28./29.05.2016
tournament 14.-18.10.2015 (5); 21.-25.10.2015 (6) first leg first leg tournament11.-15.11.2015 (7); 18.-22.11.2015 (8)
25.-29.11.2015 (9); 02.-06.12.2015 (10) 23.-27.03.2016 27.04.-01.05.2016in one venue 10.-14.02.2016 (11 - A/B); 17.-21.02.2016 (12 -A/B) second leg second leg
24.-28.02.2016 (13); 02.-06.03.2016 (14) in Cologne
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
1 GER 1 THW Kiel2 ESP 1 FC Barcelona Lassa3 HUN 1 MKB-MVM Veszprem4 POL 1 KS Vive Tauron Kielce5 MKD 1 HC Vardar6 FRA 1 Paris Saint Germain HB7 DEN 1 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn8 SLO 1 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko9 HUN 2 MOL-Pick Szeged
10 POL 2 Orlen Wisla Plock11 CRO 1 HC PPD Zagreb12 GER 2 Rhein-Neckar Löwen13 SWE 1 IFK Kristianstad14 TUR 1 Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu15 FRA 2 Montpellier HB16 GER 3 SG Flensburg-Handewitt
Group C and D (12 teams)
2 groups with 6 teams
1 ESP 2 Naturhouse La Rioja2 MKD 2 HC Metalurg3 DEN 2 Skjern Handball4 BLR 1 HC Meskov Brest5 RUS 1 Chekhovskie medvedi6 UKR 1 HC Motor7 SUI 1 Kadetten Schaffhausen8 POR 1 Futebol Clube do Porto9 ROU 1 HCM Baia Mare
10 SRB 1 Vojvodina11 SVK 1 Tatran Presov12 NOR 1 Elverum Handball Herrer13 AUT 1 ALPLA HC Hard14 BIH 1 RK Borac m:tel15 NED 1 OCI/Lions
VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2015/16
Last 16 FINAL4QuarterfinalsGroup Phase
1 group with 4 teams
played in semi finals and finals played in semi finals and finals
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4th placed team of CL Qualification Tournament goes to EHF Cup Qualification Rd 2,
2nd and 3rd placed team of CL Qualification Tornament go to EHF Cup Qualification Rd 3
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matches qualify for L16
12 teams 8 teams 4 teams
11
EHF Champions League information
New ways to follow the VELUX EHF Champions League
When Elverum Handball Herrer face OCI-Lions in the opening semi-final 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 tournament in Banja Luka will be covered on a variety of platforms, ensuring that anyone interested will not miss a beat, wherever they are.
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
The EHF’s social media channels will provide a very different view of the chase for the final group phase place.
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.
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.
Accreditation for Group Phase
The written media and photographer’s accreditation procedure in the Group Phase is entirely in the responsibility of the participating clubs. TV and Radio accreditations are subject to approval by EHF Marketing GmbH – please contact Miguel Mateo Marcellán.
Online information
www.ehfCL.comwww.ehfTV.comwww.ehfFINAL4.comRegulations of the VELUX EHF Champions League Twitter: @ehf, @ehfclFacebook: ehf.champions.league
Official name 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.
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’.
sky.de/sports
Erlebe alle Spiele der deutschen Teams sowie das VELUX EHF FINAL4 live, exklusiv und in HD.
VELUX EHF FINAL4 Champions League, outdoor stände © Philipp Guelland
Hol Dir Sky und freu Dich auf die VELUX EHF Champions League.
POS_Anz_Handball_A4.indd 1 03.09.15 14:00
13
TV stations to broadcast matches all over the world
EUROPE• BEL Eleven Sports
• BIH Arena Sport
• BLR BYRBCT Belarus 5
• CRO HRT
• CRO Arena Sport
• DEN DR
• ESP TV3 Catalunya
• ESP TVE/ teledeporte
• FRA beIN Sports 1/ 3
• GER Sky Germany
• GRE OTE
• HUN sport1/2
• ISL STod2
• ISR Charlton Sport / Sport 1
• ITA sportitalia
• MKD MKRTV
• MKD Arena Sport
• MNE Arena Sport
• NOR Viasat Sport
• POL NC+
• POR Sport TV Portugal
• POR Porto TV
• ROU Digisport Romania
• ROU Dolce Sport
• RUS NTv+ Sport
• SLO Sport TV Slovenia
• SRB RTS
• SRB Arena Sport
• SUI Teleclub
• SVK/CZE Sport 1
• SWE Viasat 10
• TUR Dsmart
• UKR Xsport
AMERICA• BRA Esporte Interactivo
• USA beIN Sports USA
ASIA• MENA beIN Sports MENA
• MYS Eleven Sports
• SGP Eleven Sports
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:
14
Important regulationsScoring of the matches and ranking
General
All matches of the VELUX EHF Champions League shall be played in 2 x 30 minutes with a half-time break of 10 minutes. The EHF reserves the right to extend the half-time break in special circumstances to 15 minutes.
The matches shall be scored as follows:a) win = 2 pointsb) draw = 1 pointc) loss = 0 points
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:
During the Group Phase: a) higher goal difference in all matches; b) higher number of plus goals in all matches;
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;
After completion of the Group Phase if three or more teams have scored the same number of points: a) number of points in matches of all teams directly involved; b) goal difference in matches of all teams directly involved; c) higher number of plus goals in matches of all teams directly involved; d) goal difference in all matches of the group; e) higher number of plus goals in all matches of the group;
If the ranking of one of these teams is determined, the criteria are consecutively followed until the ranking of all teams is determined.
If no ranking can be determined, a decision shall be obtained by drawing lots. Lots shall be drawn by the EHF, if possible in the presence of a representative of each club.
Group Phase KO matches
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 differenceb) higher number of plus goals scored in away matchc) penalty throws
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.
- 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.
- The referees shall choose the goal at which throws are taken. The team taking the first penalty throw shall be determined by the referees by drawing lots. The team winning the draw may choose whether it wishes to throw first or last.
- If 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.
- 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 number of eligible players falls below five, players may be named to take a second throw in the same round.
>> 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
Relaunch
16
VELUX EHF FINAL4 countdown
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.
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 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.
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.
Yet again the 2015 VELUX EHF FINAL4 was the season’s highlight in European handball – 20,000 spectators in the LANXESS arena and
millions of fans at home watched four unforgettable handball games and a unique entertainment show.
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.
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.
Full information at: www.ehfFINAL4.com
VELUX EHF FINAL4 Media Accreditation
The accreditation procedure of media representatives for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 will start in March 2016.
VELUX EHF FINAL4 201628 / 29 May 2016 LANXESS arena Cologne
ATMOSPHERE · SHOW ·
EXCITEMENT · YOUR
THRILLING EXPERIENCE
The VELUX EHF FINAL4 is the
most popular handball event for
fans from all over Europe –
19,750 spectators are again
expected in Cologne in May 2016.
Do you want to be part of this
gigantic event? Book your
personal VIP arrangement
via phone +43 1 80 151 216
or via email
@ehfcl und #EHFFINAL4 www.facebook.com/ehf.champions.league www.ehfFINAL4.com
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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:
VELUX EHF FINAL4 travel and ticket partners announced
VietentoursThe 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 [email protected].
Handbollsresor.nuOfficial partner for both the Swedish and Danish markets and has been a partner for several years.Contact:+46 70-524 10 [email protected].
Hemispheres VoyagesA 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 [email protected]
Travel Sense A/STravel 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 [email protected]
Kagan’s Turist ApsTravel partner for the Danish market Contact: +45 24 41 93 50 [email protected]
Treff AGOfficial travel partner for the Swiss market for a number of yearsContact: +41 32 387 00 87 [email protected]
OPProductions (OlliP)Partner for both Swedish and Danish markets (Travel packages available from October)Contact:[email protected]
Tensi KftPartner for the second time and covering the Hungarian market Contact: Tel: +36 30 686 9407 www.tensi.hu
Ticket2FinalA partner for several years, offering unique reservation packages, which entitle you to tickets should your team qualify.Contact: +44 [email protected]
TF travelsA long-standing partner covering the Swedish [email protected]
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Qualification Tournament review
Review: Elverum qualify for group phase
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 TournamentFinal: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.
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.
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 strength-sapping 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)
Qualification Tournament Elverum Handball Herrer (NOR)OCI-Lions (NED)Alpla HC Hard (AUT)RK Borac m:tel (BIH)
Group DHC Metalurg (MKD)Skjern Handbold (DEN)HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR)Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)HCM Baia Mare (ROU)Elverum Handball Herrer (NOR)
Playing hallSportska Dvorana “Borik”Aleja Svetog Save 4878000 Banja LukaBosnia HerzegovinaCapacity: 3,500
2nd ranked team - Alpla HC Hard - EHF Cup, Qualification Round 33rd 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)
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Facts and figures of the group phase
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
21 teams, which had been part of the 2014/15 group phase, have qualified for this stage again.
200 matches on the road to the VELUX EHF FINAL4
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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.
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 quarter-finals 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 age average
HC Vardar 28,74HCM Baia Mare 28,25KS Vive Tauron Kielce 28,24HC Meshkov Brest 28,05FC Barcelona Lassa 28SG Flensburg-Handewitt 27,78HC Motor Zaporozhye 27,55Naturhouse La Rioja 27,41Besiktas JK 26,96TATRAN Presov 26,76KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 26,67Orlen Wisla Plock 26,57Kadetten Schaffhausen 26,52Rhein-Neckar Löwen 26,29Paris Saint-Germain Handball 26,29THW Kiel 26,27Elverum Handball Herrer 26,11MVM Veszprém 25,68HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 25,26Skjern Handbold 25,1Futebol Clube do Porto 24,89Vojvodina 24,81Montpellier HB 24,76IFK Kristianstad 23,95MOL-Pick Szeged 23,92Chekhovskie Medvedi 23,11HC Metalurg 22,86RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 22,21CL average 25,9
Teams by weight average
HC Vardar 97,74Orlen Wisla Plock 96,48HC Meshkov Brest 95,7Besiktas JK 95,48Naturhouse La Rioja 95,35Rhein-Neckar Löwen 95,29THW Kiel 94,91KS Vive Tauron Kielce 94,19TATRAN Presov 94,19FC Barcelona Lassa 93,35Elverum Handball Herrer 92,94HCM Baia Mare 92,63IFK Kristianstad 92,19HC Motor Zaporozhye 92Futebol Clube do Porto 92MVM Veszprém 91,93HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 91,91KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 91,79Kadetten Schaffhausen 91,62Montpellier HB 91,56HC Metalurg 91,44SG Flensburg-Handewitt 91,17MOL-Pick Szeged 90,77Paris Saint-Germain Handball 90,21Vojvodina 89,90Skjern Handbold 89,81RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 89,21Chekhovskie Medvedi 86,41CL average 92,37
Teams by height average
Orlen Wisla Plock 195,9Naturhouse La Rioja 194,88THW Kiel 194,14FC Barcelona Lassa 193,26KS Vive Tauron Kielce 193,14HC Motor Zaporozhye 193,11HC Vardar 193HC Meshkov Brest 192,7TATRAN Presov 192,64HC PPD Zagreb 192,48Vojvodina 192,29Futebol Clube do Porto 192,16Besiktas JK 191,83HC Metalurg 191,8Rhein-Neckar Löwen 191,29Chekhovskie Medvedi 191,26Paris Saint-Germain 191,07Kadetten Schaffhausen 190,9Montpellier HB 190,64MVM Veszprém 190,57Skjern Handbold 190,52MOL-Pick Szeged 190,49Elverum Handball Herrer 190,47HCM Baia Mare 190,26IFK Kristianstad 190,24SG Flensburg-Handewitt 189,61KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 189,04RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 187,89CL average 191,56
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Facts and figures of the group phase
Ljubomir Vranjes SG Flensburg-Handewitt SWE 168Tadej Matijasic HC Metalurg SLO 174Adam Arokszallasi MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 174Balazs Molnar MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 175Davor Palevski HC Metalurg MKD 175Rene T. Rasmussen Skjern Handbold DEN 176Ugur Coban Besiktas MOGAZ HT TUR 177Eljub Alagic RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 177Gal Marguc RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 177Victor Tomas FC Barcelona Lassa ESP 178Miha Zarabec RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 178Sergio Muggli Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 178Ivan Cupic KS Vive Tauron Kielce CRO 178Hugo Delgado Futebol Clube do Porto POR 178Benedek Szakaly MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 178Zlatko Horvat HC PPD Zagreb CRO 179Luka Rakovic HC PPD Zagreb CRO 179
Dainis Kristopans HC Meshkov Brest LAT 213Angel Montoro Cabello Orlen Wisla Plock ESP 213Mateusz Piechowski Orlen Wisla Plock POL 210Marko Kopljar FC Barcelona Lassa CRO 210Antonijo Peshevski HC Metalurg MKD 209Josip Sandrk HC PPD Zagreb CRO 209Alberto Val Sancho Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 208Laszlo Nagy MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 208Sergii Burka HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 208Ivan Ivkovic TATRAN Presov CRO 207Michal Kasal Futebol Clube do Porto CZE 207Milan Vuckovic Vojvodina SRB 207Kamil Syprzak FC Barcelona Lassa POL 206Aleksander Borresen Elverum Handball Herrer NOR 206Gleb Kalarash HC Motor Zaporozhye RUS 205Rogerio Ferreira Moraes THW Kiel BRA 204Marco Oneto Orlen Wisla Plock ITA 204
Timofei Maslennikov Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 60Benedek Szakaly MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 65Adam Arokszallasi MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 66Artem Kozakevych HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 68Simon Opstrup Skjern Handbold DEN 70Balazs Molnar MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 70Roland Selmeczi MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 70Davor Palevski HC Metalurg MKD 70Michal Daszek Orlen Wisla Plock POL 70Hugo Delgado Futebol Clube do Porto POR 70Eduardo Cadarso Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 71Kyllian Villeminot Montpellier HB FRA 72Lukas Blohme SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 72Gal Marguc RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 72Martin Varju MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 73Anze Dobovicnik RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 73Tilen Dobovicnik RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 73
Dainis Kristopans HC Meshkov Brest LAT 135Strahinja Milic HC Vardar SRB 132Rafael Baena Rhein-Neckar ESP 128Andrej Petro Tatran Presov SVK 127Kamil Syprzak FC Barcelona Lassa POL 120Zbigniew Kwiatkowski Orlen Wisla Plock POL 120Arpad Sterbik Capar HC Vardar ESP 119Rogerio Ferreira Moraes THW Kiel BRA 118Josip Buljubasic Besiktas CRO 118Tolga Özbahar Besiktas TUR 118Marco Oneto Orlen Wisla Plock ITA 117Viachaslau Shumak HC Meshkov Brest BLR 116Julen Aguinagalde Akizu Vive Tauron Kielce ESP 116Blaz Blagotinsek Celje SLO 116Fredric Pettersson IFK Kristianstad SWE 116Francisco Garcia Rubio La Rioja ESP 115Matej Gaber Montpellier HB SLO 115
Luka Savanovic RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko BIH 16.1.2001Bence Gödör MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 9.10.1999Eduardo Cadarso Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 13.2.1999Adam Dimovics MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 23.1.1999Martin Nagy MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 9.1.1999Grega Ocvirk RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 5.12.1998Gasper Dobaj RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 13.11.1998Eljub Alagic RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10.6.1998Barnabas Nagy MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 8.6.1998Anze Dobovicnik RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 3.6.1998Todor Jandric Vojvodina SRB 2.6.1998Tilen Dobovicnik RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 29.5.1998Kyllian Villeminot Montpellier HB FRA 20.5.1998Jakub Bulski KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 29.4.1998Stefan Trkulja Vojvodina SRB 28.4.1998Branko Vujovic KS Vive Tauron Kielce MNE 20.4.1998Zoltan Szita MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 10.2.1998
Alexandr Radcenko Presov CZE 5.7.1973Jesper Larsson Kristianstad SWE 27.7.1973Ljubomir Vranjes Flensburg SWE 3.10.1973Ibrahim Demir Besiktas TUR 4.10.1975Kasper Hvidt KIF DEN 6.2.1976Nikola Marinovic Kadetten AUT 29.8.1976Thierry Omeyer PSG FRA 2.11.1976Torsten Jansen THW Kiel GER 23.12.1976Maik Machulla Flensburg GER 9.1.1977Petar Angelov HC Vardar MKD 8.3.1977Danijel Saric FC Barcelona Lassa BIH 27.6.1977Gurutz Aguinagalde La Rioja ESP 26.10.1977Thomas Klitgaard Skjern DEN 10.12.1977Lars Jorgensen KIF DEN 3.2.1978Radoslav Antl Presov SVK 2.3.1978Mattias Andersson Flensburg SWE 29.3.1978
shortest vs tallest
lightest vs heaviest
youngest vs oldest
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ehfTV.comAll 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Additionally, the platform offers streaming from other EHF competitions including European Cups and the European Championships.
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.
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.
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.
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
Round 1Sunday, 20 September 2015 (19:30 hrs), SAP Arena (Mannheim, GER)Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Lassa
Round 2Saturday, 26 September 2015 (17:30 hrs), Veszprem Arena (Veszprem, HUN)Veszprem Handball Club vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt
Round 3Sunday, 4 October 2015 (17:00 hrs), Palais des Sports Rene Bougnol (Montpellier, FRA)Montpellier HB vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn
Round 4Saturday, 11 October 2015 (18:00 hrs), SC Jane Sandanski (Skopje, MKD)HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen
Round 5Saturday, 17 October 2015 (18:00 hrs), MOSIR Hala Legionow (Kielce, POL)KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs FC Barcelona Lassa
Round 6Sunday, 25 October 2015 (17:00 hrs), Halle George Carpentier (Paris, FRA)Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs Veszprem Handball Club
All times are local.
*Note that live matches will be geo-blocked in some territories.
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V11944-045-004_EHF_Ad_loeber_A4_urls_English_2015.indd 1 28-08-2015 14:54:38
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Group A preview
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
RU KOM E T N I K L U BP RVO P L I N A R S KO D RU Š T VO
Z A G R E B
26
Group A head-to-headsHistoric 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 28:25 (17:15)13.02.1996 Fotex Veszprém SE vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 23:21 (11:9)25.10.2002 THW Kiel vs Fotex KC Veszprém, European Championship for Club Teams – Semi-final 23:31 (11:15)24.02.2007 MKB Veszprém KC vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 39:36 (19:20)01.03.2007 THW Kiel vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 39:32 (22:15)18.10.2012 MKB Veszprém KC vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 31:30 (14:15)17.02.2013 THW Kiel vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:21 (17:13)21.04.2013 THW Kiel vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 32:31 (15:16)27.04.2013 MKB Veszprém KC vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 28:29 (14:12)31.05.2014 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 26:29 (13:13)30.05.2015 THW Kiel vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 27:31 (13:13)
THW Kiel vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball 6-0-0 (198:160) 12:014.12.2003 THW Kiel vs Paris Handball, EHF Cup – Last 16 34:27 (19:12)21.12.2003 Paris Handball vs THW Kiel, EHF Cup – Last 16 30:32 (14:19)04.12.2005 Paris Handball vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 21:28 (11:13)10.12.2005 THW Kiel vs Paris Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 44:28 (22:12)16.11.2014 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 25:27 (13:12)22.11.2014 THW Kiel vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 33:29 (14:15)
THW Kiel vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 4-0-2 (202:176) 8:428.11.2004 THW Kiel vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, European Championship for Club Teams – Final 29:30 (17:15)21.10.2007 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs THW Kiel, Champions Trophy – Final 34:38 (17:23)17.10.2010 HC Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 28:34 (10:18)27.02.2011 THW Kiel vs HC Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 43:27 (23:16)17.11.2012 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 31:28 (12:12)21.11.2012 THW Kiel vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 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 32:31 (16:15)22.10.2005 THW Kiel vs Wisla Plock SSA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group E 37:22 (17:12)14.03.2012 Orlen Wisla Plock vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 24:36 (12:14)18.03.2012 THW Kiel vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 27:24 (15:10)22.09.2013 Orlen Wisla Plock vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 33:34 (14:14)01.12.2013 THW Kiel vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 34:25 (16:11)
THW Kiel vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 5-3-4 (325:309) 13:1115.03.1997 THW Kiel vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final 23:23 (8:11)23.03.1997 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final 25:23 (12:14)19.03.2000 THW Kiel vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final 32:21 (14:11)25.03.2000 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final 22:13 (8:7)24.11.2002 RK Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 23:28 (8:15)14.12.2002 THW Kiel vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 24:28 (14:10)29.03.2009 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 28:28 (13:12)04.04.2009 THW Kiel vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 31:27 (17:11)21.04.2012 Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 31:31 (15:12)29.04.2012 THW Kiel vs Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 33:27 (16:16)28.09.2014 HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 27:25 (9:13)26.11.2014 THW Kiel vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 34:27 (16:16)
27
Group A head-to-headsHistoric encounters of the Group C opponents in the EC
THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 6-1-3 (292:275) 13:718.04.1998 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel, EHF Cup – Final 25:23 (12:9)22.04.1998 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Cup – Final 26:21 (16:9)28.10.2001 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, European Championship for Club Teams – Place 3/4 33:31 (17:14)28.02.2006 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 28:32 (13:12)04.03.2006 SG Flensburg Handewitt vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 32:34 (16:17)22.04.2007 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Final 28:28 (10:12)29.04.2007 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Final 29:27 (15:10)01.06.2014 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Final 30:28 (14:16)15.03.2015 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 21:30 (9:16)22.03.2015 THW Kiel vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 33:28 (16:10)
MVM Veszprém vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball 3-1-0 (117:104) 7:119.04.2014 PSG Handball vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 26:28 (14:12)26.04.2014 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs PSG Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 31:26 (12:12)12.04.2015 Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 24:24 (10:12)19.04.2015 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 34:28 (16:12)
MVM Veszprém vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 8-1-1 (260:231) 17:309.10.1994 Fotex Veszprem vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 2 22:18 (8:9)15.10.1994 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Fotex Veszprem, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 2 21:24 (12:10)29.09.2007 MKB Veszprém KC vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F 24:24 (14:11)18.11.2007 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F 28:23 (15:14)29.09.2012 MKB Veszprém KC vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:22 (16:11)01.12.2012 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 19:24 (9:11)17.11.2013 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:31 (14:15)23.11.2013 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 27:26 (13:10)18.10.2014 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 21:24 (9:14)15.02.2015 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 29:26 (15:10)
MVM Veszprém vs Orlen Wisla Plock 3-0-1 (132:109) 6:209.11.2002 Wisla Plock SSA vs Fotex KC Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 25:30 (9:13)08.12.2002 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Wisla Plock SSA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 38:24 (20:14)23.03.2014 Orlen Wisla Plock vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 34:33 (16:16)29.03.2014 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 31:26 (16:11)
MVM Veszprém vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 4-1-3 (206:201) 9:724.01.1995 Badel Zagreb vs Fotex Veszprem, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:18 (16:8)15.02.1995 Fotex Veszprem vs Badel Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 23:23 (11:12)06.12.1998 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 27:25 (14:14)09.01.1999 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Fotex KC Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 19:18 (14:8)19.02.2000 Fotex KC Veszprém vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 27:25 (13:12)27.02.2000 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Fotex KC Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 30:26 (16:12) 20.10.2013 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs MKB-MVM Veszprém, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 22:33 (8:15)15.02.2014 MKB-MVM Veszprém vs HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 34:27 (19:11)
Veszprém vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 1-0-3 (100:113) 2:624.02.2001 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Fotex KC Veszprém, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final 31:22 (13:12)03.03.2001 Fotex KC Veszprém vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final 20:22 (9:10)05.10.2008 MKB Veszprém KC vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F 29:28 (14:14)16.11.2008 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs MKB Veszprém KC, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F 32:29 (15:15)
Paris Saint-Germain Handball vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 0-0-2 (42:57) 0:409.11.1996 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs PSG Asnières Hand-Ball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 31:22 (11:10)11.01.1997 PSG Asnières Hand-Ball vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 20:26 (11:13)
28
Group A head-to-headsHistoric encounters of the Group C opponents in the EC
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 27:22 (11:9)09.12.2014 HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs Paris Saint-Germain Handball, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 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 37:24 (17:13)13.11.2005 Paris Handball vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H 33:31 (16:16)
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Orlen Wisla Plock 2-0-0 (61:53) 4:016.10.2004 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Wisla Plock SSA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 29:23 (15:10)31.10.2004 Wisla Plock SSA vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 30:32 (16:16)
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 6-1-7 (311:335) 13:1527.09.1992 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs RK Zagreb, Champions Cup – Qualification Round 2 18:17 (6:9) 03.10.1992 RK Zagreb vs RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko, Champions Cup – Qualification Round 2 26:17 (13:7) 11.11.1995 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Croatia Banka Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 3 25:21 (11:9) 18.11.1995 Croatia Banka Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 3 25:20 (14:11)04.01.1998 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:21 (13:8)31.01.1998 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:22 (14:10)22.03.1998 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final 27:20 (14:10)28.03.1998 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Semi-final 25:24 (10:10)26.11.2000 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Badel 1862 Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 29:26 (12:12)16.12.2000 Badel 1862 Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 22:22 (12:11)21.02.2009 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 2 22:25 (11:16)07.03.2009 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 2 31:18 (14:6)21.09.2013 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 24:21 (13:10)30.11.2013 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:20 (14:11)
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 4-1-5 (301:305) 9:1108.11.2003 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F 29:29 (14:14)30.11.2003 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group F 29:28 (12:17)18.04.2004 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Final 34:28 (17:13)24.04.2004 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Final 30:28 (15:15)02.12.2006 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 41:31 (21:14)08.12.2006 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 36:26 (20:12)27.03.2010 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, EHF Cup – Quarter-final 33:29 (15:12)03.04.2010 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, EHF Cup – Quarter-final 32:35 (16:15)23.03.2014 Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 26:25 (13:12)29.03.2014 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Celje Pivovarna Lasko, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 30:27 (15:14)
Orlen Wisla Plock vs HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb 0-0-2 (41:61) 0:412.10.2008 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs Wisla Plock SA, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H 34:17 (15:7)08.11.2008 Wisla Plock SA vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H 24:27 (12:16)
Orlen Wisla Plock vs Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu 2-0-0 (61:49) 4:027.09.2014 Orlen Wisla Plock vs Besiktas MOGAZ HT, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 28:19 (13:7)29.11.2014 Besiktas MOGAZ HT vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 30:33 (14:15)
Orlen Wisla Plock vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 2-0-2 (120:111) 4:408.12.2001 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Orlen SSA Plock, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16 33:27 (19:12)15.12.2001 Orlen SSA Plock vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16 25:23 (10:9)08.10.2014 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Orlen Wisla Plock, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 35:28 (21:16)22.02.2015 Orlen Wisla Plock vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 31:29 (14:13)
29
Group A head-to-headsHistoric encounters of the Group C opponents in the EC
HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt 3-0-7 (269:286) 6:1415.02.2004 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 30:27 (17:15)22.02.2004 RK Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 26:28 (13:12)04.12.2005 RK Zagreb vs SG Flensburg Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 25:23 (11:8)10.12.2005 SG Flensburg Handewitt vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 28:24 (14:12)28.09.2006 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs RK Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 35:28 (14:12)05.11.2006 RK Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 21:23 (11:13)24.02.2008 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 3 29:25 (12:15)16.03.2008 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 3 36:29 (16:15)21.11.2010 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs HC Croatia Osiguranje ZAGREB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 32:29 (19:15)28.11.2010 HC Croatia Osiguranje ZAGREB vs SG Flensburg-Handewitt, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 31:26 (14:12)
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 20:27 (11:11)11.02.2015 SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs Besiktas MOGAZ HT, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 31:27 (15:14)
No previous encounters in European competitionsTHW Kiel vs Besiktas Jimnastik KulubuVeszprém HC vs Besiktas Jimnastik KulubuParis Saint-Germain Handball vs Orlen Wisla PlockParis Saint-Germain Handball vs Besiktas Jimnastik KulubuRK Celje Pivovarna Lasko vs Besiktas Jimnastik KulubuHC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb vs Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu
30
THW Kiel (GER)
Club Address:THW KielZiegelteich 3024103 KielGermany
Media contact:Christian Robohm +49 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.thw-provinzial.deFacebook:thwhandballTwitter: @thw_handball
Playing hallSparkassen-Arena-KielEuropaplatz 1, 24103 KielGermanyCapacity: 10,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: black
DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: red
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 19Winners (3): 2006/07, 2009/10, 2011/12Runners-up (4): 1999/2000, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2013/14Semi-final (4): 1996/1997, 2000/01, 2012/13, 2014/15Quarter-final (5): 1998/99, 2002/03, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2010/11Group phase (2): 1994/95, 1995/96
OtherEHF Cup: Winners 1997/98, 2001/02, 2003/04German 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
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.
“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.
GROUP A
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))
31
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 81 v FC Barcelona ESP 44:37L (a), 13.04.2008
Fewest goals 13 v Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 22:13L (a), 25.03.2000
Fewest goals opponent 15 v SKA Minsk BLR 15:27W (a), 10.11.1996
15 v SKA Minsk BLR 21:15W (h), 12.01.1997
Fewest goals both teams 35 v Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 22:13L (a), 25.03.2000
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
1994/95 THW Kiel GER 6 3 0 3 137:136 +1 6:6 2nd Gr. B
1995/96 THW Kiel GER 6 3 0 3 151:148 +3 6:6 2nd Gr. A
1996/97 THW Kiel GER 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
1999/00 THW Kiel GER 12 7 1 4 319:283 +36 15:9 Runner-up
2000/01 THW Kiel GER 10 5 1 4 279:255 +24 11:9 1/2-finals
2002/03 THW Kiel GER 8 4 1 3 234:211 +23 9:7 1/4-finals
2004/05 THW Kiel GER 10 8 0 2 336:274 +62 16:4 1/4-finals
2005/06 THW Kiel GER 10 8 0 2 346:293 +53 16:4 1/4-finals
2006/07 THW Kiel GER 14 11 1 2 517:420 +97 23:5 Winner
2007/08 THW Kiel GER 16 13 0 3 533:462 +71 26:6 Runner-up
2008/09 THW Kiel GER 16 12 1 3 548:461 +87 25:7 Runner-up
2009/10 THW Kiel GER 16 14 1 1 534:444 +90 29:3 Winner
2010/11 THW Kiel GER 14 9 2 3 456:393 +63 20:8 1/4-finals
2011/12 THW Kiel GER 16 12 3 1 496:414 +82 27:5 Winner
2012/13 THW Kiel GER 16 11 0 5 518:457 +61 22:10 4th Place
2013/14 THW Kiel GER 16 13 1 2 491:427 +64 27:5 Runner-up
2014/15 THW Kiel GER 16 12 0 4 498:421 +77 24:8 4th Place
Total: 220 158 13 49 6869:5909 +960 329:111
32
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
28 Malte Abelmann-Brockmann GER Left Wing 11.6.1995 Kiel, GER 183 76
27 Thies Bergemann GER Right Back 19.1.1996 Kiel, GER 188 80
21 Joan Cañellas Reixach ESP Centre Back 30.9.1986 St. Maria de Palau, ESP 197 95
23 Rune Dahmke GER Left Wing 10.4.1993 Kiel, GER 189 81
15 Christian Dissinger GER Left Back 15.11.1991 Ludwigshafen, GER 202 102
4 Domagoj Duvnjak CRO Centre Back 1.6.1988 Dakovo, CRO 198 100
18 Niclas Ekberg SWE Right Wing 23.12.1988 Ystad, SWE 191 89
6 Rogerio Ferreira Moraes BRA Line Player 11.1.1994 Abaetetuba, BRA 204 118
26 Lucas Firnhaber GER Right Back 23.4.1997 Buxtehude, GER 200 93
5 Torsten Jansen GER Left Wing 23.12.1976 Adenau, GER 185 86
33 Dominik Klein GER Left Wing 16.12.1983 Miltenberg, GER 190 86
9 Erlend Mamelund NOR Left Back 1.5.1984 Bærum, NOR 197 99
11 Christian Sprenger GER Right Wing 6.4.1983 Ludwigsfelde, GER 190 94
7 Rene Toft Hansen DEN Line Player 1.11.1984 Rybjerg, DEN 200 110
41 Marko Vujin SRB Right Back 7.12.1984 Backa Palanka, SRB 201 104
13 Steffen Weinhold GER Right Back 19.7.1986 Fuerth, GER 191 100
17 Patrick Wiencek GER Line Player 22.3.1989 Duisburg, GER 200 108
25 Alexander Williams GER Left Back 15.8.1996 Hamburg, GER 187 95
1 Niklas Landin Jacobsen DEN Goalkeeper 19.12.1988 Soborg, DEN 201 102
29 Nikolas Katsigiannis GER Goalkeeper 17.9.1982 Werne, GER 195 104
12 Dominik Plaue GER Goalkeeper 14.7.1995 Bad Homburg, GER 196 87
32 Fynn Malte Schröder GER Goalkeeper 12.2.1997 Bremen, GER 186 79
Average: 26,27 194,1 94,9
Team roster
THW Kiel (GER)
Alfred Gislasoncoach• 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)
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Niklas Landingoalkeeper• joined Kiel in the summer of 2015 after three seasons with bundesliga rivals Rhein-Neckar Löwen
• successor of legendary Kasper Hvidt in the Danish national team broke through during the 2011 WCh
• played also for Gudme in Denmark, where he was number 1 already at the age of 20
• best goalkeeper at the 2013 WCh, the EHF EURO 2014 and the 2013/14 CL
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014
Rune Dahmkeleft wing• only Kiel-born player in the THW squad and was in his younger days sitting on the stands cheering for his idols
• got his first professional contract in December 2013 after being part of the THW youth teams
• his father Frank Dahmke was THW player and now is member of the club board
• at least until October 2015 replacement for Dominik Klein who tore his cruciate ligament in the previous season
Rene Toft Hansenline player• 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
• new captain since Jicha’s departure
• EHF EURO 2012 All-Star Team member
• in the CL since 2007 with former clubs KIF Kolding and AG Kobenhavn
• 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
Joan Canellascentre back• scored 50 goals in eight matches on the way to the top goal scorer title of the EHF EURO 2014
• fits perfectly with Domagoj Duvnjak, with whom he played in Hamburg in 2013/14
• with Barcelona and Ciudad Real Spanish champion and cup winner
• 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)
WCh G 2013, B 2011, EURO: B 2014
Domagoj Duvnjakcentre back• THW’s top signing before the 2014/15 season
• 2013 IHF World Handball Player of the Year
• arrived from Hamburg, where he played since 2009
• not just a typical playmaker he is also a scorer and is an essential part of defence
• best Bundesliga player in 2013
• started his career in Zagreb
EC trophies: CL 2013OG: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013, EURO: S 2010, B 2012
Steffen Weinholdright back• one of the most prominent players in current German handball
• 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
• 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
EC trophies: CL 2014, EHF Cup 2008Men’s 20 EHF EURO: G 2006, Junior WCh: S 2008
Marko Vujinright back• in 2012 the Serbian shooter arrived to fill the gap after the departure of Kim Andersson to KIF
• top scorer of the 2013/14 Bundesliga (248 goals)
• won seven consecutive national championships with Veszprém and Kiel
• in the national team he is one of the stalwarts who were key to silver at the EHF EURO 2012
• started his international career in Dunaferr (Hungary), then played five years in Veszprem
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008EURO: S 2012
Niclas Ekbergright wing• spotted and signed by AG Kobenhavn in 2010
• tall winger from Ystad has large variety of shots, also effective on counterattacks and reliable on penalty throws
• these qualities have also earned him more than 90 internationals for Sweden
• joined Kiel in 2012 after AG went bankrupt and after he experienced his first VELUX EHF FINAL4
• top scorer of the London Olympics 2012 with 50 goals
OG: S 2012
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MVM Veszprém (HUN)
Club Address:MVM Veszprém Marcius 15. ut 58200 VeszprémHungary
Media contact:Zsolt Sevinger+36 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.mkbveszprem.euFacebook: mkbveszpremTwitter: @mkbveszpremkc
Playing hallVeszprém ArenaKülso Kadartai ut8200 VeszprémHungaryCapacity: 5,020
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: grey
DarkPlayer shirt: redPlayer short: redGoalkeeper shirt: black
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 21Final (2): 2001/02, 2014/15Semi-final (3): 2002/03, 2005/06, 2013/14Quarter-final (9): 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2012/13Last 16 (3): 1993/94, 2010/11, 2011/12Group Phase (3): 1994/95, 1995/96, 2007/08
OtherCup Winners‘ Cup: Winners 2007/08, Runners-up 1996/97
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)
Hungarian Cup winner: 24 times
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.
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.
GROUP A
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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)
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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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
1994/95 Fotex Veszprem HUN 6 2 2 2 131:147 –16 6:6 3rd Gr. A
1995/96 Fotex Veszprem HUN 6 3 0 3 147:144 +3 6:6 3rd Gr. A
1997/98 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 8 5 1 2 228:204 +24 11:5 1/4-finals
1998/99 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 8 3 1 4 200:188 +12 7:9 1/4-finals
1999/00 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 8 4 0 4 203:202 +1 8:8 1/4-finals
2001/02 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 12 9 0 3 310:267 +43 18:6 Runner-up
2002/03 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 10 8 0 2 276:238 +38 16:4 1/2-finals
2003/04 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 10 7 0 3 306:276 +30 14:6 1/4-finals
2004/05 Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 10 7 0 3 317:259 +58 14:6 1/4-finals
2005/06 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 9 0 3 373:318 +55 18:6 1/2-finals
2006/07 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 10 7 0 3 338:288 +50 14:6 1/4-finals
2007/08 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 6 2 2 2 184:171 +13 6:6 3rd Gr. F
2008/09 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 8 0 4 351:320 +31 16:8 1/4-finals
2009/10 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 14 11 0 3 419:368 +51 22:6 1/4-finals
2010/11 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 9 0 3 373:338 +35 18:6 Last 16
2011/12 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 12 7 0 5 321:322 -1 14:10 Last 16
2012/13 MKB Veszprém KC HUN 14 11 0 3 410:348 +62 22:6 1/4-finals
2013/14 MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 16 11 1 4 477:410 +67 23:9 4th Place
2014/15 MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 16 13 1 2 480:423 +57 27:5 Runner-up
Total 202 136 8 58 5844:5231 +613 280:124
MVM Veszprém (HUN)
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Team roster
MVM Veszprém (HUN)
Antonio Carlos Ortegacoach• 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 2003OG: B 2000, EURO: S 1998, B 2000
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
34 David Fekete HUN Left Back 12.10.1996 Budapest, HUN 180 82
35 Daniel Füzi HUN Line Player 9.8.1996 Veszprém, HUN 186 88
3 Peter Gulyas HUN Right Wing 4.3.1984 Veszprem, HUN 200 100
13 Momir Ilic SRB Left Back 22.12.1981 Andrelovac, SRB 200 104
4 Gergö Ivancsik HUN Left Wing 30.11.1981 Györ, HUN 190 87
66 Mate Lekai HUN Centre Back 16.6.1988 Budapest, HUN 190 83
24 Gasper Marguc SLO Right Wing 20.8.1990 Celje, SLO 180 74
Balazs Molnar HUN Left Wing 25.6.1997 Veszprem, HUN 175 70
19 Laszlo Nagy HUN Right Back 3.3.1981 Szeged, HUN 208 113
18 Andreas Nilsson SWE Line Player 12.4.1990 Trelleborg, SWE 197 110
24 Aron Palmarsson ISL Centre Back 19.7.1990 Reykjavik, ISL 193 100
25 Jose Maria Rodriguez Vaquero ESP Centre Back 5.1.1980 Palencia, ESP 185 91
37 Peter Schmid HUN Centre Back 6.8.1996 Veszprém, HUN 189 90
5 Istvan Timuzsin Schuch HUN Line Player 5.6.1985 Nagyatad, HUN 197 105
19 Ivan Sliskovic CRO Left Back 23.10.1991 Split, CRO 197 98
33 Renato Sulic CRO Line Player 12.10.1979 Rijeka, CRO 192 109
Benedek Szakaly HUN Right Wing 7.9.1997 Budapest, HUN 178 65
Erik Szeitl HUN Line Player 18.7.1997 Tapolca, HUN 194 98
Zoltan Szita HUN Left Back 10.2.1998 Veszprem, HUN 196 88
30 Mirsad Terzic BIH Left Back 12.7.1983 Priboj, BIH 196 103
Attila Toth HUN Right Back 17.3.1997 Budapest, HUN 192 84
23 Cristian Ugalde Garcia ESP Left Wing 19.10.1987 Barcelona, ESP 186 80
38 Martin Varju HUN Right Wing 3.1.1996 Szekszard, HUN 185 82
20 Christian Zeitz GER Right Back 18.11.1980 Heidelberg, GER 186 103
16 Roland Mikler HUN Goalkeeper 20.9.1984 Dunaujvaros, HUN 190 100
32 Mirko Alilovic CRO Goalkeeper 15.9.1985 Ljubuski, CRO 200 110
Barnabas Nagy HUN Goalkeeper 8.6.1998 Veszprem, HUN 190 87
Bence Gödör HUN Goalkeeper 9.10.1999 Veszprem, HUN 186 79
Average: 25,68 190,6 91,3
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Roland Miklergoalkeeper• 2005 All-Star goalkeeper of the junior world championship
• Hungarian national team goalkeeper is quick, compact and excellent at directing the defence
• as a teenager Mikler reached the semi-final of the EHF Cup over a decade ago, with Dunaferr in 2003
• joined Veszprem in 2014 after the EHF Cup success with Szeged
Cristian Ugaldeleft wing• brought up by Barcelona and played regularly in the first team since he was 18
• excelled at international level in the 2007/08 season with his 34 goals and participation in the national team
• won every possible title with Barca – some of them multiple times
• found a new challenge in Veszprém altering with Gergö Iváncsik, who is one of the best players in this position according to Ugalde
Laszlo Nagyright back• started his career as a basketball player and was close to a move to the USA at the age of 13
• in the end he decided for handball and became one of the best right backs of the world
• transferred from Szeged to Barcelona in 2006 and became the captain despite being a foreigner
• All-Star team right back of the 2013 WCh
• All-Star team right back of the 2012/13 CL season
Mirko Alilovicgoalkeeper• like his predecessor Dejan Peric belongs to the elite class of goalkeepers who can send the audience to their feet and inspire his teammates
• Croatian national team member and his medal tally consists of three silver medals and two bronze
• 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
Momir Ilicleft back• top scorer and only player passing 100 goals (103) in the 2013/14 CL season and again top scorer in 2014/15 (114 goals)
• joined THW Kiel in 2009 from VfL Gummersbach and won seven titles during his four years with the club, including two CL titles
• led Serbia to their first medal as an independent nation at EHF EURO 2012
• MVP of EHF EURO 2012
• 2013/14 All-star team left back
Renato Sulicline player• 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
• 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
Gasper Margucright wing• took part in the WCh in Spain 2013, where Slovenia placed fourth
• came to Veszprem from Celje where he was playing since 2009
• 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)
• played two amazing matches against THW Kiel in 2012/13, scoring 18 times from 18 shots against the legendary Thierry Omeyer
EC trophy: EHF Cup 2014 OG: B 2012, EURO: S 2008, 2010, WCh: S 2009, B 2013
EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012EURO: S 2012
EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011EURO: B 2014, WCh: B 2011
EURO: S 2008, WCh: G 2003
EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011, EHF Cup 2003
Aron Palmarssoncentre back• before joining Veszprem in summer 2015 the versatile and tactically as well as technically skilled playmaker was with Kiel for six years
• 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
• after the departure of Momir Ilic and Daniel Narcisse, the 2012 Olympics All-Star become more of an influential figure of Kiel on court
EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012EURO: B 2010
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Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA)
Club Address:Paris Saint-Germain Handball82 avenue Georges Lafont75016 ParisFrance
Media contact:Louise Cosnard+33 675 591 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.psghand.frFacebook: PSGHandTwitter: @PSG_HANDBALL
Playing hallHalle Georges Carpentier81 boulevard Massena75013 ParisFranceCapacity: 4,800
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: redGoalkeeper shirt: red
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 4Quarter-final (2): 2013/14, 2014/15Last 16 (1): 2005/06
OtherEHF Cup: Quarter-finals 2006/07, Last 16 2003/04
French league: 2 titles (2013, 2015)French cup: 2 titles
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.”
“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.
GROUP A
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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)
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Biggest win: 38:24 (22:11) v Wacker Thun SUI (h), 23.11.2013
Biggest defeat: 44:28 (22:12) v THW Kiel GER (a), 10.12.2005
Longest winning run: 4 matches (17.11.2013 – 08.02.2014)
4 matches (28.09.2014 - 19.10.2014)
Longest unbeaten run: 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)
Longest run without win: 4 matches (23.11.1996 – 18.01.1997)
Most goals: 38 v Wacker Thun SUI 38:24W (h), 23.11.2013
Most goals opponent: 44 v THW Kiel GER 44:28L (a), 10.12.2005
Most goals both teams: 72 v THW Kiel GER 44:28L (a), 10.12.2005
Fewest goals: 20 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 20:26L (h), 11.01.1997
20 v Caja 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
1996/97 PSG Asnières FRA 6 1 0 5 131:161 –30 2:10 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 20 3 19 1167:1159 +8 43:41
Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA)
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Team rosterNo. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
19 Luc Abalo FRA Right Wing 6.9.1984 Creteil, FRA 182 80
6 William Accambray FRA Left Back 8.4.1988 Cannes, FRA 194 94
20 Ludwig Appolinaire FRA Centre Back 27.5.1994 Kourou, FRA 190 97
14 Xavier Barachet FRA Right Back 19.11.1988 Nice, FRA 195 95
48 Clement Branco FRA Left Wing 25.8.1996 Perpignan, FRA 190 85
13 Paul Correia FRA Right Back 12.2.1997 Nantes, FRA 191 85
95 Kevin Durosier FRA Line Player 14.5.1994 Paris, FRA 187 90
17 Dylan Garain FRA Left Back 22.8.1996 Les Abymes, FRA 192 86
18 Robert Gunnarsson ISL Line Player 22.5.1980 Reykjavik, ISL 191 100
24 Mikkel Hansen DEN Centre Back 22.10.1987 Helsingor, DEN 192 93
34 Samuel Honrubia FRA Left Wing 5.7.1986 Beziers, FRA 180 75
22 Luka Karabatic FRA Line Player 19.4.1988 Strasbourg, FRA 202 90
44 Nikola Karabatic FRA Centre Back 11.4.1984 Nis, SRB 196 102
29 Adama Keita FRA Left Wing 5.6.1997 Paris, FRA 183 77
11 Benoit Kounkoud FRA Right Wing 19.2.1997 Versailles, FRA 188 78
7 Janus Lapajne SLO Centre Back 3.3.1995 Sampeter pri Gorici, SLO 192 93
90 Jeffrey M’tima FRA Left Wing 16.7.1991 Schlitighelm, FRA 188 80
4 Fahrudin Melic MNE Right Wing 22.7.1984 Prijepolje, MNE 183 90
5 Henrik Møllgaard Jensen DEN Left Back 2.1.1985 Bramming, DEN 195 97
25 Daniel Narcisse FRA Centre Back 16.12.1979 St Dennis-Reunion, FRA 189 92
33 Sergiy Onufryienko UKR Right Back 31.1.1985 Zaporozhye, UKR 190 95
3 Axel Rosier FRA Left Back 20.2.1994 PARIS, FRA 192 90
21 Jonathan Troudart FRA Line Player 15.1.1996 FORT DE FRANCE, FRA 194 82
9 Igor Vori CRO Line Player 20.9.1980 Zagreb, CRO 203 114
16 Thierry Omeyer FRA Goalkeeper 2.11.1976 Mulhouse, FRA 191 92
1 Patrice Annonay FRA Goalkeeper 17.5.1979 La Trinite, FRA 192 96
39 Jordy Jacoby-Koaly FRA Goalkeeper 8.2.1995 Pointe a Pitre, FRA 191 91
70 Clement Gaudin FRA Goalkeeper 13.3.1997 Martigues, FRA 197 87
Average: 26,29 191,1 90,2
Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA)
Noka Serdarusiccoach• 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
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Luka Karabaticline player• 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
• on the CL list of Montpellier in six seasons, but did not enjoy too much playing time (in total 22 goals)
• PSG is the third club where he reunites with his brother Nikola
ECh : G 2014, WCh : G 2015
Daniele Narcissecentre back• might well go down in history as one of the most decorated French players
• 2012 IHF World Handball Player of the Year
• nicknamed “Air France” because of his jumping skills
• now reunited with former Kiel teammate Thierry Omeyer to fulfill his goal of winning the CL title
EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012OG: G 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008WCh: G 2001, 2009, 2015, B 2003, 2005
Mikkel Hansenleft back• 2011 IHF World Handball Player of the Year
• 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
• 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
Xavier Barachetright back• returned to France in the 2013/14 season to play with Saint Raphaël after playing only one season in Spain
• moved on to PSG before the 2014/15 season
• formed in Chambéry, the left-hander has already an impressive CL experience
• 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
Luc Abaloright wing• spectacular right wing returned to France from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in 2012
• immediately showed how much progress he has made
• during his four seasons in Spain reached the final of the CL in 2011 and 2012
• 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
EC trophies: CL 2009OG: 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, WCh: 2009, 2011
Thierry Omeyergoalkeeper• 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
• at 39 has no intention of retiring and extended his contract for another season recently
• awarded the best goalkeeper and the MVP at the WCh 2015 in Qatar
EC trophies: CL 2003, 2007, 2010, 2012OG: G 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008WCh: G 2001, 2009, 2011, 2015, B 2003, B 2005
Samuel Honrubialeft wing• joined PSG at the start of the 2012/13 season after having played in Montpellier for more than a decade
• immediately showed what he is capable of and why is he is regarded as one of the best left wings in Europe
• very efficient at scoring from fast breaks and in one-on-one situations
OG: G 2012, EURO: G 2014, WCh: G 2011, 2015
Nikola Karabaticcentre back / left back• 2007 & 2014 World Handball Player of the Year
• one of Barcelona transfer coups with Kiril Lazarov before the 2013/14 season and arguably the biggest transfer of the 2015 summer
• 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)
• one of the most complete handball players with strengths both in attack and defence
EC trophies: CL 2003, 2007, 2015OG: G 2008, 2012, WCh: G 2009, 2011, 2015, B 2003, 2005EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, B 2008
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RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO)
Club Address:Celje Pivovarna LaskoOpekarniska Cesta 153000 CeljeSlovenia
Media contact:Nejc Ajdnik+386 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.rk-celje.siFacebook: rkceljepivovarnaLaskoTwitter: @RKCPL
Playing hallDvorana ZlatorogOpekarinska cesta 153000 CeljeSloveniaCapacity: 5,830
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: yellow-bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: black
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: red
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 20Winner (1): 2003/04Semi-final (6): 1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/2000, 2000/01, 2004/05Quarter-final (2): 2001/02, 2005/06Last 16 (3): 1995/96, 2006/07, 2012/13, 2013/14Main round (2): 2007/08, 2008/09Group phase (4): 1993/94, 1994/95, 2010/11, 2014/15Qualification (1): 2009/10
OtherCup 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
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.
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.
GROUP A
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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)
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Biggest win: 37:17 (16:09) v Redbergslids IK SWE (h), 18.11.2000
Biggest defeat: 43:27 (23:16) v THW Kiel GER (a), 27.02.2011
Longest winning run: 6 matches (23.03.1997 – 24.01.1998)
6 matches (25.03.2000 – 09.12.2000)
Longest unbeaten run: 8 matches (31.10.2004 – 02.04.2005)
Longest losing run: 4 matches (16.02.2008 – 08.03.2008)
4 matches (14.02.2009 – 07.03.2009)
4 matches (02.10.2010 – 21.11.2010)
4 matches (27.02.2011 – 06.10.2012)
Longest run without win: 6 matches (16.02.2008 - 05.10.2008)
Most goals: 44 v HC ‘Granitas-Karys’ LTU 44:27W (h), 22.11.2008
Most goals opponent: 44 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 44:33L (a), 09.10.2010
Most goals both teams: 77 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 44:33L (a), 09.10.2010
Fewest goals: 17 v UHK West Wien AUT 18:17L (a), 06.04.1994
Fewest goals opponent: 16 v SG Wallau-Massenheim GER 23:16L (h), 13.02.1994
16 v Redbergslids Göteborg SWE 31:16W (h), 14.11.1998
Fewest goals both teams: 35 v UHK West Wien AUT 18:17L (a), 06.04.1994
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
1993/94 Celje ‘Pivovarna Lasko’ SLO 6 2 0 4 120:116 +4 4:8 4th Gr. A
1996/97 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 1 2 254:213 +41 15:5 1/2-finals
1997/98 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 8 0 2 268:234 +34 16:4 1/2-finals
1998/99 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 1 2 290:245 +45 15:5 1/2-finals
1999/00 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 0 3 294:250 +44 14:6 1/2-finals
2000/01 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 6 1 3 292:254 +38 13:7 1/2-finals
2001/02 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 8 6 0 2 232:217 +15 12:4 1/4-finals
2003/04 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 14 10 2 2 447:398 +49 22:6 Winner
2004/05 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 8 1 3 360:327 +33 17:7 1/2-finals
2005/06 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 7 0 3 311:273 +38 14:6 1/4-finals
2006/07 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 8 6 0 2 272:237 +35 12:4 Last 16
2007/08 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 4 2 6 342:344 -2 10:14 4th MR Gr. 4
2008/09 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 4 0 6 296:287 +9 8:12 4th MR Gr. 2
2010/11 HC Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 3 0 7 300:332 -32 6:14 5th Gr. A
2012/13 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 5 0 7 305:324 –19 10:14 Last 16
2013/14 Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 12 5 1 6 322:327 -5 11:13 Last 16
2014/15 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 10 3 0 7 284:293 -9 6:14 5th Gr. C
Total 174 98 9 67 4989:4671 +318 205:143
RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO)
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Team rosterRK Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
2 Eljub Alagic SLO Line Player 10.6.1998 Celje, SLO 177 77
7 Povilas Babarskas LTU Left Back 13.12.1988 Kaunas, LTU 202 103
3 Blaz Blagotinsek SLO Line Player 17.1.1994 Celje, SLO 202 116
4 Tobias Cvetko SLO Left Back 10.1.1997 Celje, SLO 192 86
30 Luka Dobelsek SLO Centre Back 12.1.1983 Celje, SLO 190 86
6 Anze Dobovicnik SLO Right Wing 3.6.1998 Celje, SLO 180 73
13 Tilen Dobovicnik SLO Left Wing 29.5.1998 Celje, SLO 179 73
26 Lucijan Fizuletto SLO Centre Back 23.2.1994 Celje, SLO 186 84
14 Matic Groselj SLO Right Back 22.9.1997 Trbovlje, SLO 194 90
5 Sime Ivic CRO Right Back 21.1.1993 Split, CRO 195 90
8 Blaz Janc SLO Right Wing 20.11.1996 Brezice, SLO 184 85
25 Tilen Kodrin SLO Left Wing 14.5.1994 Celje, SLO 190 89
15 Arthur Malburg Patrianova BRA Left Back 22.4.1993 Itajausc, BRA 188 97
11 Gal Marguc SLO Right Wing 16.11.1996 Celje, SLO 177 72
55 Ziga Mlakar SLO Right Back 16.5.1990 Celje, SLO 191 98
10 Grega Ocvirk SLO Centre Back 5.12.1998 Celje, SLO 188 89
35 Zivan Pesic SRB Line Player 7.7.1993 Novi Sad, SRB 194 105
15 Vid Poteko SLO Line Player 5.4.1991 Celje, SLO 193 105
21 Gregor Potocnik SLO Left Back 22.8.1992 Celje, SLO 196 105
9 David Razgor SLO Centre Back 13.7.1989 Celje, SLO 181 82
17 Luka Savanovic BIH Right Back 16.1.2001 Banja Luka, BIH 186 82
18 Jan Sivka SLO Left Wing 12.7.1997 Celje, SLO 183 76
23 Miha Zarabec SLO Centre Back 12.10.1991 Novo Mesto, SLO 178 78
77 Luka Zvizej SLO Left Wing 9.12.1980 Celje, SLO 185 86
16 Ivan Gajic SRB Goalkeeper 17.5.1979 Nis, SRB 191 105
1 Urban Lesjak SLO Goalkeeper 24.8.1990 Celje, SLO 188 95
12 Tilen Leben SLO Goalkeeper 7.1.1997 Cele, SLO 186 86
66 Gasper Dobaj SLO Goalkeeper 13.11.1998 Slovenj Gradec, SLO 185 85
Average: 22,21 187,9 89,2
Branko Tamsecoach• 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.
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Ivan Gajicgoalkeeper• started his handball career in his birthplace with RK Zeleznicar Nis in 1997
• 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
• vast club-level experience playing at Hannover, Frisch Auf Göppingen, Silkeborg, Tremblay as well as Al Ahly for a season each
• represented Serbia at the World Championship in Spain 2013
Luka Zvizejleft wing• 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
• 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
• before moving back to Celje had a second stint at Cantabria and spent three years with Pick Szeged
Miha Zarabeccentre back• 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
• after Sebastian Skube and Mate Lekai left the club, Zarabec took over attacking duties
• his main strenghts are speed, explosivity and his vision of play
• in his first season in the CL he became the top scorer of his team with 54 goals
Sime Ivicright back• 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
• in his first season with Celje scored 20 goals
• his main positive characteristics are his agility and ability to play well in both attack and defence.
Arthur Malburg Patrianovaleft back• 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
• came from Villa de Aranda, ASOBAL team, before he played in Naturhouse la Rioja, but longed for more minutes on the court
• can play in the centre back position too
• in March 2015 suffered a knee injury and had to undergo a surgery
Luka Dobelsekcentre 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
• one of the most experienced players of the squad with a dozen of EC seasons under his belt
• played abroad in Germany (Lübbecke, Emsdetten) and Poland (Wisła Płock) before returning to his boyhood club Velenje in 2013 replacing Nikola Manojlovic
• played his first international matches with Velenje already in 2001
Vid Poteko line player• member of Celje since 2010, now a key part of Celje’s defence
• 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
• after Alem Toskic left Celje for Vardar Skopje in 2013, he gets more minutes in the offensive play
• sharing his position with talented Blaz Blagotinsek, together they combined for 34 goals (16+18) in the 2014/15 season
Blaz Jancright wing• one of the biggest talents in history of Slovenian handball
• teenager already in his 4th season in the first team making his debut in the CL at 15 years old
• 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)
• 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
EC trophies: CL 2005
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Orlen Wisla Plock (POL)
Club Address:Orlen Wisła PłockPlac Celebry Papieskiej 109-400 PłockPoland
Media contact:Tomasz BaumanTel: +48 723 100 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.sprwislaplock.plFacebook: sprWislaTwitter: @SPRWisla
Playing hallOrlen ArenaPl. Celebry Papieskiej 109-400 PłockPolandCapacity: 5,467
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitebluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: red
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 11Last 16 (4): 1995/96, 2011/12, 2013/14, 2014/15Group Phase (5): 2002/03, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2008/09Qualification (1): 2012/13
OtherEHF Cup: Quarter-finals 1993/94, Group Phase: 2012/13
Polish league: 7 titles (1995, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011)Polish Cup: 10 titles
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.
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.”
GROUP A
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Polish runners-up
Coach: Manuel Cadenas (since 2013)Captain: Adam Wisniewski
Newcomers:Marco Oneto (GWD Minden)Bartosz Konitz (Szczecin)Dmitrii Zhitnikov (Chekhovskie Medvedi)
Left the club:Mariusz Jurkiewicz (Kielce)Alexander Tioumentsev (Meshkov Brest)Kamil Syprzak (Barcelona)
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Biggest win: 42:26 (19:11) v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SCG (h), 13.11.2004
Biggest defeat: 35:18 (19:04) v KIF Kolding Elite A/S DEN (a), 07.10.2006
34:17 (15:07) v HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO (a), 12.10.2008
Longest winning run: 5 matches (29.11.2014 – 14.03.2015)
Longest unbeaten run: 6 matches (23.11.2014 – 14.03.2015)
Longest losing run: 6 matches (05.10.2008 – 20.11.2008)
Longest run without win: 6 matches (05.10.2008 – 20.11.2008)
Most goals: 42 v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SCG 42:26W (h), 13.11.2004
Most goals opponent: 40 v Sportclub Magdeburg GER 40:32L (a), 16.11.2002
Most goals both teams: 72 v Sportclub Magdeburg GER 40:32L (a), 16.11.2002
Fewest goals: 13 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 21:13L (a), 15.10.2006
Fewest goals opponent: 19 v Crvena Zvezda Beograd SRB 31:19W (h), 28.09.2006
19 v HCM Constanta ROU 19:34W (a), 09.02.2012
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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2002/03 Wisla Plock SSA POL 6 1 0 5 167:195 –28 2:10 3rd Gr. A
2004/05 Wisla Plock SSA POL 6 1 0 5 159:177 -18 2:10 4th Gr. D
2005/06 Wisla Plock SSA POL 6 2 0 4 155:182 -27 4:8 3rd Gr. E
2006/07 Wisla Plock SA POL 6 2 0 4 141:170 –29 4:8 3rd Gr. C
2008/09 Wisla Plock SA POL 6 0 0 6 122:188 -66 0:12 4th Gr. H
2011/12 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 12 4 1 7 321:332 -11 9:15 1/8-finals
2013/14 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 12 5 0 7 335:341 -6 10:14 1/8-finals
2014/15 Orlen Wisla Plock POL 12 7 1 4 340:337 +3 15:9 Last 16
Total 66 22 2 42 1740:1922 –182 46:86
Orlen Wisla Plock (POL)
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Team roster
Orlen Wisla Plock (POL)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
34 Lukasz Calujek POL Left Back 25.7.1994 Zawadzkie, POL 202 104
3 Michal Daszek POL Right Wing 27.6.1992 Tczew, POL 180 70
15 Valentin Marian Ghionea ROU Right Wing 29.4.1984 Baia Mare, ROU 197 90
27 Bartosz Konitz POL Left Back 30.12.1984 Oborniki Wlkpl., POL 197 97
2 Zbigniew Kwiatkowski POL Line Player 2.4.1985 Mlawa, POL 202 120
25 Angel Montoro Cabello ESP Right Back 10.4.1989 Toledo, ESP 213 105
23 Jakub Moryn POL Left Wing 17.11.1996 Plock, POL 186 80
77 Ivan Nikcevic SRB Left Wing 11.2.1981 Niksic, MNE 182 80
29 Marco Antonio Oneto Zuniga ITA Line Player 3.6.1982 Vina del mar, CHI 204 117
18 Mateusz Piechowski POL Line Player 1.3.1995 Plock, POL 210 110
13 Miljan Pusica SRB Left Back 30.6.1991 Prijepolje, SRB 199 101
7 Dan Emil Racotea ROU Back 21.7.1995 Brasov, ROU 202 98
17 Tiago Rocha POR Line Player 17.10.1985 S. Paio Oleiros, POR 196 104
14 Maciej Skibinski POL Right Wing 28.4.1996 Ciechanów, POL 186 82
26 Marko Tarabochia BIH Centre Back 28.11.1988 Zagreb, BIH 192 92
10 Adam Wisniewski POL Left Wing 24.10.1980 Plock, POL 192 100
24 Nemanja Zelenovic SRB Right Back 27.2.1990 Knin, SRB 194 93
89 Dmitry Zhitnikov RUS Centre Back 20.11.1989 Zvolen, RUS 193 90
12 Marcin Wichary POL Goalkeeper 17.2.1980 Zabrze, POL 193 100
36 Rodrigo Corrales Rodal ESP Goalkeeper 24.2.1991 Cangas, ESP 201 99
16 Adam Morawski POL Goalkeeper 17.10.1994 Ciechanów, POL 193 94
Average: 26,57 195,9 96,5
Manolo Cadenascoach• 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, 2005EURO: B 2014
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Rodrigo Corrales Rodalgoalkeeper• 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
• landed under Manolo Cadenas wings, which soon made the experts call him the future of Spanish handball
• talented, hard-working and dynamic player soon gained hearts of the local fans with incredible saves in crucial moments of the games
Ivan Nikcevicleft wing• 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
• achieved his best European performance with San Antonio in the Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final in 2010
• also an important Serbian national team player scoring over 450 goals
Dmitry Zhitnikovcentre back • comes from Krasnodar, and his first coach at the local handball school was his father
• at the age of 16, the talented boy was invited to Chekhov where he played five seasons in the reserve team
• as he matured and experienced players left, Zhitnikov began to play a more prominent role at Medvedi
• member of the Russian national team joined Plock in the summer of 2015
Nemanja Zelenovicright back• another representative of the young guns of Plock
• 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
• currently the first choice in right back position and a member of Serbian national team
Marcin Wicharygoalkeeper• 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
• in his WCh debut in 2013 he impressed with a 50% save efficiency in the group phase
• 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
Miljan Pusicaleft back• among six players that reinforced the ranks of Wisla before the 2014/15 season
• in 2014 on the left side replaced his countryman, Petar Nenadic, who joined Füchse Berlin
• with his previous team, RK Vojvodina, he failed in the qualification tournament in the 2013/14 season
Tiago Rochaline player• the first Portuguese player in Polish league; a hard-working player aware of his physical assets, despite his huge dimensions possesses a good coordination
• after spending twelve years in FC Porto he made his first step abroad joining Płock in 2014
• became a cornerstone of the team until the metacarpus injury in March 2015 put him out of action both in domestic and European contest
• after the departure of Kamil Syprzak to Barcelona in the summer of 2015 he shares his position with a newcomer Marco Oneto
Valentin Ghionearight wing• 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
• quickly became a very important Wisla player and his team’s top scorer
• 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
EC Trophies: CL 2011
EURO: S 2012
WCh: B 2015
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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.”
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.
RU KOM E T N I K L U BP RVO P L I N A R S KO D RU Š T VO
Z A G R E B
Club Address:HC Croatia Osiguranje ZagrebVeprinecka 1610000 ZagrebCroatia
Media contact:Goran Roknić+385 95 9999 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.rk-zagreb.hrFacebook: RK-ZagrebTwitter: @RKZagreb
Playing hallArena ZagrebLaniste b.b.,10000 ZagrebCroatiaCapacity: 15,200
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: orange
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 22Final (4): 1994/95, 1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99Semi-final (1): 1999/00Quarter-final (6): 2000/01, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15)Last 16 (3): 2005/06, 2009/10, 2010/11Main Round (1): 2007/08Group Phase (4): 1993/94, 2004/05, 2006/07, 2012/13
OtherEHF Cup: Runners-up 2004/05Cup 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
GROUP A HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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
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R U K O M E T N I K L U BPRVO PLINARSKO DRUŠTVOZ 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
Longest winning run: 6 matches (12.12.1998 – 27.02.1999)
Longest unbeaten run: 6 matches (09.11.1996 – 18.01.1997)
6 matches (12.12.1998 – 27.02.1999)
6 matches (30.10.1999 – 05.12.1999)
6 matches (04.10.2008 – 22.11.2008)
Longest losing run: 7 matches (11.10.2012 – 16.02.2013)
Longest run without win: 8 matches (04.10.2012 – 16.02.2013)
Most goals: 38 v Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 38:30W (h), 23.02.2013
Most goals opponent: 43 v FC Barcelona ESP 43:21L (a), 18.04.2015
Most goals both teams: 69 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 36:33L (a), 03.04.2010
Fewest goals: 15 v Portland San Antonio ESP 31:15L (a), 22.10.2005
Fewest goals opponent: 13 v THW Kiel GER 22:13W (h), 25.03.2000
13 v Pelister Bitola MKD 37:13W (h), 16.10.2005
Fewest goals both teams: 36 v ZTR Zaporozhye UKR 18:18D (a), 20.11.1999
36 v HC Metalurg MKD 19:17W (h), 11.10.2014
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS 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
1996/97 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 12 6 3 3 310:294 +16 15:9 Runner-up
1997/98 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 12 7 0 5 300:287 +13 14:10 Runner-up
1998/99 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 12 8 1 3 288:269 +19 17:7 Runner-up
1999/00 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 10 7 1 2 260:230 +30 15:5 1/2-finals
2000/01 Badel 1862 Zagreb CRO 8 4 1 3 195:192 +3 9:7 1/4-finals
2002/03 RK Zagreb CRO 8 3 2 3 209:216 -7 8:8 1/4-finals
2003/04 RK Zagreb CRO 10 4 0 6 273:258 +15 8:12 1/4-finals
2004/05 RK Zagreb CRO 6 3 0 3 165:170 -5 6:6 3rd Gr. B
2005/06 RK Zagreb CRO 8 5 1 2 212:194 +18 11:5 Last 16
2006/07 RK Zagreb CRO 6 3 0 3 153:148 +5 6:6 3rd Gr. D
2007/08 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 5 1 6 339:344 -5 11:13 3rd MR Gr. 3
2008/09 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 7 3 2 357:313 +44 17:7 1/4-finals
2009/10 HC Croatia Osiguranje-Zagreb CRO 12 6 0 6 351:335 +16 12:12 Last 16
2010/11 HC Croatia Osiguranje ZAGREB CRO 12 6 3 3 358:319 +39 15:9 Last 16
2011/12 Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb CRO 14 9 1 4 391:359 +32 19:9 1/4-finals
2012/13 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb CRO 10 2 1 7 266:284 –18 5:15 5th Gr. D
2013/14 HC Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb CRO 10 4 0 6 267:282 -15 8:12 5th Gr. A
2014/15 HC Prvo plinarsko drustvo Zagreb CRO 14 7 0 7 328:356 -28 14:14 1/4-finals
Total 208 103 22 83 5498:5344 +154 228:188
HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)
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Team roster
HC PPD Zagreb (CRO)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
18 Zlatko Horvat CRO Right Wing 25.9.1984 Zagreb, CRO 179 87
51 Arijan Jovic CRO 18.6.1996 Zagreb, CRO 184 82
9 Tin Kontrec CRO Line Player 9.9.1989 Nasice, CRO 196 95
77 Antonijo Kovacevic CRO Left Wing 21.5.1987 Zagreb, CRO 190 90
27 Stipe Mandalinic CRO Left Back 9.9.1992 Split, CRO 195 90
48 Petar Medic CRO 12.6.1996 Zagreb, CRO 187 80
4 Lovro Mihic CRO Left Wing 25.8.1994 Zagreb, CRO 180 74
37 Sandro Obranovic CRO Centre Back 18.10.1992 Karlovac, CRO 194 83
94 Domagoj Pavlovic CRO Left Back 21.3.1993 Zagreb, CRO 189 82
17 Luka Rakovic CRO Right Wing 6.6.1988 Zagreb, CRO 179 86
7 Stanko Sabljic CRO Line Player 28.1.1988 Mostar, BIH 202 108
20 Josip Sandrk CRO Left Back 27.4.1987 Zagreb, CRO 209 100
14 Luka Sebetic CRO Right Back 26.5.1994 Bjelovar, CRO 197 93
11 Lovro Sprem CRO Left Wing 26.1.1990 Zagreb, CRO 186 88
7 Luka Stepancic CRO Right Back 20.11.1990 Pula, CRO 200 104
19 Leon Susnja CRO Line Player 5.8.1993 Siroki Brijeg, BIH 204 113
22 Josip Valcic CRO Centre Back 21.4.1984 Zadar, CRO 190 97
24 Tonci Valcic CRO Left Back 9.6.1978 Zadar, CRO 194 100
45 Jakov Vrdoljak CRO 1.11.1996 Zagreb, CRO 189 85
4 Stefan Vujic CRO Centre Back 6.7.1991 Rijeka, CRO 192 91
14 Marko Vukic CRO Left Back 24.2.1993 Split, CRO 202 90
16 Filip Ivic CRO Goalkeeper 30.8.1992 Zagreb, CRO 196 95
12 Ivan Stevanovic CRO Goalkeeper 18.5.1982 Rijeka, CRO 193 101
Average: 25,26 192,5 91,9
Veselin Vujoviccoach• 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)
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Domagoj Pavlovicleft 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
• came through all Croatian youth selections, before establishing himself as the key member of junior national team
• playing his second season for HC PPD Zagreb, alongside Croatian youth selection teammates Filip Ivic, Sandro Obranovic and Stipe Mandalinic
• Enjoys working with Veselin Vujovic, who is said to give him great confidence
Lovro Spremleft wing• well-known surname in Croatian handball, his older brother Goran won many medals with Croatia
• Goran’s copy in speed, aggresiveness and rhythm
• became the junior world champion in Tunisia in 2009
• very skillful at counter attacks and playing out front in a 5-1 defence
Sandro Obranovicleft/centre back• having started handball as a member of RK Karlovac youth squad, working his way up to the first team and the Challenge Cup berth
• joined Zagreb in 2013, from Croatian vice-champions and the EHF Cup outfit RK NEXE Nasice
• flourished under guidance of Veselin Vujovic in the 2014/15 season, becoming one of the key players for Zagreb coming off the bench
• awarded best left back of the 2015 SEHA League Final tournament
Luka Stepancicright back• one of the most exciting Zagreb players and one of the most wanted on the European player’s market
• more than two meters tall left handed with a great jump shot and ability to play in defence
• member of Croatian national team and already has a bronze medal from the WCh 2013 in Spain
• at the 2009 Junior WC in Tunisia won the gold
Filip Ivicgoalkeeper• home-grown goalkeeper from Zagreb’s school
• won European gold and was fourth in the world as the captain of Croatian junior national team
• in the 2013/14 season he was given a chance in Zagreb’s first team
• used the opportunity to open gates of senior handball in great style through some great saves
• 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
Tonci Valcicleft back• made a debut for Zagreb in 1999, currently playing his ninth season for the club.
• older brother to Zagreb and Croatia teammate Josip Valcic
• 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
Stanko Sabljicline player• 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)
• garnered a valuable SEHA league experience in the shirt of Borac m:tel in 2010/11 and 2011/12
• three seasons of Bundesliga experience, representing the German sides Bergischer HC (2012-2014) and HC Erlangen (2014-2015)
• replacement in 2015 for Ilija Brozovic who went in the opposite direction to Bundesliga (HSV)
Zlatko Horvatright wing• captain and speedy wing is a counter-attack specialist, but he is an important part of defence at the same time
• had his debut in the national team in 2006 and since then he has won four medals
• 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
WCh: B 2013 WCh: B 2013
WCh: G 2003, S 2009, EURO: S 2008, S 2010
WCh: B 2013 OG: B 2012, EURO: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013
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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.
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
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 9Group Phase (1): 2014/15Qualification (7): 2005/06, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2010/2011, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14
OtherEHF Cup: Last 16 1998/99, 2005/06, 2010/11Challenge Cup: Semi-final2008/09, Quarter-final 2002/03
Turkish league: 11 titles (1981, 1982, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)Turkish cup: 11 titles
Club Address:Besiktas JKSuleyman Seba Cd. No. 4834357 Besiktas - IstanbulTurkey
Media contact:Berk KarahanTel: [email protected]
Online information:www.bjk.com.tr Twitter: @BJKHentbol Facebook: Besiktas
Playing hallSinam Erdem Spor SalonuZuhuratbaba Mh, Bakritköy34147 IstanbulTurkeyCapacity: 15,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: blue
GROUP A
Alternative playing hallKocaeli Sehit Polis Recep Topaloglu Spor SalonuYahya Kaptan Mah.Kizilay Sok No:41050 Arasta, IzmitTurkeyCapacity: 4,776
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Turkish champions
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)
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Biggest win 28:26 (13:15) v Alingsas HK SWE (h), 16.11.2014
Biggest defeat: 35:25 (19:12) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 12.10.2014
Longest winning run: 1 match (16.11.2014)
Longest unbeaten run: 1 match (16.11.2014)
Longest losing run: 5 matches (20.11.2014 – 21.02.2015)
Longest run without win: 5 matches (20.11.2014 – 21.02.2015)
Most goals: 31 v KIF Kolding Kobenhavn DEN 34:31L (a), 07.12.2014
Most goals opponent: 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
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 10 1 0 9 253:303 –50 2:18
Besiktas JK (TUR)
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Team roster
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
7 Ömer Ozan Arifoglu TUR Right Back 20.8.1989 Zonguldak, TUR 196 102
15 Ercan Asikoglu TUR Right Wing 4.1.1983 Kırcaali, BUL 190 95
13 Muhammed Taha Ayar TUR Line Player 12.6.1996 Istanbul, TUR 186 80
10 Senol Boyar TUR Centre Back 8.5.1984 Bursa, TUR 185 85
11 Josip Buljubasic CRO Left Back 11.7.1988 Metkovic, CRO 202 118
6 Volkan Caliskan TUR Centre Back 3.11.1990 Ankara, TUR 190 95
34 Ugur Coban TUR Left Wing 10.11.1988 Bolu, TUR 177 80
25 Predrag Dacevic SRB Left Back 21.7.1986 Belgrade, SRB 197 98
14 Mehmet Demirezen TUR Line Player 3.8.1988 Ankara, TUR 193 100
45 Darko Djukic SRB Right Wing 11.12.1994 Nis, SRB 196 90
53 Ramazan Döne TUR Right Back 10.7.1981 Rize, TUR 192 106
36 Berkay Gulyurt TUR Centre Back 3.3.1997 Istanbul, TUR 192 90
37 Yigit Ilgin TUR Left Wing 1.2.1997 Istanbul, TUR 186 86
2 Ömer Mercan TUR Right Back 10.4.1997 Istanbul, TUR 194 87
27 Ivan Nincevic CRO Left Wing 27.10.1981 Zadar, CRO 185 82
20 Tolga Özbahar TUR Line Player 24.4.1984 Aydın, TUR 197 118
8 Nemanja Pribak MKD Centre Back 26.3.1984 Nis, SRB 190 103
99 David Rasic SRB Left Back 4.12.1986 Barac, SRB 196 93
18 Kubilay Yilmaz TUR Right Wing 22.3.1997 Istanbul, TUR 187 80
26 Ibrahim Demir TUR Goalkeeper 4.10.1975 Eskisehir, TUR 194 105
81 Miroslav Kocic SRB Goalkeeper 3.7.1981 Leskovac, SRB 200 96
1 Tolga Kirli TUR Goalkeeper 28.3.1993 Istanbul, TUR 192 102
22 Mesut Cebi TUR Goalkeeper 6.9.1991 Ankara, TUR 195 105
Average: 26,96 191,8 95,5
Besiktas JK (TUR)
Mufit Arincoach• 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
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Ibrahim Demirgoalkeeper• 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
• played more than 250 games for Turkey, retired from the national team last year, still captain of beach handball national team
• graduated from two universities as an anesthesiologist and a teacher
• at one point forced to play a back court in Besiktas due to many injuries
Nemanja Pribakcentre back• very intelligent player, known for his excellent court vision, assists and playmaking ability
• started playing handball in his hometown of Nis, for RK Zeleznicar before joining HC Vardar, following a stint at RK Trimo Trebnje
• made a debut for Serbia at the WCh 2011, but opted to play for the FYR Macedonia in 2013
• current Macedonian national team stalwart, having made his debut in 2013, and represented the country at the EHF EURO 2014
• joined Besiktas in 2015 after five seasons for HC Vardar, where he is considered a club legend
Ivan Nincevicleft wing• Croatian national team’s left winger was a big reinforcement for Turkish champions right before their first CL season in 2014/15
• built his name in Germany - from the second division Stralsunder, as a top scorer he has earned a transfer to Füchse Berlin
• played also in Dinamo Minsk and later accepted Beskitas’ call
• 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 Rasicleft back• father Djordje is a coach, and a legendary goalkeeper, a two-time CL winner with Sabac
• David made his name playing for Sabac, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Kolubara and San Antonio
• has the CL experience playing in the group phase with Crvena Zvezda in 2008/09
• having missed the EHF EURO 2012 through injury, he rediscovered his form at Besiktas
• brother to former Serbian basketball national team player Aleksandar Rasic
Tolga Özbaharline player• came to Besiktas in 2010 and is recognised as one of Turkey’s best players in his position
• over 60 international matches for Turkey
• awarded the best line player in the Turkish league several times
• in the 2012/13 season, when Besiktas reached the EHF Cup Group Phase, he was the second best scorer (27)
• first Turkish player nominated for the All-Star Team in 2014/15 (received almost 5,000 votes)
Ramazan Döneright back• joined Besiktas in 2006 from Cankaya Belediyesi
• 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 he helped Besiktas to reach the EHF Cup Group Phase and was their top scorer with 30 goals
• awarded the best right back in the Turkish league several times and has played over 150 international matches for Turkey so far.
Ozan Arifogluright back• as a one of the earliest members of Besiktas always plays with his heart
• has been a vital part of senior team for five years
• won four league titles, four cup titles and several other domestic trophies
• has a bright future in Turkish national Team, Ozan wore the red-white jersey more than 120 times
Ercan Asıkogluright wing• ‘The Speed of a Black Eagle’ is one of the most experienced player at Besiktas
• his handball life began in Bursa Nilüfer after he moved on to Turkey from Bulgaria
• being a high profile handball player, on the other hand also a sport scholar who graduated from Uludag Universty Sport Academy
• especially with his professionalism and family life, he is a proper role-model for young eagles of Besiktas
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SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER)
Club Address:SG Flensburg-HandewittSchiffbrücke 6624939 FlensburgGermany
Media contact:Sandra von Wallis+49 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.sg-flensburg-handewitt.deFacebook: SGFleHaTwitter: @SGFleHa
Playing hallFlens ArenaCampusallee 224943 FlensburgGermanyCapacity: 6,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: blue-orangePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
DarkPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: black
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 11Winners (1): 2013/14Final (2): 2003/2004, 2006/2007Semi-final (1): 2005/2006Quarter-final (4): 2004/2005, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2012/2013Last 16 (1): 2014/15Main round (1): 2007/2008
OtherCup Winners’ Cup: Winners 2000/2001 2011/2012EHF Cup: Winners 1996/1997City Cup: Winners 1998/1999
German league: 1 title (2004)German cup: 4 titles
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.
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.
“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.”
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.”
GROUP A
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: third ranked in Germany
Coach: Ljubomir Vranjes (since 2010)Captain: Tobias Karlsson
Newcomers:Kentin MaheHenrik Toft HansenPetar 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)
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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
Longest winning run: 6 matches (13.03.2005 – 05.11.2005)
6 matches (02.12.2010 – 03.04.2011)
Longest unbeaten run: 7 matches (24.04.2004 – 14.11.2004)
7 matches (25.11.2012 – 23.03.2013)
Longest losing run: 3 matches (04.03.2006 - 01.04.2006)
3 matches (22.02.2015 - 22.03.2015)
Longest run without win: 5 matches (10.02.2008 – 08.03.2008)
Most goals: 44 v Redbergslids IK SWE 44:33W (h), 22.11.2003
Most goals opponent: 41 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 41:31L (a), 02.12.2006
Most goals both teams: 80 v FC Barcelona ESP 39:41W (a), 31.05.2014
Fewest goals: 19 v Renovalia Ciudad Real ESP 27:19L (a), 22.09.2010
Fewest goals opponent: 18 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 25:18W (h), 02.03.2011
Fewest goals both teams: 43 v Montpellier HB FRA 22:21W (h), 01.03.2009
43 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 25:18W (h), 02.03.2011
43 v Renovalia Ciudad Real ESP 21:22W (a), 01.05.2011
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2003/04 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 10 1 3 450:401 +49 21:7 Runner-up
2004/05 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 10 7 1 2 319:270 +49 15:5 1/4-finals
2005/06 SG Flensburg Handewitt GER 12 7 0 5 372:326 +46 14:10 1/2-finals
2006/07 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 8 1 5 437:398 +39 17:11 Runner-up
2007/08 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 12 4 2 6 355:356 -1 10:14 4th MR Gr. 3
2008/09 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 12 8 0 4 360:329 +31 16:8 1/4-finals
2010/11 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 11 0 3 394:354 +40 22:6 1/4-finals
2012/13 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 14 9 3 2 416:384 +32 21:7 1/4-finals
2013/14 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 16 12 1 3 489:441 +48 25:7 Winner
2014/15 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 12 6 0 6 337:340 -3 12:12 Last 16
Total 130 82 9 39 3929:3599 +330 173:87
SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER)
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Team roster
SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
2 Lukas Blohme GER Right Wing 7.11.1994 Flensburg, GER 188 72
17 Petar Djordjic SRB Left Back 17.9.1990 Sabac, SRB 197 102
7 Anders Eggert DEN Left Wing 14.5.1982 Aarhus, DEN 179 77
9 Holger Glandorf GER Right Back 30.3.1983 Osnabrück, GER 195 90
24 Jim Gottfridsson SWE Centre Back 2.9.1992 Ystad, SWE 190 95
21 Jacob Heinl GER Line Player 9.10.1986 Hamburg, GER 195 101
19 Johan Mikael Jakobsson SWE Right Back 12.2.1987 Lundby, SWE 195 89
3 Tobias Karlsson SWE Line Player 4.6.1981 Karlskrona, SWE 196 102
4 Maik Machulla GER Centre Back 9.1.1977 Greifswald, GER 189 95
22 Kentin Mahe FRA Centre Back 22.5.1991 Paris, FRA 185 81
10 Thomas Mogensen DEN Centre Back 30.1.1983 Odder, DEN 187 100
17 Michael Nicolaisen GER Left Back 6.5.1995 Husum, GER 195 100
41 Bogdan Radivojevic SRB Right Wing 2.3.1993 Beograd, SRB 192 80
19 Rasmus Lauge Schmidt DEN Centre Back 20.6.1991 Randers, DEN 193 96
11 Lasse Svan DEN Right Wing 31.8.1983 Stevns, DEN 184 84
15 Henrik Toft Hansen DEN Line Player 18.12.1986 Skive, DEN 200 108
40 Ljubomir Vranjes SWE Centre Back 3.10.1973 Göteborg, SWE 168 80
14 Hampus Wanne SWE Left Wing 10.12.1993 Lundby, SWE 184 84
22 Anders Zachariassen DEN Line Player 4.9.1991 Sonderborg, SWE 192 96
1 Mattias Andersson SWE Goalkeeper 29.3.1978 Malmö, SWE 185 93
77 Thore Jöhnck GER Goalkeeper 28.7.1995 Flensburg, GER 184 84
32 Andreas Meyer Ejlersen DEN Goalkeeper 28.6.1997 Horsens, DEN 188 85
16 Kevin Möller DEN Goalkeeper 20.6.1990 Tonder , DEN 200 103
Average: 27,78 189,6 91,2
Ljubomir Vranjescoach• 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
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Henrik Toft Hansenline player• his girlfriend Ulrike Agren is playing for the Swedish national team and German club Buxtehude
• 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
• part of AG Kobenhavn, which eliminated Barcelona on the way to 2012 VELUX EHF FINAL4
• transferred to Aalborg, before he joined Hamburg in 2013 and then Flensburg in 2015
Anders Eggertleft wing• had big shoes to fill in Flensburg as successor of legendary Lars Christiansen
• top scorer of the German Bundesliga in 2011 (248 goals) and top scorer of the 2013 WCh in Spain (55 goals)
• started his career at Gudme, in his ninth season in Flensburg after intermediately being on loan at Skjern Handball
• also famous for one of the highest percentages in the CL from the penalty throws
Thomas Mogensencentre back• 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
• before played for Viborg and Svendborg, becoming Danish champion and cup winner twice
• to focus only on SG he quit his career in the Danish national team after the EHF EURO 2014
Holger Glandorfright back• left-handed shooter and one of two German 2007 world champions in the Flensburg roster
• despite some injury breaks, the right back always returned to a high level of performance
• has the full set of three major European Cup competitions titles on his tally, with Nordhorn and Flensburg
• in August 2014 retired from the German national team to only focus on his club now
Mattias Anderssongoalkeeper• awarded “best player of the Bundesliga season 2011/12”
• already in the younger age categories part of all All-Star teams and became member of the senior national team
• played at Kiel (2001-08), TV Großwallstadt before signing in Flensburg
• his saves at the 2014 FINAL4 were the major keys to win his last missing EC trophy
Kentin Mahecentre back• joined Flensburg in 2015 after spells with HSV Hamburg, VfL Gummersbach and Bayer Dormagen (coached by his father Pascal in Dormagen)
• MVP and top scorer (49 goals) of the Men’s 20 EHF EURO 2010 and MVP of the 2015 EHF Cup Finals
• in 2010 a debut in the French national team
• reached the Cup Winners’ Cup final with Gummersbach in 2011/12 and EHF Cup final with HSV in 2014/15
Tobias Karlssonline player• typical powerful Scandinavian defence specialist, who – together with Magnus Jernemyr - build the Swedish middle block in the last years
• team captain, a great honour after legendary Lars Christiansen left SG
• Swedish champion three times with Hammarby IF
• best defence player at the EHF EURO 2014
Lasse Svanright wing• 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
• another task in his team: motivation and relaxing – as his business is mental coaching
• after four seasons at GOG Svendborg he moved to Flensburg in 2008
• in addition to all his merits and trophies in handball, he was also a billiard’s champion in his home region Seeland
EURO: G 2012, WCh: S 2013
EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2008, 2012, silver medallist 2014
EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup 2012WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014
EC trophies: CL 2014, EHF Cup: 2008, 2010, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012WCh: G 2007
EC trophies: CL 2007, 2014, EHF Cup: 2002, 2004, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012OG: S 2012, EHF EURO: G 2000
WCh: G 2015
EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012OG: S 2012
EC trophies: CL 2014, Cup Winners’ Cup: 2012WCh: S 2011, 2013, EURO: G 2012, S 2014
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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 mouth-watering 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
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Group B head-to-headsHistoric 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 26:33 (11:18)27.11.2010 FC Barcelona Borges vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 28:28 (15:12)01.06.2013 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs FC Barcelona Intersport, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 23:28 (10:13)30.05.2015 FC Barcelona vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 33:28 (16:14)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs HC Vardar 7-1-0 (262:188) 15:118.10.2003 FC Barcelona vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 41:19 (19:8)16.11.2003 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 27:35 (16:14)09.10.2004 FC Barcelona vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 31:22 (16:12)06.11.2004 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 12:26 (8:15)11.11.2009 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 28:35 (17:16)21.11.2009 FC Barcelona Borges vs HC Vardar PRO – Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 35:28 (15:13) 21.09.2013 HC Vardar – Skopje vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 29:29 (15:19)30.11.2013 FC Barcelona vs HC Vardar – Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 30:23 (14:11)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 3-2-0 (168:141) 8:220.12.1997 FC Barcelona vs Kolding IF, European Championship for Club Teams – Semi-final 37:26 (20:14)17.10.2009 FC Barcelona Borges vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 46:36 (23:19)06.03.2010 KIF Kolding vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 25:25 (10:12)19.10.2014 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 27:27 (14:16)15.02.2015 FC Barcelona vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 33:27 (19:11)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs MOL-Pick Szeged 11-0-3 (384:324) 22:61977/1978 Szegedi SC vs FC Barcelona, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16 27:22 (0:0)1977/1978 FC Barcelona vs Szegedi SC, Cup Winners’ Cup – Last 16 15:13 (0:0)23.03.1994 Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona, Cup Winners’ Cup – Semi-final 22:24 (8:13)06.04.1994 FC Barcelona vs Pick Szeged, Cup Winners’ Cup – Semi-final 19:14 (10:8)08.02.1997 SC Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 25:26 (12:12)15.02.1997 FC Barcelona vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 40:17 (19:5)23.10.2004 SC Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 22:21 (11:13)13.11.2004 FC Barcelona vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 35:26 (19:11)08.10.2005 FC Barcelona-Cifec vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 27:20 (13:13)22.10.2005 SC Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona-Cifec, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 26:28 (12:17)23.02.2008 Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 4 28:33 (15:14)15.03.2008 FC Barcelona vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Main Round Group 4 28:32 (13:16)18.11.2012 Pick Szeged vs FC Barcelona Intersport, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 28:33 (15:18)24.11.2012 FC Barcelona Intersport vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 33:24 (16:13)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 2-1-2 (160:159) 5:525.09.2010 FC Barcelona Borges vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:31 (13:14)20.02.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 38:38 (22:17)28.05.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona Borges, VELUX EHF Champions League FINAL4 – Semi-final 28:30 (12:12)20.04.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 38:31 (22:14)26.04.2014 FC Barcelona vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 31:24 15:11)
FC Barcelona Lassa vs Montpellier HB 3-1-2 (167:143) 7:511.11.2000 Montpellier HB vs FC Barcelona, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:25 (11:13)10.12.2000 FC Barcelona vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 24:17 (13:8)03.12.2006 Montpellier HB vs FC Barcelona-Cifec, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 28:25 (13:10)09.12.2006 FC Barcelona-Cifec vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 29:23 (15:9)18.03.2012 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs FC Barcelona Intersport, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 30:28 (17:11)25.03.2012 FC Barcelona Intersport vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 36:20 (17:8)
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Group B head-to-headsHistoric encounters of the Group B opponents in the EC
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Vardar 2-0-0 (55:51) 4:011.04.2015 HC Vardar vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 20:22 (11:11)19.04.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 33:31 (16:14)
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 0-0-2 (49:55) 0:417.11.2013 KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 29:24 (17:12)24.11.2013 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 25:26 (15:15)
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs MOL-Pick Szeged 3-0-1 (121:111) 6:217.03.2013 Pick Szeged vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 26:25 (15:14)24.03.2013 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 32:27 (14:11)04.10.2014 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 37:32 (18:17)06.12.2014 MOL-Pick Szeged vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 26:27 (11:14)
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 2-2-3 (198:201) 6:808.10.2009 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 29:29 (17:15)13.02.2010 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 32:35 (19:15)17.10.2010 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 23:23 (12:12)27.02.2011 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 29:27 (11:13)04.09.2011 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Tournament Group W 32:30 (13:11)22.03.2014 KS Vive Targi Kielce vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 32:28 (17:13)31.03.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KS Vive Targi Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 27:23 (16:14)
KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Montpellier HB 1-0-1 (60:58) 2:215.03.2015 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs KS Vive Tauron Kielce, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 25:29 (13:16)21.03.2015 KS Vive Tauron Kielce vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 31:33 (14:15)
HC Vardar vs KIF Kolding Kobenhavn 0-0-2 (46:60) 0:403.10.2009 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 25:32 (10:13)20.02.2010 KIF Kolding vs HC Vardar PRO – Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 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 24:24 (9:10)30.10.2004 SC Pick Szeged vs Vardar Vatrost. Skopje, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 25:18 (13:8)
HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 2-0-0 (63:53) 4:012.10.2014 HC Vardar vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 28:25 (13:13)21.02.2015 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 28:35 (13:20)
HC Vardar vs Montpellier HB 1-1-0 (64:60) 3:119.10.2014 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs HC Vardar, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 34:34 (19:17)14.02.2015 HC Vardar vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 30:26 (18:13)
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 1-0-1 (50:51) 2:224.02.2013 KIF Kolding vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, EHF Cup – Group B 25:23 (13:11)10.03.2013 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs KIF Kolding, EHF Cup – Group B 28:25 (16:10)
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs Montpellier HB 1-1-4 (165:195) 3:905.12.2004 Kolding KIF vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 38:29 (19:13)12.12.2004 Montpellier HB vs Kolding KIF, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 36:25 (18:9)27.03.2010 KIF Kolding vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 26:26 (10:13)03.04.2010 Montpellier HB vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 28:23 (12:14)20.11.2010 KIF Kolding vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 28:36 (13:19)28.11.2010 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs KIF Kolding, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group B 40:25 (19:10)
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Group B head-to-headsHistoric encounters of the Group B opponents in the EC
MOL-Pick Szeged vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen 2-0-2 (117:122) 4:412.10.2008 Pick Szeged vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H 24:28 (17:13)09.11.2008 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group H 35:28 (15:13)13.03.2015 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs MOL-Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 30:34 (17:16)22.03.2015 MOL-Pick Szeged vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 31:29 16:13)
MOL-Pick Szeged vs IFK Kristianstad 2-0-0 (55:41) 4:012.02.2014 IFK Kristianstad vs Pick Szeged, EHF Cup – Group C 23:26 (12:13)29.03.2014 Pick Szeged vs IFK Kristianstad, EHF Cup – Group C 29:18 (16:9)
MOL-Pick Szeged vs Montpellier HB 4-0-5 (244:250) 8:1013.11.1994 Pick Szeged vs Montpellier HB, EHF Cup – Last 16 27:24 (14:9)20.11.1994 Montpellier HB vs Pick Szeged, EHF Cup – Last 16 22:20 (13:8)14.12.2003 SC Pick Szeged vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 29:22 (16:9)21.12.2003 Montpellier HB vs SC Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Last 16 27:26 (15:9)15.11.2009 Montpellier HB vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 30:23 (13:10)22.11.2009 Pick Szeged vs Montpellier HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 26:33 (15:16)19.11.2011 Pick Szeged vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 38:35 (18:17)18.12.2011 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Pick Szeged, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 29:26 (17:14)18.05.2014 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Pick Szeged, EHF Cup – Final 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 27:29 (12:09)30.04.2011 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Quarter-final 26:35 (17:15)27.09.2014 Rhein-Neckar Löwen vs Montpellier Agglomeration HB, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 35:24 (18:11)29.11.2014 Montpellier Agglomeration HB vs Rhein-Neckar Löwen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 29:33 (14:18)
No previous encounters in European competitionsFC Barcelona Lassa vs IFK KristianstadKS Vive Tauron Kielce vs IFK KristianstadHC Vardar vs IFK KristianstadKIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs MOL-Pick SzegedKIF Kolding Kobenhavn vs IFK KristianstadRhein-Neckar Löwen vs IFK KristianstadIFK Kristianstad vs Montpellier HB
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FC Barcelona Lassa (ESP)
Club Address:FC Barcelona LassaAvda. Aristides Maillol, s/n08028 BarcelonaSpain
Media contact:Gustau Galvache+34 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.fcbarcelona.catFacebook: FCBHandbolTwitter: @FCBHandbol
Playing hallPalau BlaugranaAv. Aristides Maillol, s/n08028 BarcelonaSpainCapacity: 7,250
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: red and yellowPlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: dark red or black
DarkPlayer shirt: blue and redPlayer short: redGoalkeeper shirt: yellow or green
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 19Winner (8): 1995/96, 1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2004/05, 2010/11, 2014/15Final (3): 2000/01, 2009/10, 2012/13Semi-final (2): 2007/08, 2013/14Quarter-final (3): 2005/06, 2006/07, 2011/12Last 16 (1): 2003/04Main Round (1): 2008/09
OtherEHF Cup: Winners 2002/03, Runners-up 2001/02Cup Winners‘ Cup: Winners 1993/94, 1994/95
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 timesAsobal Cup winner: 10 times
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.
“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.
GROUP B
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)
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FC Barcelona Lassa (ESP)
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 Portland San Antonio ESP 25:21L (a), 25.02.2006
21 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 31:21L (a), 23.02.2007
Fewest goals opponent 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage Reached
1995/96 FC Barcelona ESP 8 5 2 1 213:173 +40 12:4 Winner
1996/97 FC Barcelona ESP 12 10 1 1 358:264 +94 21:3 Winner
1997/98 FC Barcelona ESP 12 9 1 2 358:284 +74 19:5 Winner
1998/99 FC Barcelona ESP 12 8 3 1 357:289 +68 19:5 Winner
1999/00 FC Barcelona ESP 12 10 0 2 345:271 +74 20:4 Winner
2000/01 FC Barcelona ESP 12 8 2 2 316:281 +35 18:6 Runner-up
2003/04 FC Barcelona ESP 8 5 1 2 262:212 +50 11:5 Last 16
2004/05 FC Barcelona Cifec ESP 14 8 0 6 400:360 +40 16:12 Winner
2005/06 FC Barcelona-Cifec ESP 10 9 0 1 293:244 +49 18:2 1/4-finals
2006/07 FC Barcelona-Cifec ESP 10 8 0 2 314:263 +51 16:4 1/4-finals
2007/08 FC Barcelona ESP 14 11 0 3 475:407 +68 22:6 1/2-finals
2008/09 FC Barcelona Borges ESP 10 6 0 4 307:275 +32 12:8 3rd MR Gr. 4
2009/10 FC Barcelona Borges ESP 16 13 1 2 545:461 +84 27:5 Runner-up
2010/11 FC Barcelona Borges ESP 16 10 3 3 501:451 +50 23:9 Winner
2011/12 FC Barcelona Intersport ESP 14 11 0 3 459:357 +102 22:6 1/4-finals
2012/13 FC Barcelona Intersport ESP 16 13 0 3 488:404 +84 26:6 Runner-up
2013/14 FC Barcelona ESP 16 12 1 3 535:426 +109 25:7 Third Place
2014/15 FC Barcelona ESP 16 14 1 1 527:408 +119 29:3 Winner
Total 228 170 16 42 7053:5830 +1223 356:100
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FC Barcelona Lassa (ESP)
Xavi Pascualcoach• “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.
EC trophies: CL 2011, 2015
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
13 Aitor Arino Bengoechea ESP Left Wing 5.10.1992 Penarth, GBR 184 81
44 Daniel Dujshebaev ESP Centre Back 4.7.1997 Santander, ESP 197 100
9 Raul Entrerrios Rodriguez ESP Centre Back 12.2.1981 Gijon, ESP 195 89
14 Aleix Gomez Abello ESP Right Wing 7.5.1997 Sabadell, ESP 181 72
18 Eduardo Gurbindo Martinez ESP Right Back 8.11.1987 Pamplona, ESP 195 89
42 Wael Jallouz TUN Left Back 3.5.1991 Grombalia, TUN 197 92
39 Filip Jicha CZE Left Back 19.4.1982 Pilsen, CZE 201 105
35 Marko Kopljar CRO Right Back 12.2.1986 Pozega, CRO 210 108
77 Kiril Lazarov MKD Right Back 10.5.1980 Veles, MKD 195 99
21 Alejandro Marquez Coloma ESP Right Back 5.1.1995 Alcobendas, ESP 194 90
27 Viran Morros de Argila ESP Left Back 15.12.1983 Barcelona, ESP 197 92
3 Jesper Brian Nöddesbo DEN Line Player 23.10.1980 Herning, DEN 199 100
24 Oriol Rey Morales ESP Back 31.3.1994 St Maria Palautordera 190 95
22 Siarhei Rutenka BLR Left Back 29.8.1981 Privolnij, BLR 199 109
11 Daniel Sarmiento Melian ESP Centre Back 25.8.1983 Las Palmas, ESP 188 85
19 Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson ISL Left Wing 8.8.1979 Reykjavik, ISL 187 82
10 Cedric Sorhaindo FRA Line Player 7.6.1984 La Trinite, FRA 192 100
21 Kamil Syprzak POL Line Player 23.7.1991 Plock, POL 206 120
8 Victor Tomas Gonzalez ESP Right Wing 15.2.1985 Barcelona, ESP 178 89
1 Gonzalo Perez de Vargas ESP Goalkeeper 10.1.1991 Toledo, ESP 189 93
12 Danijel Saric BIH Goalkeeper 27.6.1977 Doboj, BIH 194 93
38 Francisco Revuelta Mora ESP Goalkeeper 13.4.1995 Barcelona, ESP 191 84
48 Xoan Ledo Menendez ESP Goalkeeper 6.7.1996 Lalin, ESP 188 82
Average: 28 193,3 93,4
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Gudjon Valur Sigurdssonleft wing• before his arrival to Barcelona spent just one season away from the Bundesliga - in 2011/12 he played for AG Kobenhavn
• former Tusem Essen, VfL Gummersbach, Rhein-Neckar Löwen and THW Kiel player
• real key player with his enormous experience from top handball and his equally large talent
• his fifth trip to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 brought him the CL title
Kiril Lazarovright back• powerful back court shooter from FYR Macedonia
• most successful scorer at a single EHF EURO event (2012 Serbia, 61 goals) and also at WCh level (2009 Croatia, 92 goals)
• top scorer of the CL twice (2005/06 and 2007/08)
• joined Barca in 2013 after stints with Pelister, Zagreb, Veszprem, Ciudad Real/Atletico Madrid
Siarhei Rutenkaleft 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)
• in 2015 added the sixth title, no active players have more CL titles than him
• lifted the trophy with Celje, with Ciudad Real (three times) and with Barcelona
• top scorer of the 2006 EHF EURO, the 2003/04 and the 2004/05 CL season
Jesper Nöddesboline player• started his career at Team Tvis Holstebro
• started spiralling upwards when he joined KIF Kolding in 2004
• since then, he has been among Europe’s elite year after year – with Kolding from 2004 to 2007, and ever since with FC Barcelona
• imposing presence on the court, not afraid of anything when it comes to stopping opposing attackers
Victor Tomasright wing• following the victories in 2005, 2011 and 2015 the Barcelona-born captain hopes to lift his fourth CL trophy at the FINAL4 in Cologne
• joined Barcelona’s youth team in 1998 and has not played for any other club
• his biggest assets are his great pace and his impressive flexibility that make him a strong player in attack but also in defence
EC trophies: CL 2005, 2011, 2015, EHF Cup 2003OG: B 2008, EURO: B 2014, WCh: G 2013
EC trophies: CL 2015EURO: G 2008, S 2014, WCh: S 2011, 2013
EC trophies: CL 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015
EC trophies: CL 2015, EHF Cup 2005OG: S 2008
Danijel Saricgoalkeeper• known for his incredible quality in goal and for the joy he brings to the team
• Bosnian-born goalkeeper won the CL in 2011 with Barca and led Qatar to silver at the WCh 2015
• best goalkeeper of the ASOBAL league in 2011 and 2012, and the best player overall in 2011
• joined in 2009, after spells with Spanish clubs San Antonio, Leon, Alcobendas and Cantabria; began his career in Serbia with Crvena Zvezda and Sintelon
EC trophies: CL 2011, 2015WCh: S 2015
Raul Entrerrioscentre back• has matured into one of the household names in Spanish handball and one of the leading players of the national team
• 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
• 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, 2009OG: B 2008, EHF EURO: S 2006, B 2014, WCh: G 2005, B 2011
EC trophies: CL 2015
Filip Jíchaleft back• 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
• former captain of the THW Kiel came to Barcelona in the summer of 2015
• one-against-one ability and tough shots make him feared by defences, also a strong defender
• only active player in the CL’s 20-year Ultimate Selection and Czech player of the year seven times
EC trophies: CL 2010, 2012, EHF Cup 2006
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KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL)
Club Address:KS Vive Tauron Kielceul. Robotnicza 525-662 KielcePoland
Media contact:Sebastian Kozubek+48 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.vtkielce.plFacebook: kielcehandballTwitter: @ksvive
Playing hallHala M.O.S.I.R – Legionówul. Boczna 15A25-093 KielcePolandCapacity: 4,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: yellowPlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: blue
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: green
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 13Semi-final (2): 2012/13, 2014/15 (third ranked in VELUX F4)Last 16 (5): 1993/94, 1994/95, 2009/10, 2011/12, 2013/14Last 32 (2): 1996/97, 1998/99Group matches (3): 1999/2000, 2003/04, 2010/11
Other11 participations in other ECs
Polish league: 12 titles (1993, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)Polish cup: 12 titles
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.”
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-to-head. 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.”
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.”
GROUP B
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Polish champions
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)
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Biggest win: 35:23 (16:13) v FC Porto Vitalis POR (h), 29.09.2013
Biggest defeat: 30:41 (19:19) v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN (h), 15.11.2003
Longest winning run: 11 matches (25.09.2014 - 15.03.2015)
Longest unbeaten run: 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)
Longest run without win: 6 matches (26.09.2010 – 27.11.2010)
Most goals: 38 v Orlen Wisla Plock POL 38:30W (h), 23.02.2014
Most goals opponent: 41 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 30:41L (h), 15.11.2003
Most goals both teams: 72 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 40:32L (a), 27.11.1999
Fewest goals: 21 v HC Bosna BH Gas BIH 25:21L (a), 27.02.2010
21 v HC Metalurg MKD 21:20W (h), 24.11.2012
Fewest goals opponent: 20 v HC Metalurg MKD 21:20W (h), 24.11.2012
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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
1999/00 KS Iskra-Lider Market POL 6 3 0 3 173:186 –13 6:6 3rd Gr. B
2003/04 KS ‘Vive’ Kielce POL 6 2 1 3 159:177 -18 5:7 3rd Gr. G
2009/10 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 12 5 1 6 345:344 +1 11:13 Last 16
2010/11 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 10 1 2 7 276:300 -24 4:16 6th Gr. A
2011/12 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 12 6 1 5 345:336 +9 13:11 Last 16
2012/13 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 16 14 0 2 469:400 +69 28:4 Third Place
2013/14 KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 12 7 1 4 362:331 +31 15:9 Last 16
2014/15 KS Vive Tauron Kielce POL 16 14 0 2 483:439 +44 28:4 Third Place
Total 90 52 6 32 2612:2513 +99 110:70
KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL)
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Team roster
KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL)
Talant Dujshebaevcoach• 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
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
13 Julen Aguinagalde Akizu ESP Line Player 8.12.1982 Irun, ESP 195 116
14 Karol Bielecki POL Left Back 23.1.1982 Sandomierz, POL 202 101
18 Bartlomiej Bis POL Line Player 25.3.1997 Kielce, POL 198 102
3 Jakub Bulski POL Line Player 29.4.1998 Kielce, POL 195 96
21 Denis Buntic CRO Right Back 13.11.1982 Ljubuski, BIH 198 93
10 Piotr Chrapkowski POL Left Back 24.3.1988 Goreczno, POL 202 100
27 Ivan Cupic CRO Right Wing 22.3.1986 Metkovic, CRO 178 75
4 Michal Grabowski POL Right Wing 28.11.1997 Kielce, POL 188 87
15 Mateusz Jachlewski POL Left Wing 27.12.1984 Gdynia, POL 185 88
5 Michal Jurecki POL Left Back 27.10.1984 Koscian, POL 198 110
19 Mariusz Jurkiewicz POL Left Back 3.2.1982 Lubin, POL 199 103
11 Mateusz Kus POL Line Player 14.7.1987 Piekary SL, POL 200 100
19 Krzysztof Lijewski POL Right Back 7.7.1983 Ostrów Wlkpl. POL 198 94
9 Tobias Reichmann GER Right Wing 27.5.1988 Berlin, GER 188 85
17 Manuel Strlek CRO Left Wing 1.12.1988 Zagreb, CRO 182 84
6 Grzegorz Tkaczyk POL Left Back 22.12.1980 Warszawa, POL 194 94
2 Branko Vujovic MNE Right Back 20.4.1998 197 82
23 Uros Zorman SLO Centre Back 9.1.1980 Kranj, SLO 189 96
1 Slawomir Szmal POL Goalkeeper 2.10.1978 Strzelce Opolskie, POL 190 90
16 Marin Sego CRO Goalkeeper 2.8.1985 Mostar, BIH 194 100
Krzysztof Markowski POL Goalkeeper 5.8.1997 Kielce, POL 185 82
Average: 28,24 193,1 94,2
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Marin Segogoalkeeper• his first stop in Poland was Wisla Plock when he came from Zagreb in 2012 and stayed until 2014
• like in Plock with Marcin Wichary also in Kielce he has a strong competition in a goal from a Polish national team goalkeeper - Szmal
• before his move to Poland spent half of his career in Bosnia Herzegovina, and half in Croatia
• 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
Manuel Strlekleft wing• his arrival in Kielce in 2012 were his first steps abroad, after leaving his boyhood club Zagreb
• started gathering CL experience in 2006
• together with his fellow countryman Cupic on the other side, they soon created extremely effective duet of wingers
• All-Star team left wing at EHF EURO 2010
Uros Zormancentre back• one of the best playmakers in the game
• on the hunt for his fourth CL success
• not known for scoring lots of goals, but his movement and passes provide ample space for his teammates in attack
• 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
Denis Bunticright back• born in Ljubuski, traditional handball city of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• played for Izvidac, Zagreb, Koper and Ademar Leon in the past
• joined Kielce in the summer of 2011 and one year later reached his first FINAL4 with the club
• set his scoring record in the EC in 2009/10 with Ademar (57 goals)
Slawomir Szmalgoalkeeper• 2009 World Handball Player of the Year
• one of the key players in the Polish national champions’ defence
• spent several years in German Bundesliga playing for TuS N-Lübbecke and Rhein Neckar Löwen
• competed in three VELUX EHF FINAL4 events with Löwen in 2010/11 and twice with Kielce in 2012/13 and 2014/15
• on the court a hardworking Titan, beyond it always keen on handball initiatives for kids
Julen Aguinagaldeline player• one of the world’s top line players
• All-Star team line player of the 2013 WCh in Spain and EHF EURO 2014 in Denmark
• nominated for World Handball Player of the Year 2012
• joined Kielce from Atlético Mardid in 2013 for his first foreign league experience
• four VELUX EHF FINAL4 participations in 2010-2015
Ivan Cupicright wing• second top goal scorer at the London 2012 Olympics
• named on the All-Star team at the 2009 WCh
• despite losing one finger in an accident in 2008 remained an important player of each team he has played including the national team
• shares the position with the German Tobias Reichmann
WCh: S 2007, B 2009, 2015EURO: S 2010
WCh: G 2013, B 2011, EURO: B 2014
OG: B 2012, WCh: S 2009, B 2013, EURO: S 2008, 2010, B 2012
WCh: G 2013, B 2011, EURO: B 2014
EC Trophies: CL: 2004, 2008, 2009EURO: S 2004
OG: B 2012, EURO: S 2010, B 2012, WCh: S 2005, 2009
Karol Bieleckileft back• Poland’s biggest handball icon
• spent eight seasons in the Bundesliga playing for Magdeburg and Rhein-Neckar Löwen
• 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
• Kielce’s best scorer in the current season (76)
• excellent shooter from long-range
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2007WCh: S 2007, B 2009, 2015
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HC Vardar (MKD)
Club Address:HC Vardar Marko SavovskiBUL 8 mi Septemvri 20FYR Macedonia
Media contact:Marko Savovski+389 75 200 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.rkvardar.com.mkFacebook: rkvardarTwitter: @RK_Vardar
Playing hallJane SandanskiSkopjeFYR MacedoniaCapacity: 5,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: orange and redDarkPlayer shirt: black/redPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: black and blue
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 10Quarter-final (2): 2013/14, 2014/15Last 32 (1): 1999/2000Group Phase (6): 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2007/08, 2009/10
OtherCup 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
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.”
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.
GROUP B
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Macedonian champions
Coach: Raul Gutierrez Gonzalez (since November 2013)Captain: Filip Lazarov
Newcomers:Mijajlo Marsenic (Partizan)Luka Cindric (HC Metalurg)Jorge Maqueda (HBC Nantes)Dejan Manaskov (HSG Wetzlar)Aleksander Dereven (Chekhovskie Medvedi)
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)
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Biggest win: 37:24 (19:11) v Wacker Thun SUI (a), 19.10.2013
Biggest defeat: 41:19 (19:08) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 18.10.2003
Longest winning run: 4 matches (26.04.2014 – 12.10.2014)
4 matches (29.11.2014 – 21.02.2015)
Longest unbeaten run: 5 matches (26.04.2014 – 19.10.2014)
Longest losing run: 7 matches (12.10.2003 – 09.10.2004)
Longest run without win: 8 matches (12.10.2003 – 16.10.2004)
8 matches (03.10.2009 – 20.02.2010)
Most goals: 39 v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 39:28W (h), 04.10.2014
39 v Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 34:39W (a), 06.12.2014
Most goals opponent: 41 v FC Barcelona ESP 41:19L (a), 18.10.2003
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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2001/02 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 1 1 4 152:175 –23 3:9 4th Gr. D
2002/03 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 2 0 4 152:181 –29 4:8 4th Gr. D
2003/04 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 0 0 6 157:210 -53 0:12 4th Gr. B
2004/05 Vardar Vatrost. Skopje MKD 6 1 2 3 124:153 -29 4:8 3rd Gr. A
2007/08 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje MKD 6 2 1 3 161:180 -19 5:7 4th Gr. C
2009/10 HC Vardar PRO – Skopje MKD 10 1 1 8 253:316 -63 3:17 5th Gr. D
2013/14 HC Vardar – Skopje MKD 14 6 3 5 376:369 +7 15:13 1/4-finals
2014/15 HC Vardar MKD 14 8 1 5 421:396 +25 17:11 1/4-finals
Total 68 21 9 38 1796:1980
HC Vardar (MKD)
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Team roster
HC Vardar (MKD)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
20 Ilija Abutovic SRB Left Back 2.8.1988 Vrbas, SRB 202 99
7 Matjaz Brumen SLO Right Wing 23.12.1982 Ljublana, SLO 190 90
25 Luka Cindric CRO Centre Back 5.7.1993 Ogulin, CRO 185 89
17 Alexander Dereven RUS Left Back 26.3.1992 Toliatti, RUS 199 88
31 Timur Dibirov RUS Left Wing 30.7.1983 Petrozavodsk, RUS 180 74
19 Alex Dujshebaev ESP Right Back 17.12.1992 Santander, ESP 187 84
32 Sergei Gorbok RUS Left Back 4.12.1982 Minsk, RUS 196 98
18 Igor Karacic CRO Centre Back 2.11.1988 Mostar, BIH 191 91
6 Blazenko Lackovic CRO Left Back 25.12.1980 Varazdin, CRO 197 100
23 Filip Lazarov MKD Left Back 21.4.1985 Veles, MKD 199 100
11 Dejan Manaskov MKD Left Wing 26.8.1992 Veles, MKD 181 78
15 Jorge Maqueda Pena ESP Right Back 6.12.1988 Toledo, ESP 195 102
93 Mijajlo Marsenic SRB Line Player 9.3.1993 Berane, MNE 202 107
33 Daniil Shishkarev RUS Right Wing 6.7.1988 Kustanai, RUS 190 85
5 Stojanche Stoilov MKD Line Player 30.4.1987 Skopje, MKD 191 110
10 Alem Toskic SRB Line Player 12.2.1982 Priboj, SRB 190 108
1 Arpad Sterbik Capar ESP Goalkeeper 20.11.1979 Senta, SRB 200 119
12 Strahinja Milic SRB Goalkeeper 22.12.1990 Pristina, SRB 200 132
26 Petar Angelov MKD Goalkeeper 8.3.1977 Kavadarci, MKD 192 103
Average: 28,74 193 97,7
Raul Gonzalez Gutierrezcoach• 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)
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Dejan Manaskov left wing• 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
• son of Macedonian handball legend Pepi Manaskov and also one of the key players of the national team
• his highest achievement the fifth place at the EC 2012 in Serbia
• the 2013/14 season was a breakthrough year in the CL, scoring 33 goals on Metlaurg’s run to the quarter-finals.
Timur Dibirovleft wing• in 2013 he joined Vardar as just the second club in his career
• the first was Chekhovskie Medvedi, with whom he reached the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2010
• voted best left wing of at the 2013 WCh
• fast breaks specialists also key in defence
Igor Karacic centre back• voted into the 2012/13 SEHA League All-Star team
• regarded as a fast and tough player who is brilliant when it comes to ‘one-on-one’ situations
• scored 62 goals on the way to the last 16 in the 2010/11 CL season with Bosna Sarajevo
• born in Mostar he plays for the Croatian national team, while his brother Ivan plays for Bosnia Herzegovina
Alex Dujshebaev right back• son of Talant Dujshebaev joined Vardar at the beginning of the 2013/14 season
• played for Spain at the Junior World Championship in 2013 and helped his team to win silver
• best right back of the All-star team at the 2012 Men’s 20 EHF EURO and the 2013 Junior 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
Arpad Sterbik goalkeeper• one of the best goalkeepers who holds Hungarian, Serbian and Spanish citizenship
• after ten seasons spent in Spain moved from Barcelona in 2014 and signed a four-year contract with Macedonian runners-up
• dozens of international awards including the 2005 IHF World Handball Player of the Year
• voted as the best goalkeeper of the Spanish league five times
Sergey Gorbokleft back• started his carrier in Minsk, played in several countries (Ukraine, Russia, Slovenia, Germany)
• took Russian citizenship and started playing for Russia after playing three seasons in Chekhov
• in the 2013/14 season with Rhein-Neckar Löwen he was close to the FINAL4
• joined the Russian “colony” of Vardar in 2014
Stojance Stoilov line player• not only Vardar’s first choice line player, but occupies the same position in the Macedonian national team
• joined Vardar in 2010 from city rivals Metalurg – a step that saw his career spiralling upwards
• played a brilliant tournament at the EHF EURO 2012 when FYR Macedonia finished 5th
Matjaz Brumenright wing• besides Dibirov and Sterbik only Vardar player with a European Cup title under his belt
• 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
• 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
EC trophies: CL 2006, 2008, 2009WCh: B 1999, B 2001, B 2011, G 2013
EC trophies: CL 2004, Challenge Cup 2011
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006
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KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN)
Club Address:KIF Kolding KobenhavnAmbolten 2-66000 KoldingDenmark
Media contact:Thomas Christensen+45 22 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.kif.dkFacebook: KIFKBHTwitter: @KifKoldingKBH
Playing hallTRE-FOR ArenaAmbolten 2-66000 KoldingDenmarkCapacity: 2,800
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: white/redPlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: green
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 13Semi-final (1): 2001/02Quarter-final (1): 2002/03Last 16 (8): 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2013/14, 2014/15Last 32 (1): 1993/94Group Phase (1): 1994/95
OtherCup Winners’ Cup: Semi-finals 1999/2000, Quarter-finals 2007/08EHF Cup: Quarter-finals 2012/13
Danish champions: 14 times (1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2015)
Danish cup: 7 times
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.
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.”
GROUP B
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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)
Alternative playing hallBroendby HallenBroendby Stadion 202605 BrondbyDenmarkCapacity: 5,000
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VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
1994/95 Kolding IF DEN 6 1 0 5 140:163 –23 2:10 4th Gr. A
2001/02 Kolding IF DEN 10 5 1 4 263:256 +7 11:9 1/2-finals
2002/03 Kolding IF DEN 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
2009/10 KIF Kolding DEN 12 4 4 4 336:342 -6 12:12 Last 16
2010/11 KIF Kolding DEN 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 104 52 9 43 2982:2932
KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN)
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
Longest winning run: 4 matches (16.11.2002 – 08.12.2002)
4 matches (30.09.2006 – 19.10.2006)
4 matches (13.10.2013 – 24.11.2013)
Longest unbeaten run: 6 matches (30.09.2006 – 12.11.2006)
6 matches (28.9.2014 - 23.11.2014)
Longest losing run: 4 matches (26.02.2011 – 02.04.2011)
Longest run without win: 4 matches (17.10.2009 – 22.11.2009)
4 matches (27.02.2010 – 03.04.2010)
4 matches (26.02.2011 – 02.04.2011)
Most goals: 42 v RK Partizan Belgrad SCG 42:26W (h), 12.10.2003
42 v Prule 67 Ljubljana SLO 42:31W (h), 30.11.2003
Most goals opponent: 46 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 46:36L (a), 17.10.2009
Most goals both teams: 82 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 46:36L (a), 17.10.2009
Fewest goals: 16 v TEKA Santander ESP 28:16L (a), 25.01.1995
Fewest goals opponent: 18 v Lovcen Osiguranje YUG 20:18W (h), 11.11.2001
18 v Wisla Plock SA POL 35:18W (h), 07.10.2006
18 v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 18:20W (a), 13.10.2013
Fewest goals both teams: 38 v Lovcen Osiguranje YUG 20:18W (h), 11.11.2001
38 v Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral FRA 18:20W (a), 13.10.2013
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KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN)No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
7 Lasse Bredekjaer Anderson DEN Left Back 11.3.1994 Kobenhavn, DEN 197 100
22 Sebastian Augustinussen DEN Right Back 6.5.1996 Kolding, DEN 192 90
3 Lasse Boesen DEN Left Back 18.9.1979 Kolding, DEN 192 100
14 Mikel Dalby Christensen DEN Centre Back 19.6.1995 Kolding, DEN 180 90
11 Martin Per Dolk SWE Left Wing 25.3.1990 Hammarby, SWE 180 85
24 Nikolaj Enderleit DEN Right Back 21.6.1997 Kolding, DEN 198 97
35 Konstantin Igropulo RUS Right Back 14.4.1985 Stawropol, RUS 189 97
18 Kasper Ryan Irming Andersen DEN Right Back 12.3.1986 Skanderborg, DEN 188 80
21 Simon Edelberg Jensen DEN Right Wing 2.6.1984 Svendborg, DEN 185 85
6 Lars Troels Jorgensen DEN Back 3.2.1978 Køge, DEN 192 102
2 Lukas Karlsson SWE Centre Back 21.5.1982 Nyköping, SWE 180 83
25 Jacob Kühne DEN Centre Back 27.4.1997 Sønderborg, DEN 180 95
4 Torsten Laen DEN Line Player 26.11.1979 Odense, DEN 198 96
17 Magnus Landin Jacobsen DEN Left Wing 20.8.1995 helsingør, DEN 197 96
15 Jens Svane Peschardt DEN Left Back 22.3.1997 Vejle, DEN 192 91
8 Bo Dybdal Spellerberg DEN Left Back 24.7.1979 Gladsaxe, DEN 192 84
23 Jakob Stork DEN Line Player 24.11.1995 Vejle, DEN 188 105
13 Thomas Björn Theilgaard DEN Right Wing 13.1.1993 Vejen, DEN 188 78
19 Cyril Viudes FRA Line Player 6.2.1982 Champigny-S.-M., FRA 198 110
1 Kasper Hvidt DEN Goalkeeper 6.2.1976 Frederiksberg, DEN 192 96
20 Marcus David Cleverly DEN Goalkeeper 15.6.1981 Hilerod, DEN 188 90
12 Morten Ankersen DEN Goalkeeper 25.11.1994 Kolding, DEN 180 85
28 Anders Lynge DEN Goalkeeper 16.4.1997 Kolding, DEN 183 81
27 Rasmus Dossing DEN Goalkeeper 6.2.1997 Kolding, DEN 188 87
Average: 26,67 189 91,8
Henrik Kronborgcoach• 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
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Cyril Viudesline 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
• although born in France, has Spanish roots
• awarded League Player of the Year 2014/15 in Denmark by the players of the league
• 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
Magnus Landinleft wing• younger brother of world class goalkeeper Niklas Landin
• 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
• one of Denmark’s currently greatest talents in the left wing position, but also a qualified supplement to the back court line of KIF
Lukas Karlssoncentre back• joined KIF Kolding from Viborg HK in 2009
• elegant and inventive playmaker bothered by shoulder problems for a long time
• apart from orchestrating KIF’s attacking play, he has also turned into one of the team s most dangerous shooters
• married to Norwegian international Ida Bjørndalen
Konstantin Igropuloright back• a Russian with Greek roots also played for a club in Athens, one of the first Russians to play for FC Barcelona
• 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
Kasper Hvidtgoalkeeper• still considered to be among the best goalkeepers in the world
• retired from international handball in 2010 after being awarded MVP as Denmark won the EHF EURO 2008 in Norway
• 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
• with KIF since August 2013
Bo Spellerbergleft back• KIF Kolding player for 11 years, since he joined the club from FIF Copenhagen in 2003
• reached 500 games for the team before the 2014/15 season, won the Danish title five times
• during his entire time in the club, he has been a key player to the team
• elegant and hard-shooting playmaker as well as left back
Torsten Laenline player• 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
• proved to be just as important a player in all aspects of the of the game as expected
Kasper Irming Andersenright wing• 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
• able to play the right back position, if needs be
• haunted by injuries over three years 2012-14
WCh: S 2011, EHF EURO: G 2008
EHF EURO: G 2008, 2012
EC trophies: CL 2008
EC trophies: CL 2011, EHF Cup 2015
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MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN)
Club Address:MOL-Pick SzegedDeák Ferenc u. 28-30.6720 SzegedHungary
Media contact:Levente Juhasz+36 70 543 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.pickhandball.huFacebook: pickszegedTwitter: @pickhandball
Playing hallVarosi Sportcsarnok SzegedTemesvari Krt.336726 SzegedHungaryCapacity: 3,200
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: orangePlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: white or green
DarkPlayer shirt: blue Player short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: black
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 14Quarter-final (3): 1996/1997, 2003/2004, 2014/15Last 16 (5): 2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2010/2011, 2012/13Main Round (1): 2007/2008Group Phase (3): 2008/2009, 2009/2010, 2011/2012Qualification (1): 2013/14
OtherEHF Cup: Winners 2014/15, Quarter-final: 2000/01Last 16: 1994/95, 1999/2000
Cup Winners’ CupSemi-final: 1993/94Quarter-final: 2002/03, 2008/09
Hungarian league: 2 titles (1996, 2007)
Hungarian cup: 6 titles
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.
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.”
GROUP B
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Hungarian runners-up
Coach: Juan Carlos Pastor (since 2013)
Newcomers: Thiagus Petrus (Naturhouse La Rioja)Marko Curuvija (König-Trade Balmazujvaros)
Left the club:Attila Vadkerti (FKSE Algyö and operational director of the MOL-Pick Szeged youth academy)
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Biggest win: 39:24 (15:10) v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH (h), 07.10.2007
Biggest defeat: 40:17 (19:5) v FC Barcelona ESP (a), 15.02.1997
Longest winning run: 6 matches (03.10.2007 – 24.11.2007)
Longest unbeaten run: 6 matches (03.10.2007 – 24.11.2007)
Longest losing run: 6 matches (17.10.2009 – 20.02.2010)
6 matches (06.03.2011 – 15.10.2011)
Longest run without win: 7 matches (17.10.2009 – 27.02.2010)
Most goals: 39 v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH 39:24W (h), 07.10.2007
Most goals opponent: 40 v FC Barcelona ESP 40:17L (a), 15.02.1997
Most goals both teams: 73 v Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 38:35W (h), 19.11.2011
Fewest goals: 17 v FC Barcelona ESP 40:17L (a), 15.02.1997
Fewest goals opponent: 16 v Wisla Plock SA POL 16:26W (a), 05.10.2008
Fewest goals both teams: 39 v Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 20:19W (h), 08.03.2008
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
1996/97 Pick Szeged HUN 8 3 2 3 205:216 –11 8:8 1/4-finals
2003/04 SC Pick Szeged HUN 10 4 0 6 269:262 +7 8:12 1/4-finals
2004/05 SC Pick Szeged HUN 8 4 2 2 190:187 +3 10:6 Last 16
2005/06 SC Pick Szeged HUN 8 3 0 5 219:218 +1 6:10 Last 16
2006/07 SC Pick Szeged HUN 8 3 2 3 202:203 -1 8:8 Last 16
2007/08 Pick Szeged HUN 12 9 0 3 361:310 +51 18:6 3rd MR Gr. 4
2008/09 Pick Szeged HUN 6 2 0 4 159:161 -2 4:8 3rd Gr. H
2009/10 Pick Szeged HUN 10 2 2 6 287:307 -20 6:14 5th Gr. A
2010/11 Pick Szeged HUN 12 5 0 7 336:351 -15 10:14 Last 16
2011/12 Pick Szeged HUN 10 3 0 7 285:316 -31 6:14 5th Gr. D
2012/13 Pick Szeged HUN 12 4 0 8 313:350 –37 8:16 Last 16
2014/15 MOL-Pick Szeged HUN 14 9 1 4 395:383 +12 19:9 1/4-finals
Total 118 51 9 58 3221:3264
MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN)
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MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN)No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
90 Gabor Ancsin HUN Right Back 27.11.1990 Bekescsaba, HUN 202 97
92 Adam Arokszallasi HUN Right Wing 5.7.1994 Szeged, HUN 174 66
20 Patrik Arpasi HUN Line Player 17.9.1996 Orosháza, HUN 190 100
19 Zsolt Balogh HUN Right Back 29.3.1989 Orosháza, HUN 189 96
21 Alen Blazevic CRO Left Back 29.3.1986 Nasice, CRO 200 110
44 Dean Bombac SLO Centre Back 4.4.1989 Koper, SLO 188 92
54 Marko Curuvija SRB Left Wing 24.7.1981 Belgrade, SRB 198 93
93 Adam Dimovics HUN Centre Back 23.1.1999 Szeged, HUN 187 83
95 Karoly Doleszal HUN Left Wing 1.12.1995 Székesfehérvár, HUN 190 85
15 Balint Fekete HUN Right Back 27.6.1995 Gyula, HUN 190 80
51 Roberto Garcia Parrondo ESP Right Wing 12.1.1980 Madrid, ESP 187 86
9 Antonio Jesus Garcia Robledo ESP Left Back 6.3.1984 Llagosta, ESP 191 95
11 Mate Gidai HUN Right Wing 18.1.1994 Békéscsaba, HUN 180 75
14 Thiagus Petrus Goncalves Dos Santos BRA Left Back 25.1.1989 Juiz de Fora, BRA 199 100
98 Gergö Haszillo HUN Centre Back 30.9.1996 Székesfehérvár, HUN 192 92
23 Márk Hegedüs HUN Line Player 14.9.1992 Budapest, HUN 190 100
18 Ferenc Ilyés HUN Left Back 20.12.1981 Székelyudvarhely, ROU 198 103
8 Jonas Källman SWE Left Wing 17.7.1981 Växjö, SWE 200 100
24 Vladan Loncar BIH Left Back 25.1.1997 Sarajevo, BIH 195 90
99 Stefan Manojlovity SRB Centre Back 22.12.1997 Zenta, SRB 182 80
94 Richard Mezei HUN Centre Back 28.11.1996 Szeged, HUN 189 96
5 Niko Mindegia Elizaga ESP Centre Back 19.7.1988 Santesteban, ESP 182 85
89 Lenard Nagy HUN Left Wing 8.5.1997 Senta, SRB 182 74
81 Zoltan Peter Patyi HUN Centre Back 18.2.1995 Szeged, HUN 182 90
22 Rajko Prodanovic SRB Right Wing 24.4.1986 Beograd, SRB 186 87
82 Roland Selmeczi HUN Right Wing 14.3.1997 Szeged, HUN 189 70
91 Bence Szabo HUN Line Player 11.8.1994 Kecskemét, HUN 200 111
83 Mate Szabo HUN Right Wing 27.1.1997 Szeged, HUN 190 75
84 Peter Szabo HUN Left Back 1.7.1996 Szeged, HUN 188 84
96 Egon Urban HUN Right Wing 12.12.1996 Senta, SRB 180 75
85 Daniel Gabor Varga HUN Line Player 26.9.1997 Szeged, HUN 193 100
10 Peter Velky HUN Left Wing 25.4.1992 Orosháza, HUN 186 82
77 Vladimir Vranjes BIH Line Player 14.12.1988 Banja Luka, BIH 200 107
17 Szabolcs Zubai HUN Line Player 31.3.1984 Mezokövesd, HUN 193 93
1 Jose Manuel Sierra Mendez ESP Goalkeeper 21.5.1978 Moguer, ESP 193 88
16 Piotr Wyszomirski POL Goalkeeper 6.1.1988 Warszava, POL 194 95
97 Boris Manojlovity SRB Goalkeeper 13.4.1993 Zenta, SRB 188 102
52 Martin Nagy HUN Goalkeeper 9.1.1999 Szeged, HUN 202 88
12 Imre Pasztor HUN Goalkeeper 23.7.1996 Szolnok, HUN 190 115
Average: 23,92 190,5 90,8
Juan Carlos Pastorcoach• 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 2014WCh: G 2005, EURO: S 2006, OG: B 2008
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Thiagus Petrus Goncalves left back• first Brazilian player of the 55-year-old history of the club
• his lethal shots come handy at Pick where the shooting compartment badly needed reinforcement
• joined Niko Mindegía, his former teammate from La Rioja, where he won 2x silver in ASOBAL
• Brazilian international won gold at the Pan American Games in 2015 in Toronto
José Manuel Sierragoalkeeper• together with Piotr Wyszomirski supposed to fill in for Hungarian international Roland Mikler, who joined Veszprém
• 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
• 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: 2009WCh: G 2013, EURO: B 2014
Jonas Källmanleft wing• 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
• spent more than a decade in Spain with Ciudad Real and Atlético Madrid before returning home (IFK Skövde) and finally signing a three-and-a-half year contract with Pick
EC trophies: CL 2006, 2008, 2009, EHF Cup 2014OG: S 2012
Ferenc Ilyésleft back• one of the most influential Hungarian players at both club and international level
• one of the many who played both for Szeged and Veszprém
• defensive specialist can also be an impact player at left back as shown by his marvellous performance in the 2014 EHF Cup Finals
• 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 Robledoleft back• without a doubt the biggest name the EHF Cup winner signed in the summer of 2014
• won a great deal of both individual, club and national team silverware and a lot is expected from the Granollers-raised shooter in Szeged
• former Spanish player of the year
• Szeged is his third team in the CL having tried his luck with Leon and PSG before
WCh: G 2013, EURO: B 2014
Szabolcs Zubailine player• one of the most technically gifted in his position in Hungary
• coming from the famous Dunaferr school
• U2 fan signed a contract with Pick Szeged in 2008 and has been the focal point of both the team’s attacks and defence
• 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
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2014
Zsolt Baloghright back• joined Pick Szeged from Braun Gyöngyös in 2012
• by 2014 overtook Gábor Ancsin in the Pick roster at his poition
• not as tall as one would expect from a backcourt player but has outstanding dribbling skills and a sharp eye for passing
• new coach Pastor gave him more time and he grabbed his chance
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2014
Roberto García Parrondoright wing• brought by coach Pastor when he took the Szeged hotseat
• the two won an incredible amount of trophies together
• Madrid-born played for seven Spanish teams before he decided to bring his talents to international courts
• 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 2013WCh: G 2005, EURO: B 2011
87
Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER)
Club Address:Rhein-Neckar LöwenMollstraße 49a68165 MannheimGermany
Media contact:Christopher [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.rhein-neckar-loewen.deFacebook: rnloewenTwitter: @RNLoewen
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: yellowPlayer short: yellowGoalkeeper shirt: red/white
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: red/green
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 7Semi-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11Quarter-final (2): 2009/10, 2013/14Last 16 (1): 2014/15Qualification (1): 2011/12
OtherCup Winners’ Cup: Runners-up 2007/08EHF Cup: Winners 2012/13, Semi-finals 2011/12, Quarter-finals 2006/07
German league: noneGerman Cup winner: none
Alternative playing hallFraport ArenaSilostrasse 4665 929 FrankfurtGermanyCapacity: 5,000
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.”
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.”
GROUP B
Playing hallSAP ArenaXaver-Fuhr-Str. 15068219 MannheimGermanyCapacity: 12,900
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: runners-up in Germany
Coach: Nikolaj Jacobsen (since July 2014)Captain: Uwe Gensheimer
Newcomers:Darko Stanic (Al Kuwait SC)Mikael Appelgren (MT Melsungen)Hendrik Pekeler (TBV Lemgo)Rafael Baena (BM Puente Genil Angel Ximénez)
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)
88
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
Longest winning run: 5 matches (12.10.2013 – 28.11.2013)
Longest unbeaten run: 8 matches (30.04.2009 – 13.02.2010)
8 matches (12.10.2013 – 20.02.2014)
Longest losing run: 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
Most goals opponent: 38 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 38:38D (h), 20.02.2011
Most goals both teams: 76 v FC Barcelona Borges ESP 38:38D (h), 20.02.2011
Fewest goals: 23 v Chambery Savoie HB FRA 25:23L (a), 18.02.2009
23 v THW Kiel GER 37:23L (a), 26.04.2009
23 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 23:23 (a), 17.10.2010
Fewest goals opponent: 17 v St. Petersburg HC RUS 31:17W (h), 17.10.2013
Fewest goals both teams: 46 v KS Vive Targi Kielce POL 23:23 (a), 17.10.2010
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2008/09 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 14 9 2 3 447:392 +55 20:8 1/2-finals
2009/10 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 14 9 2 3 450:408 +42 20:8 1/4-finals
2010/11 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 16 7 4 5 486:465 +21 18:14 Fourth Place
2013/14 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 14 9 2 3 422:369 +53 20:8 1/4-finals
2014/15 Rhein-Neckar Löwen GER 12 6 0 6 361:347 +14 12:12 Last 16
Total 70 40 10 20 2166:1981
Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER)
89
Team roster
Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
26 Michal Abt GER Line Player 25.7.1990 Heidelberg, GER 193 97
16 Rafael Baena Gonzalez ESP Line Player 7.11.1982 Estepa, ESP 191 128
60 Kim Ekdahl du Rietz SWE Left Back 23.7.1989 Lund, SWE 194 100
72 David Ganshorn GER Line Player 27.5.1989 Mannheim, GER 191 99
3 Uwe Gensheimer GER Left Wing 26.10.1986 Mannheim, GER 188 90
42 Marvin Gerdon GER Right Wing 24.7.1996 Speyer, GER 179 75
24 Patrick Groetzki GER Right Wing 4.7.1989 Pforzheim, GER 189 84
30 Gedeon Guardiola Villaplana ESP Line Player 1.10.1984 Petrer, ESP 199 103
14 Max Haider GER Line Player 26.4.1996 Heidelberg, GER 189 90
97 Rico Keller GER Left Back 30.7.1997 Heidelberg, GER 192 88
4 Stefan Kneer GER Left Back 19.12.1985 Bühl, GER 194 98
22 Mads Mensah Larsen DEN Centre Back 12.8.1991 Holbæk, DEN 188 109
23 Hendrik Pekeler GER Line Player 2.7.1991 Itzehohe, GER 203 97
32 Alexander Petersson ISL Right Back 2.7.1980 Riga, LAT 186 87
27 Harald Reinkind NOR Right Back 17.8.1992 Trondheim, NOR 195 95
2 Andre Schmid SUI Centre Back 30.8.1983 Horgen, SUI 190 86
11 Stefan Rafn Sigurmannsson ISL Left Wing 19.5.1990 Hafnarfjördur, ISL 197 101
19 Marius Steinhauser GER Right Wing 6.2.1993 Karlsruhe, GER 187 83
12 Darko Stanic SRB Goalkeeper 8.10.1978 Mojkovac, SRB 191 102
1 Mikael Appelgren SWE Goalkeeper 6.9.1989 Uddevalla, SWE 192 100
83 Marco Bitz GER Goalkeeper 9.11.1995 Schwetzingen, GER 189 89
Average: 26,29 191,3 95,3
Nikolaj Jacobsencoach• 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)
90
Mads Mensah Larsencentre back• started his international career at AG Kobenhavn & made it to the 2012 VELUX EHF FINAL4
• 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
• was U20 EHF EURO champion with Denmark
• his father is from Ghana, his mother Danish
Uwe Gensheimerleft wing• 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 2011 and 2012 German player of the year
• top scorer of 2010/11 CL season
• declined offers from Kiel and Barcelona
Andre Schmidcentre back• five-time Swiss handball player of the year
• played for both Zürich clubs Grasshoppers and ZMC Amicitia until 2009
• joined Löwen after one season with Bjerringbro-Silkeborg
• key in attack – both as playmaker and as shooter
• best Bundesliga player in the 2013/14 season
Alexander Peterssonright back• born in Latvia, took over Icelandic citizenship and became an Olympic silver medallist in 2008 and EHF EURO bronze medallist in 2010
• moved to Germany in 2003, playing for Düsseldorf, Großwallstadt, Flensburg-Handewitt, and Füchse, before transferring to RNL in 2012
• more a playmaker on the right back position but is also strong in man-to-man-actions
• member of the 2011 WCh All Star Team and the most experienced player of Löwen
Darko Stanicgoalkeeper• 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’.
• 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
Kim Ekdahl Du Rietzleft back• despite the huge competition at left back in the previous seasons, the Swede became number 1
• arrived in Mannheim in 2012 from Nantes after beginning his career at Lugi Lund
• 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
• particularly large shoe size of 51
Gedeon Guardiola Villaplanaline player• defence boss of Löwen as the successor of Oliver “The Rogg” Roggisch
• arrived in Mannheim in 2012 with his twin brother Isaias, who then left to Aalborg in 2014
• played at Logrono and San Antonio before he joined Löwen
• had been a karateka in his younger days
• when scores for Löwen, the whole arena shouts “Ole!”
Patrick Groetzki right wing• 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
• MVP and silver medallist of the Men’s 20 EHF EURO in 2008 and junior world champion in 2009
• key player right after he was nominated for the men’s national team for the first time
WCh: S 2013, EHF EURO: S 2014
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2011EURO: S 2012
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013OG: S 2012
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013 WCH G 2013 EHF EURO B 2014, EHF Cup winner 2013
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013OG: S 2008, EURO: B 2010
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2013
91
IFK Kristianstad (SWE)
Club Address:IFK KristianstadVästra Storgatan 6929154 KristanstadSweden
Media contact:Anders Hallengren+46 734 33 11 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.ifkkristianstad.seFacebook: IFKKristianstadTwitter: @IFKKristianstad
Playing hallKristianstad ArenaVästra Storgatan 129154 KristianstadSwedenCapacity:
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: orangePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: red/yellow/black/white
DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: red/yellow/black/white
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 1
OtherEHF Cup: Group Phase 2013/14
Swedish league: 5 titles (1941, 1948, 1952, 1953, 2015)
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.
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.”
GROUP B
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Swedish champions
Coach: Ola Lindgren (since February 2012)Captain: Johan Jepson
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)
92
Team roster
IFK Kristianstad (SWE)
Ola Lindgrencoach• 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
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
7 Kristian Björnsen NOR Right Wing 10.1.1989 Stavanger, NOR 191 87
21 Andreas Cederholm SWE Right Back 4.5.1990 Hjo, SWE 186 87
28 Oskar Cosmo SWE Line Player 27.3.1996 Kristianstad, SWE 194 91
14 Marcus Dahlin SWE Right Back 29.5.1991 Stenungsund, SWE 204 102
33 Inge Aas Eriksen NOR Left Back 25.4.1994 Stord, NOR 193 100
29 Richard Hanisch SWE Back 1.6.1990 Eskilstuna, SWE 190 88
30 Emil Hansson SWE Right Wing 24.4.1996 Kristianstad, SWE 183 83
22 Iman Jamali IRI Left Back 11.10.1991 Esfahan, IRI 202 102
15 Johan Jepson SWE Left Wing 15.7.1985 Karlshamn, SWE 183 85
10 Albin Lagergren SWE Right Back 11.9.1992 Varberg, SWE 187 101
11 Johannes Larsson SWE Right Wing 9.8.1991 Kristianstad, SWE 182 74
66 Anton Lindskog SWE Line Player 7.12.1993 Kristianstad, SWE 198 108
27 Johan Nilsson SWE Back 23.8.1995 Kristianstad, SWE 191 78
29 Petter Nyström SWE Left Wing 27.10.1996 Kristianstad, SWE 184 81
24 Christian O’Sullivan NOR Back 22.8.1991 Oslo, NOR 190 95
18 Fredric Pettersson SWE Line Player 11.2.1989 Jönköping, SWE 201 116
17 Jerry Tollbring SWE Left Wing 13.9.1995 Norrtälje, SWE 182 75
1 Leo Larsson SWE Goalkeeper 16.10.1990 Ystad, SWE 190 94
16 Nebojsa Simic MNE Goalkeeper 19.1.1993 Cetinje, MON 194 112
12 Fredrik Landin SWE Goalkeeper 2.6.1996 Göteborg, SWE 180 82
36 Jesper Larsson SWE Goalkeeper 27.7.1973 Kristianstad, SWE 190 95
Average: 23,95 190,2 92,2
93
Leo Larssongoalkeeper• joined from another league club in Southern Sweden Ystads IF in 2013
• after spending quite a lot of time on the bench in Ystad, he had got more match praxis since joining Kristianstad.
• in for even more responsibility after Norwegian international Magnus Dahl has left the Kristianstad goal for Danish Skjern Handbold
• had his big part of the credit for Kristianstad winning the Swedish championship in 2015
Richard Hanischcentre back• joined Kristianstad ahead of this season from a one-year stay by German Bundesliga club HSV Hamburg.
• 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 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
Fredrik Petterssonline player• playing his third season with the club
• started his career in the club Cyrus HK in his Swedish homeland, but joined Kristianstad from a stay with Danish league club Aarhus Handball
• 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
• on top of his skills in the attack, he is also a great defender
Christian O´Sullivancentre back• playing his second season for Kristianstad after joining from Norwegian league club Baekkelagets SK in the summer of 2014
• has Irish ancestors and could actually have played for Ireland, but chose to play for Norway
• 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
Kristian Björnsenright wing• in for his second season with Kristianstad after joining from Norwegian league club FyllingenBergen in the summer of 2014
• 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.
• started his career in the right back position, but already as a youngster, was moved to the wing
Jerry Tollbringleft wing• joined from league colleagues Rimbo HK in the summer of 2014
• signed as substitute to experienced Johan Jepson in the left wing position, but his skills soon made him first choice on the left wing
• 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
Iman Jamalileft back• 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
• 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
Andreas Cederholmright back• been with the club since 2013 when joining from league colleagues IKF Skovde.
• 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 played 17 internationals for Sweden so far, scoring 37 goals
• extended his contract with Kristianstad in 2015 for at least one more year, with an option for a further year
94
Montpellier HB (FRA)
Club Address:Montpellier HBCentre Jean-Paul LacombeCentre Jean Paul Lacombe - 100034090 MontpellierFrance
Media contact:Suzy Demonte+33 499 610 [email protected]
Online information:www.montpellierhandball.comFacebook: montpellierhandballTwitter: @mhbofficiel
Playing hallPark & Suites Arena MontpellierRue de la Foire34470 Pérols/MontpellierFranceCapacity: 8,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: orange/light green
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: black
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 18Winners (1): 2002/03Semi-final (1): 2004/05Quarter-final (4): 2000/01, 2005/06, 2009/10, 2010/11Last 16 (5): 1995/96, 2003/04, 2006/07, 2011/12, 2014/15Main Round (2): 2007/08, 2008/09Group Phase (3): 1998/99, 1999/00, 2012/13Qualification (1): 2013/14
OtherEHF Cup: Runners-up 2013/14, Quarter-final: 1996/97Last 16: 1993/94, 1994/95Last 32: 1997/98
Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2001/02
French league: 14 titles (1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)French cup: 12 titles
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.
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.
GROUP B
Alternative playing hallPalais des Sports René Bougnol1000 Av. du Val de Montferrand34090 MontpellierFranceCapacity: 3,000
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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)
95
Biggest win: 46:20 (26:9) v AC PAOK GRE (h), 04.10.2009
Biggest defeat: 37:20 (16:10) v Prosesa Ademar Leon ESP (a), 06.11.1999
Longest winning run: 7 matches (21.12.2003 – 14.11.2004)
7 matches (18.10.2009 – 25.02.2010)
7 matches (16.10.2010 – 06.03.2011)
Longest unbeaten run: 10 matches (18.10.2009 – 03.04.2010)
Longest losing run: 3 matches (23.10.2011 – 04.12.2011)
3 matches (07.10.2012 – 18.10.2012)
3 matches (14.02.2015 – 15.03.2015)
Longest run without win: 5 matches (25.03.2012 – 18.10.2012)
5 matches (02.12.2012 – 27.09.2014)
Most goals: 46 v AC PAOK GRE 46:20W (h), 04.10.2009
Most goals opponent: 38 v Kolding KIF DEN 38:29L (a), 05.12.2004
38 v Pick Szeged HUN 38:35L (a), 19.11.2011
Most goals both teams: 78 v VfL Gummersbach GER 41:37W (h), 09.02.2008
Fewest goals: 17 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 26:17L (a), 03.01.1999
17 v FC Barcelona ESP 24:17L (a), 10.12.2000
Fewest goals opponent: 16 v HC Portovik Yuzhny UKR 26:16W (h), 07.10.2006
Fewest goals both teams: 38 v Fotex KC Veszprém HUN 21:17W (h), 08.11.1998
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
1998/99 Montpellier HB FRA 6 3 0 3 134:134 0 6:6 3rd Gr. A
1999/00 Montpellier HB FRA 6 3 0 3 139:148 -9 6:6 3rd Gr. A
2000/01 Montpellier HB FRA 8 4 1 3 193:193 0 9:7 1/4-finals
2002/03 Montpellier HB FRA 12 8 1 3 334:311 +23 17:7 Winner
2003/04 Montpellier HB FRA 8 6 0 2 216:199 +17 12:4 Last 16
2004/05 Montpellier HB FRA 12 9 0 3 375:328 +47 18:6 1/2-finals
2005/06 Montpellier HB FRA 10 6 0 4 282:272 +10 12:8 1/4-finals
2006/07 Montpellier HB FRA 8 5 1 2 224:198 +26 11:5 Last 16
2007/08 Montpellier HB FRA 12 7 0 5 358:348 +10 14:10 3rd MR Gr. 2
2008/09 Montpellier HB FRA 10 6 1 3 295:275 +20 13:7 4th MR Gr. 3
2009/10 Montpellier HB FRA 14 10 2 2 447:372 +75 22:6 1/4-finals
2010/11 Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 14 10 0 4 442:379 +63 20:8 1/4-finals
2011/12 Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 12 6 0 6 357:357 0 12:12 Last 16
2012/13 Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 10 2 2 6 301:311 –10 6:14 5th Gr. A
2014/15 Montpellier Agglomeration HB FRA 12 4 2 6 351:377 –26 10:14 Last 16
Total 154 89 10 55 4448:4202
Montpellier HB (FRA)
96
Team roster
Montpellier HB (FRA)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
3 Arthur Anquetil FRA Left Wing 23.7.1995 Montpellier, FRA 182 78
24 Baptiste Bonnefond FRA Left Back 22.1.1993 Lyon, FRA 193 97
18 Felipe Borges Dutra Ribeiro BRA Left Wing 4.5.1985 Sao Bernardo, BRA 186 88
9 Maxime Bouschet FRA Right Back 2.4.1996 Montpellier, FRA 185 84
54 Jose Costa POR Line Player 23.3.1984 Braga, POR 190 95
11 Jure Dolenec SLO Right Back 6.12.1988 Ljubljana, SLO 190 90
13 Allahkaram Esteki IRI Left Back 20.3.1988 Isfahan, IRI 194 102
27 Ludovic Fabregas FRA Line Player 1.7.1996 Perpignan, FRA 198 100
25 Jean Loup Faustin FRA Left Back 23.3.1995 Montpellier, FRA 185 85
22 Matej Gaber SLO Line Player 22.7.1991 Kranj, SLO 197 115
30 Dragan Gajic SLO Right Wing 21.7.1984 Celje, SLO 188 85
10 Mathieu Grebille FRA Left Back 6.10.1991 Paris, FRA 198 97
14 Michael Guigou FRA Left Wing 28.1.1982 Apt, FRA 180 78
23 Vid Kavticnik SLO Right Back 24.5.1984 Gradec, SLO 191 87
51 Borut Mackovsek SLO Left Back 11.9.1992 Koper, SLO 203 99
21 Alexandre Saidani FRA Centre Back 30.7.1994 Montpellier, FRA 188 84
4 Diego Simonet ESP Centre Back 26.12.1989 Buenos Aires, ARG 188 88
3 Aymen Toumi TUN Right Wing 11.7.1990 Sousse, TUN 184 86
26 Allan Villeminot FRA Line Player 24.5.1995 Lyon, FRA 187 82
19 Kyllian Villeminot FRA Line Player 20.5.1998 Lyon , FRA 189 72
2 Iswaran Zahm FRA Left Back 23.5.1996 Saint Denis, FRA 200 93
1 Vincent Gerard FRA Goalkeeper 16.12.1986 Woippy, FRA 188 104
16 Arnaud Siffert FRA Goalkeeper 6.12.1978 Longjumeau, FRA 190 93
12 Samir Bellahcene FRA Goalkeeper 20.2.1995 Montpellier, FRA 197 110
97 Maxime Savonne FRA Goalkeeper 11.1.1997 Nimes , FRA 195 97
Average: 24,76 190,6 91,6
Patrice Canayercoach• 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.
EC trophies: CL 2003
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Vincent Gerardgoalkeeper• formed in Montpellier, he came back to his first club in the summer of 2015 after playing in Istres and Dunkerque
• shares the position with Arnaud Siffert. Both already played in Dunkerque together a couple of seasons ago
• 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
Borut Mackovsekleft back• the last Slovenian to join the impressive colony in the summer of 2014, arriving from Celje
• played for three different clubs in the 2013/14 season: TSV Hannover-Burgdorf, then Dinamo Minsk, then RK Celje
• famous for scoring 10 goals in a Last 16 CL match against Hamburg two seasons ago
• 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
Felipe Borgesleft wing• discovered handball through beach handball, which is played a lot in his native Sao Paulo
• played for two and a half seasons in Ademar Leon before joining Montpellier in march 2013
• considered as the most successful active Brazilian player at the moment, having won 14 domestic titles in less than eight years
• best Brazilian scorer at the 2015 WCh with 31 goals in eight games
Diego Simonetcentre back• Argentinian scored 47 goals in the 2014/15 CL campaign, including an impressive 11-goal performance in the last 16 game against Kielce
• 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
• 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
Michaël Guigouleft wing/centre back• 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
• over the years, he has become less of a scorer and turned into the brain of the team
• only player of the winning CL campaign in 2003 who still plays for MAHB
Matej Gaberline player• Slovenian rock of Montpellier’s defence, he will now have a bigger role in attack since Issam Tej’s left the club
• 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
• should become a very important piece of Montpellier’s puzzle in the forthcoming years
Jure Dolenecright back• in his first season with Montpellier in 2013/14 had some ups and downs as he had to adapt to French defences
• made his name in the CL with his former team of Gorenje Velenje, scoring 64 goals in the 2012/13 season
• recently extended his contract with Montpellier until 2019
• at 26, he already counts nearly a hundred games with his national team
Dragan Gajicright wing• arrived in 2011 together with fellow Slovenian Vid Kavticnik and turned to be very useful to Montpellier, both on and off the court
• 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
• 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
• 2015 WCh top scorer (71 goals) and All-Star team right wing
EC trophies: CL 2003OG : G 2008, 2012, EURO: G 2006, 2010, 2014, WCh: G 2009, 2011, 2015, B 2005
Find your nearest store at jackjones.com
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Group C preview
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
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Group C head-to-headsHistoric encounters of the Group C opponents in the EC
Naturhouse La Rioja vs HC Meshkov Brest 1-1-0 (72:64) 3:128.09.2014 Naturhouse La Rioja vs HC Meshkov Brest, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 39:31 (20:14)29.11.2014 HC Meshkov Brest vs Naturhouse La Rioja, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group A 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 28:19 (15:10)01.12.2012 RK Vojvodina vs Naturhouse La Rioja, EHF Cup – Round 3 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 29:34 (11:18)13.11.2004 Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov vs Brestskiy HC Meshkovo, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group C 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 10:0 (0:0)* 2004/2005 Brestskiy HC Meshkovo vs FC do Porto, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Round 10:0 (0:0)*
HC Meshkov Brest vs TATRAN Presov 1-0-0 (26:24) 2:007.09.2014 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 27:30 (11:14)04.03.2006 Chehovski Medvedi, Chekhov vs Tatran Presov, Cup Winners’ Cup – Quarter-final 35:28 (17:13)
Futebol Clube do Porto vs Vojvodina 2-0-0 (58:50) 4:001.03.2015 HC Vojvodina vs Futebol Clube do Porto, EHF Cup – Group C 27:29 (13:15)07.03.2015 Futebol Clube do Porto vs HC Vojvodina, EHF Cup – Group C 29:23 (13:12)
Futebol Clube do Porto vs TATRAN Presov 1-0-1 (59:61) 2:205.09.2009 FC Porto/Vitalis vs TATRAN Presov, VELUX EHF Champions League - Qualification Tournament Group 4 30:33 (11:15)03.09.2011 Tatran Presov vs FC Porto Vitalis, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Tournament Group 1 28:29 (16:15)
Vojvodina vs TATRAN Presov 0-0-1 (21:25) 0:206.09.2014 HC Vojvodina vs TATRAN Presov, VELUX EHF Champions League – Qualification Tournament Group 1 21:25 (10:15)
No previous encountersNaturhouse La Rioja vs Chekhovskie MedvediNaturhouse La Rioja vs Futebol Clube do PortoNaturhouse La Rioja vs TATRAN PresovHC Meshkov Brest vs VojvodinaChekhovskie Medvedi vs Futebol Clube do PortoChekhovskie Medvedi vs Vojvodina
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Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)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.”
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.”
Club Address:Naturhouse La RiojaAvenida de Moncalvillo 226008 LogronoSpain
Media contact:Jaime Luis Gonzalez Gutierrez+34 63 77 66 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.cbclogrono.comFacebook: Club-Balonmano-Naturhouse-La-RiojaTwitter: @NaturhouseRioja
Playing hallPalacio de los deportes de la RiojaAvenida Moncalvillo 2LogronoSpainCapacity: 3,500
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: redGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: blue
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 3Group Phase (2): 2013/14, 2014/15
OtherEHF Cup: Semi-finalists 2009/10, 2010/11, Group Phase 2012/13
Spanish league: no titlesSpanish Cup winners: - (runners-up in 2013, 2014, 2015)
GROUP C
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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)
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Biggest win: 39:31 (20:14) v HC Meshkov Brest (h), 28.09.2014
Biggest defeat: 37:25 (19:11) v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER (a), 12.02.2014
Longest winning run: 2 matches (18.10.2014 - 16.11.2014)
2 matches (18.10.2014 – 16.11.2014)
Longest unbeaten run: 3 matches (13.10.2013 – 16.11.2013)
Longest losing run: 2 matches (21.09.2013 – 29.09.2013)
2 matches (23.11.2013 – 27.11.2013)
2 matches (2.10.2014 - 12.10.2014)
2 matches (3.12.2014 - 14.02.2015)
Longest run without win: 4 matches (21.09.2013 – 19.10.2013)
4 matches (22.11.2014 - 14.02.2015)
Most goals: 39 v HC Meshkov Brest 39:31W (h), 28.09.2014
Most goals opponent: 37 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 37:25L (a), 12.02.2014
Most goals both teams: 72 v HK DROTT Halmstad SWE 38:34W (h), 20.02.2014
Fewest goals: 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2013/14 Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 10 3 2 5 292:320 -28 8:12 5th Gr. D
2014/15 Naturhouse La Rioja ESP 12 4 1 7 359:373 –14 9:15 Last 16
Total 22 7 3 12 651:693 -42 17:27
All stats in the media guide provided by Roy Knoppert
Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)
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Team roster
Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
11 Pablo Cacheda Gonzalez ESP Centre Back 9.1.1992 Lalín, ESP 180 82
33 Eduardo Cadarso Caballero ESP Left Wing 13.2.1999 Logroño, ESP 190 71
32 Angel Fernandez Perez ESP Left Wing 16.9.1988 Santander, ESP 192 88
17 Ruben Garabaya Arenas ESP Line Player 15.9.1978 Aviles, ESP 201 110
22 Francisco Javier Garcia Rubio ESP Line Player 7.1.1990 Bolanos, ESP 196 115
41 Imanol Garciandia Alustiza ESP Right Back 30.4.1995 Urretxu, ESP 201 98
18 Carlos Molina Cosano ESP Left Back 31.5.1991 Barcelona, ESP 201 100
4 Albert Rocas Comas ESP Right Wing 16.6.1982 Palafrugell, ESP 188 84
26 Pedro Rodriguez Alvarez ESP Right Wing 22.8.1990 Vigo, ESP 192 85
2 Miguel Sanchez Migallon ESP Back 8.2.1995 Ciudad Real, ESP 200 96
21 Philip Stenmalm SWE Left Back 3.3.1992 Vaxjo, SWE 200 100
6 Alberto Val Sancho ESP Line Player 6.3.1986 Zaragoza, ESP 208 113
14 Victor Vigo Gerpe ESP Centre Back 9.5.1984 Camariñas, ESP 186 90
9 Cristian Malmagro Viana ESP Right Back 11.3.1983 Granollers, ESP 191 88
12 Gurutz Aguinagalde Aquizu ESP Goalkeeper 26.10.1977 Irun, ESP 201 110
1 Richard Carl Kappelin SWE Goalkeeper 30.9.1983 Irsta, SWE 191 96
90 Javier Romeo Lopez ESP Goalkeeper 1.6.1990 Logroño, ESP 195 95
Average: 27,41 194,9 95,4
Jesús Javier González Fernándezcoach• 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
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Richard Kappelincoach• joined Naturhouse La Rioja ahead of the 2015/16 season from French Selesta Alsace Handball
• has previous CL experience from another Spanish club, Aragon as well as from Danish Aalborg
• has been a bit around in his career, which also took him to Al Gharafa in Qatar for six months before he joined Aalborg in 2013
• represented the Swedish league clubs IK Sävehof and Alingsas HK before moving abroad
• has not played any senior internationals, but won the Junior WCh with Sweden in 2003
Angel Fernandez Perezleft wing• playing in Naturhouse la Rioja since the 2013/14 season
• replacement for Juanin Garcia who left for Ademar after one season with
• in the 2014/15 season he played more minutes in left back
• called by Manolo Cadenas for the Spanish national team, played two games against Germany in 2015
Víctor Vigo Gerpecentre back• 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”
• his abilities on the court noticed by the Spanish scouts, who started calling him for the U18 and Junior team
Cristian Malmagro Vianaright back• 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
• vast experience from the Spanish league, but also from his foreign spells with Ajax Kobenhavn, Montpellier, Al Ain and Baia Mare
• 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
Gurutz Aguinagalde Aquizugoalkeeper• one of the most experienced players at La Rioja during each of their European campaigns
• winner of the Spanish King’s Cup in 1996 and the Spanish Super Cup in 1996
• important part in the Rioja’s run in the 2012/13 EHF Cup when they only narrowly missed the quarter-finals
• brother of Spanish national team line player Julen
Philip Stenmalmleft back• talented left back with the hard and versatile shot
• part of the Swedish U21 national team who were triumphant at the WCh in 2013
• 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
Rubén Garabaya Arenasline player• very experienced pivot with seven EHF CL participations
• 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
Albert Rocasright wing• 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
• after six seasons at Barcelona, Rocas made the move to Denmark before the 2013/14 season, his first to a foreign league
• after one year with Kolding he is back in Spain
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 1997
EC trophies: EHF Cup 1999
EC trophies: CL 2011, Cup Winners’ Cup 2004OG: B 2008, WCh: G 2005, 2013, B 2011, EURO: S 2006, B 2014
OG: B 2008, EURO: S 2006
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HC Meshkov Brest (BLR)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.
“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.
Club Address:HC Meshkov BrestLeningradskaya 4224028 BrestBelarus
Media contact:Alexandr Kulbaka+375 29 350 74 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.bgk-meshkova.comFacebook: bgkmeshkovaTwitter: bgk_meshkova
Playing hallSportshall VictoriaLeningradskaya 4224028 BrestBelarusCapacity: 3,500
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: redPlayer short: redGoalkeeper shirt: orange
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: black
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 7Group Phase (5): 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2014/15Qualification (1): 2008/09
OtherCup Winners’ Cup: quarter-final 2011/12
Belarusian league: 7 titles (2004-08, 2014, 2015)Belarusian cup: 9 titles
GROUP C
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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)
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HC Meshkov Brest (BLR)
Biggest win: 28:22 (11:12) v Wisla Plock SSA POL (h), 13.11.2005
30:24 (15:12) v HC Bosna Sarajevo BIH (h), 17.11.2007
Biggest defeat: 36:17 (16:08) v GOG Gudme DEN (a), 09.10.2004
Longest winning run: 1 match (16.10.2004)
1 match (13.11.2005)
1 match (17.11.2007)
1 match (04.10.2014)
1 match (15.11.2014)
Longest unbeaten run: 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)
Longest run without win: 10 matches (09.10.2004 – 06.11.2005)
10 matches (30.09.2006 – 10.11.2007)
Most goals: 33 v Naturhouse La Rioja 33:33D (h), 29.11.2014
Most goals opponent: 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2004/05 Brestskiy HC Meshkovo BLR 6 1 0 5 143:184 -41 2:10 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 34 5 2 27 875:1031 -156 12:56
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Team roster
HC Meshkov Brest (BLR)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
20 Pavel Atman RUS Left Back 25.5.1987 Volgograd, RUS 190 94
6 Maxim Babichev BLR Line Player 7.3.1986 Minsk, BLR 196 97
24 Maksim Baranau BLR Right Wing 11.4.1988 Bobruysk, BLR 188 82
11 Dzmitry Kamyshyk BLR Left Back 1.5.1990 Minsk, BLR 200 95
10 Dainis Kristopans LAT Right Back 27.9.1990 Ludza, LAT 213 135
7 Artsiom Kulak BLR Centre Back 23.2.1996 Brest, BLR 186 79
9 Nikola Manojlovic SRB Left Back 1.12.1981 Belgrad, SRB 196 100
17 Dzmitry Nikulenkau BLR Centre Back 12.7.1984 Minsk, BLR 187 87
31 Simon Razgor SLO Left Wing 18.9.1985 Celje, SLO 183 84
3 Dzianis Rutenka BLR Right Wing 14.2.1986 Minsk, BLR 187 85
42 Artsiom Selvasiuk BLR Line Player 8.12.1992 Brest, BLR 190 93
22 Viachaslau Shumak BLR Line Player 22.12.1988 Brest, BLR 204 116
88 Siarhei Shylovich BLR Right Back 16.5.1986 Bobrujsk, BLR 198 95
18 Rastko Stojkovic SRB Line Player 12.7.1981 Belgrad, SRB 191 104
19 Alexander Tioumentsev Barabash ESP Centre Back 4.10.1983 Ajtubinsk, RUS 185 85
25 Andrei Tsypak BLR Left Wing 12.2.1993 Brest, BLR 185 84
23 Ljubo Vukic CRO Left Wing 3.8.1982 Split, CRO 192 96
1 Ivan Pesic CRO Goalkeeper 17.3.1989 Rijeka, CRO 194 110
21 Vitali Charapenka BLR Goalkeeper 27.1.1984 Brest, BLR 194 86
16 Dzmitry Patotski BLR Goalkeeper 3.10.1992 Baranovichi, BLR 195 107
Average: 28,05 192,7 95,7
Sergey Bebeshkocoach• 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)
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Ivan Pesicgoalkeeper• was invited to Brest in 2013 by Zeljko Babic who became head coach in that very year
• 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
• after that he had a kidney removed, but that did not prevent him from continuing his career
• also practiced taekwondo in his childhood and even won some medals on a junior level, but eventually preferred handball
Simon Razgorleft wing• the 30-year-old Slovenian is beginning his second season in Brest
• 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
• his father was also a handballer who played for Celje as well as for the Yugoslavia junior national team and later became a coach
Rastko Stojkovicline player• 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
• 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
• 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
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2008EURO: S 2012
Pavel Atmanleft back• the blonde Russian international joined Brest this summer and signed a two-year contract
• 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
• 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
Dzmitry Nikulenkaucentre back• the 31-year-old native of Minsk is a national player of Belarus and a well-respected player in the country
• 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
• had some offers from abroad but preferred to move to Brest where he won the Belarusian league two more times
Nikola Manojlovicleft back• joined Brest in the summer of 2014 and quickly became of the key players on the court
• 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
• 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
Dainis Kristopansright back• born in a small Latvian town Ludza and started his career in the local club Latgols
• at the age of 18, moved to Tatran Presov and stayed almost six years in Slovakia, having won the national league five times
• left Tatran in February 2015 and spent a few months in Qatar before joining Brest in summer
• with the height of 213 cm, he is the tallest handball player not only in Brest but in the whole CL
Dzianis Rutenkaright wing• younger brother of Siarhei Rutenka, the famous left back who currently plays for Barcelona
• 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
• moved to Brest in March 2014 immediately after Dinamo Minsk had gone bankrupt and ceased to exist
• 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
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Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) 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.
“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.
Club Address:Chekhovskie MedvediPoligrafistov str. 30142300 Chekhov, Mosk. oblastRussia
Media contact:Olga Belysheva+7 909 6391 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.ch-medvedi.ru
Playing hallSport Hall “Olimpiyskiy” ChekhovPoligrafistov Str. 30142300 ChekhovRussiaCapacity: 3,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
DarkPlayer shirt: purplePlayer short: purpleGoalkeeper shirt: red
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 15Semi-final (1): 2009/10Quarter-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11Last 16 (3): 2004/05, 2006/07, 2012/13Main Round (1): 2007/08Group Phase (7): 2000/01, 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06,2011/12, 2014/15
OtherCup 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
GROUP C
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Russian champions
Coach: Vladimir Maximov (since 2000)Captain: Dmitry Kovalev
Newcomers:Alexander KotovDmitry 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)
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Biggest win: 22:46 (12:24) v AC PAOK GRE (a), 03.03.2010
Biggest defeat: 38:24 (20:15) v HSV Hamburg GER (a), 23.04.2011
Longest winning run: 5 games (29.11.2003 – 06.11.2004)
Longest unbeaten run: 8 games (18.10.2012 – 14.03.2013)
Longest losing run: 5 games (10.11.2001 – 08.12.2001)
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
Most goals opponent: 45 v TBV Lemgo GER 45:32L (a), 04.12.2004
Most goals both teams: 77 v TBV Lemgo GER 45:32L (a), 04.12.2004
Fewest goals: 19 v Montpellier HB FRA 27:19L (a), 12.10.2003
19 v RK Zagreb CRO 26:19L (a), 08.10.2006
Fewest goals opponent: 17 v HC Bosna BH Gas BIH 30:17W (h), 31.03.2011
Fewest goals both teams: 45 v TBV Lemgo GER 23:22W (h), 11.12.2004
45 v RK Zagreb CRO 26:19L (a), 08.10.2006
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2001/02 CSKA Moscow RUS 6 1 0 5 155:181 –26 2:10 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
2007/08 Chehovskie Medvedi RUS 12 7 1 4 369:331 +38 15:9 2nd MR Gr. 1
2008/09 Chehovskie Medvedi RUS 12 7 0 5 387:370 +17 14:10 1/4-finals
2009/10 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 16 9 2 5 529:476 +53 20:12 Fourth Place
2010/11 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 14 8 3 3 437:396 +41 19:9 1/4-finals
2011/12 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 10 3 4 3 291:276 +15 10:10 5th Gr. B
2012/13 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 12 6 4 2 373:347 +26 16:8 Last 16
2014/15 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 10 0 1 9 300:349 –49 1:19 6th Gr. C
Total 126 59 15 52 3875:3724 +151 133:119
Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS)
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Team roster
Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
11 Pavel Andreev RUS Line Player 19.7.1992 Saint Petersburg, RUS 195 85
Sergei Bolotin RUS Centre Back 9.4.1996 Krasnoyarsk, RUS 181 78
Vladimir Borzykin RUS Right Back 2.2.1996 Chekhov, RUS 198 97
2 Ivan Busen RUS Left Back 12.4.1994 Kirov, RUS 197 93
10 Alexander Chernoivanov RUS Line Player 13.2.1979 Krasnodar, RUS 202 105
4 Victor Furtsev RUS Line Player 17.6.1996 Belgorod, RUS 200 100
Albert Gumarov RUS Left Wing 4.2.1998 Astrahan, RUS 181 74
23 Alexander Izmailov RUS Centre Back 30.10.1995 Astrakhan, RUS 185 85
Alexey Karibov RUS Right Back 3.5.1996 Astrahan, RUS 193 86
6 Dmitriy Kornev RUS Right Wing 16.6.1992 Vologda, RUS 186 75
17 Alexander Kotov RUS Right Back 11.7.1994 Volgograd, RUS 196 92
9 Kirill Kotov RUS Centre Back 23.5.1992 Moscow, RUS 185 75
7 Dmitry Kovalev RUS Left Wing 15.5.1982 Omsk, RUS 180 80
14 Maxim Kuretkov RUS Right Back 16.11.1994 Maykop, RUS 191 87
Timofei Maslennikov RUS Right Wing 10.3.1997 Chekhov, RUS 185 60
19 Roman Ostashchenko RUS Centre Back 26.9.1992 Moscow, RUS 184 83
26 Anton Otrezov RUS Centre Back 24.8.1988 Alma-Ata, KAZ 192 89
21 Ruslan Parshutin RUS Left Back 25.1.1991 Astrakhan, RUS 200 91
3 Dmitrii Santalov RUS Left Back 7.4.1996 Blagoveshensk, RUS 196 87
92 Dmitry Shelestyukov RUS Centre Back 29.7.1992 Volgograd, RUS 185 74
9 Oleg Skopintsev RUS Right Wing 15.4.1984 Krasnodar, RUS 184 80
Evgeny Trushin RUS Centre Back 24.11.1995 Krasnoyarsk, RUS 189 90
22 Roman Tsarapkin RUS Right Back 9.5.1995 Moscow, RUS 197 92
1 Oleg Grams RUS Goalkeeper 20.2.1984 Krasnodar, RUS 200 103
36 Artem Grushko RUS Goalkeeper 20.6.1993 Odessa, RUS 193 91
12 Dmitry Pavlenko RUS Goalkeeper 1.1.1991 Zaporoje, UKR 192 89
Mikhail Safronov RUS Goalkeeper 4.9.1995 Teuchejsk, RUS 198 97
Average: 23,11 191,3 86,4
Vladimir Maximovcoach• 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 2006OG: G 1976 (as player), 2000, B 2004, WCh: G 1993, 1997, S 1978 (as player), 1999, EURO: G 1996, S 1994, 2000
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Oleg Skopintsevleft wing• returned to Chekhov after the three-year break, during which he played at Dinamo Minsk and Motor Zaporozhye
• born in Krasnodar but moved to Chekhov at the age of 17
• played six years for the reserve team of Medvedi before becoming a regular player in the main squad
• the fast winger is technically gifted and frequently used in the 5:1 defence.
Oleg Gramsgoalkeeper• born and raised in Krasnodar, the 31-year-old moved to Chekhov at a very young age
• has been a member of Medvedi since the club foundation in 2001
• during this time, he has become a 14-time Russian champion
• 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
EC trophy: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006
Dmitryi Shelestyukovleft back• born in Volgograd, he started his career at the local team Kaustik where he stayed until the summer of 2015
• 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
• his ambition is to play for the Russia national team and eventually to become an Olympic champion
• his idol is Denmark’s star Mikkel Hansen
Anton Otrezovcentre back• 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
• moved to Chekhov in 2014 and the following year won the Russian league for the first time in his career
• was one of the leaders of the Russian team that took the sixth place at the Universiade in Gwangju, Korea this summer
Pavel Andreevline player• born in St.Petersburg and started to play handball there
• joined Medvedi at the beginning of his career but needed some time to gain experience in the reserve 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
Alexander Chernoivanovline player• veteran is currently the oldest player in the squad, and his rich experience is very helpful for his young teammates
• 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
• nine-time Russian champion
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006
Alexander Kotovright back• born in Volgograd and started his career at Kaustik
• moved to Chekhov together with his teammate from Kaustik Dmitri Shelestyukov
• in the summer of 2015, he has played for the Russia U-21 team at the Junior WCh in Brazil
• not a relative of his teammate Kirill Kotov
Dmitry Kovalevright wing• captain of Medvedi and one of the key figures both on and off the court
• born in Omsk, he played a few seasons at Sungul Snezhinsk before moving to Chekhov in 2003
• 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
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006
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Futebol Clube do Porto (POR)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.”
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.”
Club Address:Futebol Clube do PortoEstadio do Dragao vi FC PortoEntrada Poente, Piso 34350-451 PortoPortugal
Media contact:Joana MoreiraTel: +351 22 508 32 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.fcporto.ptFacebook: FC-PortoTwitter: @FC_Porto
Playing hallDragao CaixaVia Futebol Clube do Porto,4350419 Porto,PortugalCapacity: 2,225
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: white and bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: grey/blue
DarkPlayer shirt: brownPlayer short: dark brownGoalkeeper shirt: grey/blue
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 9Last 16 (1): 1999/2000Group Phase (1): 2013/14Qualification (6): 2004/2005, 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2014/15)
OtherCup 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
GROUP C
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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)
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Futebol Clube do Porto (POR)
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
Longest winning run: 1 match (20.10.2013)
1 match (30.11.2013)
Longest unbeaten run: 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)
Longest run without win: 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
Most goals opponent: 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2013/14 FC Porto Vitalis POR 10 2 1 7 241:278 -37 5:15 5th Gr. B
Total 10 2 1 7 241:278 -37 5:15
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Team roster
Ricardo Costacoach• 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
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
15 Daymaro Amador Salina CUB Line Player 1.9.1987 Havana, CUB 200 105
5 Gilberto Brito Duarte POR Left Back 6.7.1990 Portimao, POR 197 96
9 Gustavo Cesar Rodrigues BRA Right Back 9.4.1995 São Paulo, BRA 191 95
8 Yoel Cuni Morales CUB Right Back 15.2.1987 Havana, CUB 189 85
24 Hugo Delgado Santos POR Left Wing 2.3.1992 Porto, POR 178 70
22 Alexis Hernandez Borges CUB Line Player 6.10.1991 Habana, CUB 195 115
41 Michal Kasal CZE Left Back 3.4.1994 Nové Mesto n. M., CZE 207 100
7 Edgar Mendes Ribeiro POR Left Back 15.6.1987 Lisboa, POR 198 96
29 Felisberto Mendes Ribeiro POR Line Player 3.11.1992 Lisboa, POR 194 112
17 Nuno Miguel Pereira Goncalves POR Left Back 24.3.1993 Tavira, POR 196 94
97 Jordan Pitre FRA Left Wing 6.4.1992 Saint Mande, FRA 189 81
22 Antonio Rodrigues Areia POR Right Wing 21.6.1990 Lisboa, POR 191 91
19 Ricardo Silva Moreira POR Right Wing 28.4.1982 Figueira da Foz, POR 185 82
26 Nuno Silva Soares Roque POR Centre Back 13.3.1987 Benavente, POR 183 87
10 Miguel Soares Martins POR Centre Back 4.11.1997 Porto, POR 192 85
14 Rui Sousa Martins Silva POR Centre Back 28.4.1993 Guimaraes, POR 186 80
16 Hugo Madeira Laurentino POR Goalkeeper 22.7.1984 Evora, POR 188 88
1 Alfredo Bravo Quintana POR Goalkeeper 20.3.1988 Havana, CUB 201 95
12 David Santos Sousa POR Goalkeeper 5.2.1997 Porto, POR 191 91
Average: 24,89 192,2 92
Futebol Clube do Porto (POR)
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Hugo Laurentinogoalkeeper• experienced goalkeeper has been of most importance to the Dragons since he joined the club in 2005/06, winning seven championships
• might not be from the north of Portugal (born in Évora), but he certainly carries the northern spirit
• 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
Hugo Delgado Santosleft wing• 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
• 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
Alexis Borgesline player• debuted in the CL with Porto in 2013 at the age of only 21 years
• very strong player on the 6-metres-line almost always capable of finding a way through defenders
• part of the Cuban national team
• shares the position with another Cuban player
Rui Silvacentre back• came to FC Porto as one of the summer reinforcemenets in 2015
• played in Sporting Lisboa, which played against Porto in the 2015/16 league final
• promising playmaker, a lot of people compare him with Carlos Resende, the best Portuguese handball player of the history
Ricardo Moeiraright wing• 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
• also played in Vitória de Setubal, CPN and Belenenses
• 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
Gilberto Duarteleft back• standing at 1.97 m one of FC Porto’s towers and one of the most important players in the squad
• was already a force to be reckoned with when joining the club in 2007, later he won seven national championships since his arrival
• 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
Nuno Roquecentre back• arrived at Porto at the beginning of the 2014/15 season and won the championship title in his first season
• before Porto he played for league rivals Aguas Santas and reached the Challenge Cup semi-final in 2013/14
• also had stints with Sporting and Benfica Lisbon and Madeira
• member of the Portuguese national team
Gustavo Cesar Rodriguesright back• Brazilian signed for FC Porto before the 2015/16 season
• played in EC Pinheiros (Sao Paulo – Brazil)
• plays in the youth Brazilian national team, which reached 8th position in the Youth World Championship 2015
• won Panamerican (2015) and Paulista championship (2014).
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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.
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.”Club Address:
RK VojvodinaSentandrejski put 106B21000 Novi SadSerbia
Media contact:Dan Fracile +381 65 861 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.rkv.rsFacebook: RK Vojvodina
Playing hallSpens,Novi SadSutjeska 221000 Novi SadSerbiaCapacity: 7,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: redPlayer short: redGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: black
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions League Participation (including 2015/16 season): 4Qualification (3): 2005/06, 2013/14, 2014/15
OtherEHF Cup: Group Phase 2014/15Cup Winners’ Cup: Last 16 2011/12
Serbian league: 4 titles (2005, 2013, 2014, 2015) Serbian cup: 4 titles
GROUP C
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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)
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Team roster
Vojvodina (SRB)
Nikola Markoviccoach• 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
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
22 Nikola Arsenic SRB Centre Back 30.11.1996 Novi Sad, SRB 190 80
99 Danimir Curkovic SRB Left Back 4.1.1984 Vrbas, SRB 196 100
78 Sergo Datukashvili GEO Left Back 28.4.1978 Tbilisi, GEO 197 93
91 Aleksandar Gugleta SRB Right Wing 17.7.1991 Knin, CRO 193 87
20 Milan Jovanovic SRB Left Back 24.1.1998 Vrbas, SRB 194 84
17 Filip Marjanovic SRB Left Wing 10.2.1989 Beograd, SRB 190 82
23 Zoran Nikolic SRB Line Player 23.2.1991 Beograd, SRB 188 100
4 Milos Orbovic SRB Right Back 2.11.1993 Vrbas, SRB 194 90
25 Ognjen Petrovic SRB Left Wing 25.5.1995 Novi Sad, SRB 182 79
13 Dejan Pralica SRB Centre Back 23.3.1985 Sarajevo, BIH 191 92
19 Stefan Ranisavljevic SRB Right Back 3.2.1997 Novi Sad, SRB 197 88
15 Alexei Rastvortsev RUS Left Back 8.8.1978 Belgorod, RUS 200 115
18 Vanja Smiljanic SRB Right Wing 25.8.1996 Apatin, SRB 187 83
31 Strahinja Stankovic SRB Right Wing 12.6.1991 Vrbas, SRB 185 84
7 Bojan Todorovic SRB Centre Back 23.7.1990 Belgrade, SRB 186 87
35 Goran Trkulja BIH Line Player 22.8.1985 Banja Luka, BIH 200 100
5 Stefan Trkulja SRB Centre Back 28.4.1998 Novi Sad, SRB 190 90
77 Milan Vuckovic SRB Left Back 30.4.1992 Prokuplje, SRB 207 100
1 Luka Arsenic SRB Goalkeeper 27.11.1993 Zrenjanin, SRB 186 82
12 Bojan Perovic SRB Goalkeeper 23.1.1982 Apatin, SRB 187 82
32 Todor Jandric SRB Goalkeeper 2.6.1998 Novi Sad, SRB 198 90
Average:
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Luka Arsenicgoalkeeper• 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
• former junior national team key player is among the top goalkeeping talents in Serbian league
• 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
Dejan Pralicacentre back• has experience playing in the CL Group Phase with RK Crvena Zvezda in 2008/09
• real household name in the Serbian championship, having played for Crvena Zvezda, Metaloplastika, Radnicki Kragujevac before
• 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)
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006OG: B 2004
Goran Trkuljaline player• made his first handball steps playing for RK Borac m:tel Banja Luka
• 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
Sergo Datukashvilileft back• first ever Georgian player to play for any Serbian handball club, joining Metaloplastika in 2000
• real journeyman sharpshooter, having played in 13 countries before joining Vojvodina in 2014
• represented Montenegrin side Lovcen Cetinje in the Group Phase of the CL during 2000/01 season
• reached the EHF Cup final with RK Gorenje Velenje in 2008/09
Aleksandar Gugletaright wing• started playing handball for Serbian First League outfit RK Crvenka
• made his name playing for Radnicki Kragujevac in the SEHA league and Challenge Cup scoring 103 goals in last season alone
• occasional Serbia national team member, since making his debut in 2014
• joined Vojvodina in 2015 to be able to play in the CL
• has a silver medal won at the Universiade in Gwangju 2015
Filip Marjanovicleft wing• went trough the youth ranks of SK Beograd, but made his name playing for RK Metaloplastika
• joined RK Vojvodina in the summer of 2014
• occasional Serbian national team member, making his debut in 2011 coached by Veselin Vukovic
• his seven-goal performance in a key match against Bosnia Herzegovina saw Serbia qualify for the EHF EURO 2014
• member of Metaloplastika side that made the final of the Challenge Cup in 2013/14
Alexey Rastvortsevleft back• veteran played 13 seasons for Chekhov, before spending two seasons at Vardar ahead and eventually joining Vojvodina
• played at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in 2009/10 with Chekhovskie Medvedi
• lifted the Cup Winners’ Cup trophy in 2005/06, in addition to playing in the Champions Trophy finals the same year
• scored 40 goals in Russia’s bronze medal run at 2004 Olympic Games in Athens
Milos Orbovicright back• started career in local club RK Vrbas, representing them in the Challenge Cup
• considered one of the biggest right back prospects in Serbian handball
• joined RK Vojvodina in 2014, quickly establishing himself as a first-choice right back
• current Serbian national team member and third choice right back behind Marko Vujin and Nemanja Zelenovic
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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.”
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.”
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 12Last 16 (1): 2004/05Last 32 (1): 1993/94Group Matches (4): 2005/06, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2010/11Qualification (5): 2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15
OtherEHF CupQuarter-final 2011/12, Last 16 1994/95, 1995/96, Group Phase 2012/13, Round 4 2009/10, Round 3 2006/07Cup Winners’ CupQuarter-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
Club Address:TATRAN PresovHolleho 3080 01 PresovSlovakia
Media contact:Branko Benko+421 911 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.tatranpresov.skFacebook: TatranPresovHandballTeamSlovakia
Playing hallCity Hall PresovJana Pavla II 20801 PresovSlovakiaCapacity: 3,500
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: green
DarkPlayer shirt: greenPlayer short: greenGoalkeeper shirt: black
GROUP C
Qualification for the 2015/2016 VELUX EHF 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)
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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
Longest winning run: 2 matches (12.11.2005 – 29.09.2007)
Longest unbeaten run: 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)
Longest run without win: 12 matches (16.11.2008 – 06.03.2011)
Most goals: 37 v RK Metkovic CRO 37:24W (h), 30.10.2004
Most goals opponent: 42 v MKB Veszprém KC HUN 42:25L (a), 05.11.2005
42 v GOG Svendborg TGI Gudme DEN 42:32L (a), 07.10.2007
Most goals both teams: 74 v GOG Svendborg TGI Gudme DEN 42:32L (a), 07.10.2007
Fewest goals: 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
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
2005/06 Tatran Presov SVK 6 1 0 5 154:201 -47 2:10 3rd Gr. F
2007/08 Tatran Presov SVK 6 1 1 4 182:211 -29 3:9 3rd Gr. D
2008/09 Tatran Presov SVK 6 2 0 4 165:183 -18 4:8 3rd Gr. D
2010/11 Tatran Presov SVK 10 0 2 8 273:325 -52 2:18 6th Gr. B
Total 36 7 4 25 1005:1157 -152 18:54
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Team roster
Tatran Presov (SVK)
Rastislav Trtikcoach• 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
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
28 Radoslav Antl SVK Left Wing 2.3.1978 Kosice, SVK 180 82
21 Tomas Cip CZE Right Wing 5.10.1989 Zubri, CZE 189 94
18 Vasja Furlan SLO Centre Back 28.7.1986 Postojna, SLO 184 88
6 Jakub Hrstka CZE Left Wing 17.3.1990 Zubri, CZE 188 91
77 Ivan Ivkovic CRO Right Back 19.3.1996 Split, CRO 207 105
5 Michal Kopco SVK Line Player 27.1.1988 Kosice, SVK 195 115
9 Dominik Krok SVK Left Back 22.1.1991 Bardejov, SVK 189 79
19 Radovan Pekar SVK Left Back 27.12.1980 Presov, SVK 196 107
22 Alexey Peskov RUS Right Back 16.12.1983 Moscow, RUS 199 99
85 Andrej Petro SVK Line Player 28.1.1986 Sala, SVK 200 127
7 David Pogany SVK Left Back 1.2.1993 Dunajska Streda, SVK 202 100
2 Oliver Rabek SVK Left Back 30.9.1987 Nove Zamky, SVK 204 102
15 Alexandr Radcenko CZE Centre Back 5.7.1973 Krasnodar, RUS 187 90
11 Viacheslav Sadovyi UKR Left Back 11.7.1990 Kiev, UKR 191 85
13 Lubos Sarpataky SVK Right Wing 15.1.1996 Presov, SVK 185 85
3 Milos Sarpataky SVK Centre Back 15.1.1996 Presov, SVK 183 87
17 Lukas Urban SVK Centre Back 22.6.1995 Presov, SVK 199 86
8 Richard Wilga SVK Left Wing 12.2.1996 Presov, SVK 186 74
1 Vladimir Bozic CRO Goalkeeper 24.3.1983 Split, CRO 197 99
73 Igor Chupryna UKR Goalkeeper 25.4.1990 Illychevsk, UKR 198 110
16 Matej Vernarsky SVK Goalkeeper 1.3.1994 Presov, SVK 186 73
Average: 26,76 192,6 94,2
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Vladimir Bozovicgoalkeeper• best goalkeper in Super Globe 2013 for Al Rayyan, played the Asian CL final with that club
• number one option for Tatran in goal, recoginised as a key to their solid defensive work
• very enthusiastic and communicative during games, one of the leaders on the court
• his maximum in Europe remains Last 16 in the CL with Bosnain side HC Bosna BH Gas in 2010/2011
• arrived from Bregenz, before he spent two seasons with Brest, four seasons in Spanish ASOBAL
Radoslav Antlleft wing• legend of the club, longest serving player with the club from current squad in his ninth season
• fans love him for his passionate approach and communication with the crowd during the game
• competed at all major tournaments for Slovakia
• with excotic playing experience in Japan
• in 2004/2005 scored his record 43 goals in the CL paving the way for Presov to the Last 16
• awarded the Slovak Player of the Year (2005 & 2014)
Andrej Petroline player• one of the most experienced players in the club joined Tatran in 2012
• 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
• joined Presov after his spells abroad for Kadetten, Ivry, Kecskemeti and Dormagen
• featured at two EUROs (2008 and 2012) and two WChs (2009 and 2011) for Slovakia
Michal Kopcoline player• awarded the Slovakian line player of the year in 2014, his leadership on and off the court is vital
• successor of Antl, was chosen as the team captain in the beginning of the 2014/15 season
• 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
• one of the key man of Tatran’s defensive play, aggressive and hard to beat one on one
Tomas Cip right wing• Czech international started his career in his hometown, Zubri, where he played until his transfer to Presov in the summer of 2011
• 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
• able to defend on the wing as well as attack, although he is highly rated for his game in offence
Dominik Krokleft back• one of the players who remembers last CL group phase adventure back in 2010/2011
• joined Presov in 2009, ever since became one of the longest serving players in current squad
• known for his powerful shots from the distance, one of the favourites of fans in Presov for his friendliness and ever present smile
• big fan of tennis, where he develops his skills and accuracy
Vasja Furlancentre back• creativity and quick thinking, ability to produce key passes in the offensive game are main strengths of the Slovenian national team player
• moved to Presov last year from Norway, where considered one of the best players of Follo HK
• 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
• had his best European season in 2008/2009, scoring 24 goals for Celje in the CL
Alexey Peskovright back• two-metre tall Russian international came to to replace Latvian giant Dainis Kristopans in 2015
• most experienced player from the squad, played the CL for his mother club Chekhovski Medvedi and Celje
• 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
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2006
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Group D preview
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
ELVERUM HÅNDBALL
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Group D head-to-headsHistoric encounters of the Group D opponents in the EC
HC Metalurg vs Skjern Handbold 0-0-2 (46:67) 0:411.10.2001 Skjern Handball vs RK Metalurg Skopje, Challenge Cup – Round 2 34:21 (18:11)13.10.2001 Skjern Handball vs RK Metalurg Skopje, Challenge Cup – Round 2 33:25 (21:10)
HC Motor Zaporozhye vs Kadetten Schaffhausen 2-0-0 (68:58) 4:013.11.2014 HC Motor Zaporozhye vs Kadetten Schaffhausen, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 31:26 (18:13)20.11.2014 Kadetten Schaffhausen vs HC Motor Zaporozhye, VELUX EHF Champions League – Group D 32:37 (14:18)
No previous encountersHC Metalurg vs HC Motor ZaporozhyeHC Metalurg vs Kadetten SchaffhausenHC Metalurg vs HCM Baia MareHC Metalurg vs Elverum Handball HerrerSkjern Handbold vs HC Motor ZaporozhyeSkjern Handbold vs Kadetten SchaffhausenSkjern Handbold vs HCM Baia MareSkjern Handbold vs Elverum Handball HerrerHC Motor Zaporozhye vs HCM Baia MareHC Motor Zaporozhye vs Elverum Handball HerrerKadetten Schaffhausen vs HCM Baia MareKadetten Schaffhausen vs Elverum Handball HerrerHCM Baia Mare vs Elverum Handball Herrer
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HC Metalurg (MKD)
Club Address:HC Metalurgul. Jane Lukroski 61000 SkopjeFYR Macedonia
Media contact:Ana Neloska+389 723 103 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.rkmetalurg.mkFacebook: rkmetalurgofficialTwitter: @RKMetalurg
Playing hallBoris Trajkovskibul. 8 Septemvri bbSkopje FYR MacedoniaCapacity: 7,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: yellow/orange/white
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: blue
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 8Quarter-final (2): 2012/13, 2013/14Last 16 (1): 2011/12Group Phase (3): 2006/07, 2008/09, 2014/15)Qualification (1): 2010/11
Other9 participations in other ECMacedonian league: 6 titles (2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014)Macedonian cup: 5 titles
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 SEHA-Liga 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.”
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.”
GROUP D
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Macedonian runners-up
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)
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)
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HC Metalurg (MKD)
Biggest win: 32:18 (18:14) v Bjerringbro-Silkeborg DEN (h), 24.02.2013
Biggest defeat: 24:43 (12:23) v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER (a), 19.10.2006
16:35 (3:17) v THW Kiel (a), 15.02.2015
Longest winning run: 4 matches (30.09.2012 – 20.10.2012)
4 matches (16.02.2013 – 23.03.2013)
Longest unbeaten run: 4 matches (30.09.2012 – 20.10.2012)
4 matches (16.02.2013 – 23.03.2013)
4 matches (16.02.2014 – 30.03.2014)
Longest losing run: 8 matches (28.09.2006 – 12.10.2008)
Longest run without win: 8 matches (28.09.2006 – 12.10.2008)
Most goals: 37 v Drammen HK NOR 37:30W (h), 18.10.2008
Most goals opponent: 43 v SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 43:24L (a), 19.10.2006
Most goals both teams: 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2006/07 RK Metalurg Skopje MKD 6 0 0 6 148:206 –58 0:12 4th Gr. D
2008/09 HC Metalurg MKD 6 2 0 4 157:172 -15 4:8 3rd Gr. C
2011/12 HC Metalurg MKD 12 6 2 4 294:275 +19 14:10 1/8-finals
2012/13 HC Metalurg MKD 14 9 0 5 361:313 +48 18:6 1/4-finals
2013/14 HC Metalurg MKD 14 7 2 5 356:373 -17 16:12 1/4-finals
2014/15 HC Metalurg MKD 10 1 1 8 233:294 –61 3:17 6th Gr. A
Total 62 25 5 32 1549:1633 -84 55:69
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Team rosterHC Metalurg (MKD)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
7 Janko Bozovic AUT Right Back 14.7.1985 Bar, MNE 203 101
15 Marko Buvinic CRO Right Back 28.6.1992 Pula, CRO 190 90
8 Nikola Kosteski MKD Right Wing 22.8.1992 Struga, MKD 183 74
25 Goran Krstevski MKD Centre Back 29.3.1996 Resen, MKD 195 79
23 Milorad Kukoski MKD Left Back 7.12.1987 Struga, MKD 195 100
18 Filip Kuzmanovski MKD Left Back 3.7.1996 Bitola, MKD 198 105
6 Bojan Madjovski MKD Left Wing 8.5.1994 Skopje, MKD 184 80
98 Tadej Matijasic SLO Left Wing 22.1.1994 Ljubljana, SLO 174 74
24 Marko Neloski MKD Centre Back 6.6.1996 Struga, MKD 199 92
76 Davor Palevski MKD Left Wing 26.2.1997 Skopje, MKD 175 70
44 Zharko Peshevski MKD Line Player 11.4.1991 Skopje, MKD 195 110
25 Kostadin Petrov MKD Line Player 30.3.1992 Veles, MKD 190 105
28 Filip Taleski MKD Left Back 28.3.1996 Krusevo, MKD 201 90
30 Martin Velkovski MKD Right Back 10.3.1997 Skopje, MKD 189 84
Luka Mrakovcic CRO 22.9.1994
20 Daniel Dupjacanec MKD Goalkeeper 15.7.1983 Prilep, MKD 189 99
31 Antonijo Peshevski MKD Goalkeeper 23.12.1990 Skopje, MKD 209 110
Average: 22,86 191,8 91,4
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
• steered them to quarter-finals in 2013 and 2014
OG: G 2004, EURO: S 2008, 2010, WCh: G 2003, S 2005, 2009
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Antonio Peshevskigoalkeeper• older brother to Zarko Pesevski, current Metalurg captain
• towering at 209cm, he is one of the tallest goalkeeper in the VELUX EHF Champions League
• came trough the youth ranks of RK Metalurg, became the first team member in 2015 after spending one season on loan at RK Dracevo
Marko Neloskileft back• product of Metalurg’s youth system, came into prominence under Cervar’s coaching baton
• this 19-year old completes the exceptional talent Metalug nurtures at left back position in the 2015/16 season
• made a breakthrough into the first team setup at Metalurg in 2013/14
Zharko Peshevskiline player• current Macedonia national team member, having played in all the youth selection for his country
• Metalurg team captain
• brother Antonio a teammate, goalkeeper at Metalurg
• made his first team debut in 2009, becoming a first-choice line player after Mijajlo Marsenic left to join Vardar
Goran Krstevskicentre back• among the frontrunners of new Metalurg generation
• member of the highly talented Metalurg’s generation of players born in 1996
• rose through the youth ranks at Metalurg alongside current first team teammates Filip Taleski and Marko Neloski
Marko Buvinicright wing/right back• joined Metalurg in 2015 from RK Porec, relishing a chance to work under fellow Croatian, coach Lino Cervar
• 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
Filip Taleskileft back• considered one of the biggest talents in Macedonian handball
• made his first team debut for Metalurg at the age of 17
• 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
• 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
Milorad Kukoskileft back• one of few experienced players that stayed at the club despite financial difficulties of last season
• has garnered a good national reputation, playing for the very best Macedonian league teams: Pelister, Vardar, Zomimak and now Metalurg
• equally adept at playing as a line player, in both attack and defence phase
Janko Bozovicright back• Austrian national team member, with 85 caps and 197 goals
• 2015/16 will be his second CL season, having joined from another group phase outfit and SEHA League finalist HC Meshkov Brest
• son of legendary Buducnost player Stanka Bozovic
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Skjern Handbold (DEN)
Club Address:Skjern HandboldOstergade 406900 SkjernDenmark
Media contact:Jette Alstrup+45 606 602 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.skjernhaandbold.dkFacebook: skjernhaandbold Twitter: @SkjernHaandbold
Playing hallSkjern Bank ArenaRanunkelvej 16900 SkjernDenmarkCapacity: 2,400
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: light bluePlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: red
DarkPlayer shirt: dark bluePlayer short: dark blueGoalkeeper shirt: lightblue
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 3Last 16 (1): 2003/04Group Phase (1): 1999/2000,
OtherChallenge Cup: Winners 2001/02, 2002/03EHF Cup: Semi-final 2006/07, 2014/15Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2005/06
Danish league: 2010, 2013Danish cup: 2012 Super-Cup winner
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.
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.”
GROUP D
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Danish runners-ups
Newcomers:Magnus Dahl (Kristianstad)Markus Olsson (Kristianstad)Bjarte Myrhol (Rhein Neckar Löwen)
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
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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
Longest winning run: 1 match (20.11.1999)
1 match (18.10.2003)
1 match (22.11.2003)
1 match (14.12.2003)
Longest unbeaten run: 2 matches (11.10.2003 – 18.10.2003)
Longest losing run: 3 matches (30.10.1999 – 13.11.1999)
Longest run without win: 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
Most goals opponent: 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
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 14 4 1 9 339:362 +23 9:19
Skjern Handbold (DEN)
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Team roster
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
14 Emil Siersbæk Bergholt DEN Line Player 25.8.1997 Ringkøbing-Skjern, DEN 190 85
19 Bjarke Fredsted Christensen DEN Left Wing 26.1.1992 Ringkobing-Skjern, DEN 186 82
9 Morten Balling Christensen DEN Left Wing 12.8.1987 Skive, DEN 189 88
12 Magnus Dahl NOR Goalkeeper 28.9.1988 Oslo, NOR 198 100
13 Jacob Lyhne Hansen DEN Left Back 4.5.1995 Esbjerg, DEN 200 94
35 Mathias Gliese Jensen DEN Right Wing 5.3.1997 Lemvig, DEN 182 82
33 Simon Storgaard Jensen DEN Centre Back 1.2.1995 Herning, DEN 190 87
20 Jesper Dahl Jørgensen DEN Right Wing 23.3.1994 Ringkobing-Skjern, DEN 190 87
7 Thomas Klitgaard DEN Line Player 10.12.1977 Aalborg, DEN 195 98
15 Lasse Mikkelsen DEN Centre Back 19.5.1988 Brønderslev, DEN 200 96
18 Bjarte Hakon Myrhol NOR Line Player 29.5.1982e Oslo, NOR 192 96
34 Morten Kirkeby Nielsen DEN Left Back 28.12.1997 Ringkobing-Skjern, DEN 200 96
4 Markus Olsson SWE Left Back 31.3.1990 Karlshamn, SWE 186 90
32 Simon Opstrup DEN Left Wing 5.1.1994 Ringkobing-Skjern, DEN 180 70
26 Simon Overgaard Poulsen DEN Centre Back 11.1.1993 Ringkobing-Skjern, DEN 187 85
21 Rene Toft Brølling Rasmussen DEN Right Wing 29.8.1989 Ringkobing-Skjern, DEN 176 83
22 Kasper Søndergaard Sarup DEN Right Back 9.6.1981 Skive, DEN 192 95
25 Daniel Svensson DEN Centre Back 3.4.1982 Copenhagen, DEN 190 101
1 Søren Pedersen DEN Goalkeeper 20.8.1986 Thistedm, DEN 191 98
16 Jacob Lund Kjaer DEN Goalkeeper 25.11.1992 Herning, DEN 185 81
30 Loke Peter Brasen DEN Goalkeeper 11.12.1997 Herning, DEN 202 92
Average: 25,1 190,5 89,8
Ole Norgaardcoach• 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
Skjern Handbold (DEN)
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Magnus Dahlgoalkeeper• joined Skjern from Swedish champions IFK Kristianstad ahead of the 2015/16 season
• over 50 internationals for Norway guarantees a certain international experience
• has also gained international experience from playing in Atletico Madrid, PSG and Wetzlar apart from the Norwegian clubs Nordstrand, Follo and Fyllingen
• in Skjern, replacing one of the greatest talents in Danish handball, Kristoffer Laursen who has left for league colleagues Skanderborg
Bjarke Christensenleft wing• playing his 10th successive season in Skjern after joining from nearby Tarm Foersom IF
• total of 67 junior internationals for Denmark, but still none at senior level
• 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
Bjarte Myrhol line player• joined Skjern in the summer of 2015 from Rhein-Neckar Löwen
• in August 2011 diagnosed with cancer, a surgery and chemo therapy changed his life
• always willing to fight and only two and a half months after the surgery he returned to the court
• after leaving first club in Sandefjord, he joined Veszprem, before arriving in Nordhorn and later Mannheim
Markus Olssonleft back• just like Norwegian goalkeeper Magnus Dahl, joined from new Swedish champions IFK Kristianstad ahead of this season
• said goodbye to Kristianstad in style by scoring 11 goals in the Swedish championship final against Alingsas HK
• 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
• in Skjern, replacing 211 cm tall Danish international Nikolaj Markussen who has left for league rivals Bjerringbro Silkeborg
Lasse Mikkelsencentre back• joined Skjern from league rivals KIF Kolding in the summer of 2011
• 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
• like with so many other back court players, his biggest idol is Nikola Karabatic
Thomas Klitgaardline player• in his seventh season in Skjern a key player in the central defence as well as on the line in the attack
• having started his career in Aalborg, he has had foreign adventures in Spanish CBM Galdar and German MT Melsungen
• his skills have earned one international for Denmark as well as one junior international
• not only his age (37), but also his 248 league matches for Skjern make him one of the most experienced players in the team
Rene Rasmussenright wing• playing his 7th season in succession for Skjern after joining from third league club Raekker Moelle
• highly reliable wing with a great take-off from the right wing position, fast in counter attacks
• 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
Daniel Svenssonback • originally a left back and playmaker, but can play all three positions in the back court line
• playing his second season in Skjern after joining from Bundesliga side TUS-N-Lübecke in 2013
• has also a career in Spanish handball behind him, in Toledo Balonmano
• 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
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2008, 2013
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HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR)
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.
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.”
Club Address:HC Motor ZaporozhyeIvanova Str. 2469068 ZaporozhyeUkraine
Media contact:Dmitriy Karpushchenko+380 50 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.handball.motorsich.comFacebook: HC-Motor
Playing hallTEC Terminal Kievskaya 31607400 BrovaryUkraineCapacity: 3,500
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: white/redPlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: yellow/black
DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: red/black
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 3Last 16 (1): 2013/14Group Phase (1): 2014/15
OtherEHF Cup: Group Phase 2012/13Cup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-finals 2011/12
Ukrainian league: 3 titles (2013, 2014, 2015)Ukrainian cup: 2 titles
GROUP D
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF 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
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HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR)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
Longest winning run: 2 matches (17.11.2013 – 21.11.2013)
2 matches (13.11.2014 – 20.11.2014)
Longest unbeaten run: 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)
Longest run without win: 6 matches (20.03.2014 – 18.10.2014)
Most goals: 37 v Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 32:37W (a), 20.11.2014
Most goals opponent: 44 v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 44:27L (a), 10.10.2013
Most goals both teams: 71 v MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 44:27L (a), 10.10.2013
Fewest goals: 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
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2013/14 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 12 4 1 7 333:367 -34 9:15 Last 16
2014/15 HC Motor Zaporozhye UKR 10 3 0 7 283:284 -1 6:14 5th Gr. D
Total 22 7 1 14 616:651 -35 15:29
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
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Team roster
HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
69 Sergii Burka UKR Left Back 9.6.1987 Zaporozhye, UKR 208 110
11 Zakhar Denysov UKR Left Wing 1.3.1990 Ilychevsk, UKR 188 82
32 Vladyslav Dontsov UKR Right Back 22.9.1995 Zaporozhye, UKR 197 94
14 Dmytro Doroshchuk UKR Line Player 29.9.1986 Volyn reg., UKR 198 115
21 Gleb Kalarash RUS Line Player 29.11.1990 Moscow, UKR 205 94
20 Artem Kozakevych UKR Right Wing 2.10.1992 Novovolynsk, UKR 182 68
5 Iurii Kubatko UKR Right Back 28.8.1988 Zaporozhye, UKR 184 78
18 Kostyantyn Kurylenko UKR Left Back 10.7.1980 Zaporozhye, UKR 193 98
7 Aidenas Malasinskas LTU Centre Back 29.4.1986 Lietuva, LTU 189 84
27 Sergii Orlovskyi UKR Left Wing 18.4.1992 Zaporozhye, UKR 188 80
87 Barys Pukhouski BLR Centre Back 3.1.1987 St.Mazorita, BLR 186 100
83 Sergey Shelmenko RUS Right Back 5.4.1983 Kiev, UKR 195 98
10 Olexandr Shevelev UKR Line Player 2.12.1987 Zaporozhye, UKR 200 115
24 Ievgen Zhuk UKR Left Wing 4.8.1990 Zaporozhye, UKR 184 75
2 Stanislav Zhukov UKR Left Back 26.3.1992 Novovolynsk, UKR 198 94
55 Gennadiy Komok UKR Goalkeeper 5.7.1987 Zaporozhye, UKR 196 96
1 Valentyn Koshovy UKR Goalkeeper 5.2.1981 Zaporozhye, UKR 200 90
23 Yevgen Sapun UKR Goalkeeper 11.6.1985 Zaporozhye, UKR 185 85
Average: 27,55 193,1 92
Nikolay Stepanetscoach• 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
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Gennadiy Komokgoalkeeper• talented goalie last play the CL in the 2011/12 season with Russian St.Petersburg, in the only year he spent abroad
• raised in Zaporozhye , he was number one goalkeeper in the team of city rivals ZTR, multiple CL participant
• helped ZTR to win five national titles
• 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
Ievgen Zhukleft wing• promising Ukrainian prospect on the left wing
• after a few seasons in Burevestnik Lugansk he returned to his mother club
• after Skopintsev left for Chekhov he should get more prominence on the playing court
• scored 12 goals in two CL seasons with Motor
• has exellent accelaration and can surprise with hard shots even from a back court position
Olexandr Shevelevline player• one of not too many Ukrainians who played in the European leagues recently
• 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
• his premiere appearance in the CL was in the 2006/07 season with Ukrainian club Portovik
• experience and physical strength make him a crucial figure in the center of defence and attack
Barys Pukhouskicentre back• moved to Motor Zaporozhye from SKA Minsk in the summer of 2015
• spent the end of the last season at his home club SKA after leaving Hungary’s Csurgo for family reasons
• also had an experience of playing for Dinamo Minsk in the past
• one of the leaders and the best all-time scorer (571 goals) of the Belarus national team
Artem Kozakevichright wing• 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
• 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
Sergey Burkaleft back• the tallest (208 cm) player of the Ukrainian championship joined Motor in 2012 from the city rivals of ZTR
• collected four national titles with his former club ZTR and added two with Motor
• 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
Aidenas Malasinskascentre back• 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
• played also for Kaunas clubs Lusis and Granitas-Karys in his homeland followed by stints with Irun Bidasoa, Fraikin BM. Granollers, Naturhouse La Rioja
• came from BM Puerto Sagunto and finished third in the ASOBAL top scorers list in the 2014/15 season
Sergey Shelmenkoright back• born in Ukraine and played for the national team, but then acquired Russian citizenship and opted to play for Russia
• after a number of seasons at Medvedi, Shelmenko left the team for Dinamo Minsk, but was unlucky as this club ceased to exist
• 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
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Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)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.”
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.”
Club Address:Kadetten SchaffhausenSchweizersbildstrasse 108207 SchaffhausenSwitzerland
Media contact:Barbara Imobersteg+41 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.kadettensh.chTwitter: @kadettenshFacebook: kadettensh
Playing hallBBC ArenaSchweizersbildstr. 108207 SchaffhausenSwitzerlandCapacity: 3,000
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: orangePlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: orangeGoalkeeper shirt: green
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 9Last 16 (2): 2010/11, 2011/12Group Phase (5): 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2012/13, 2014/15)Qualification (1): 2009/10
OtherEHF Cup: final 2009/10Cup Winners’ Cup: semi-final: 2007/08
Swiss league: 8 titles (2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015)Swiss Cup: 7 titles
GROUP D
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Swiss champions
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)
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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)
Longest unbeaten run: 2 matches (06.10.2007 – 13.10.2007)
2 matches (28.11.2010 – 05.12.2010)
2 matches (19.02.2011 – 23.02.2011)
2 matches (09.02.2012 – 16.02.2012)
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)
Longest run without win: 5 matches (25.11.2007 – 14.10.2010)
5 matches (18.10.2014 – 04.12.2014)
Most goals: 43 v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH 43:18W (h), 09.02.2012
Most goals opponent: 40 v Füchse Berlin GER 35:40L (h), 14.02.2013
Most goals both teams: 75 v Füchse Berlin GER 35:40L (h), 14.02.2013
Fewest goals: 22 v Portland San Antonio ESP 31:22L (a), 15.10.2005
22 v SC Pick Szeged HUN 22:23L (h), 11.11.2006
Fewest goals opponent: 18 v HC Bosna BH Gas Sarajevo BIH 43:18W (h), 09.02.2012
Fewest goals both teams: 45 v SC Pick Szeged HUN 22:23L (h), 11.11.2006
VELUX EHF Champions League record
MP W T L GF GA GD PTS Stage
2005/06 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 6 1 1 4 160:181 -21 3:9 3rd Gr. G
2006/07 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 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
2010/11 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 12 5 1 6 362:376 -14 11:13 1/8-finals
2011/12 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 12 5 0 7 366:345 +21 10:14 1/8-finals
2012/13 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 10 2 0 8 284:330 –46 4:16 6th Gr. D
2014/15 Kadetten Schaffhausen SUI 10 2 2 6 264:297 –33 6:14 6th Gr. D
Total 62 19 6 37 1783:1872 -89 44:80
Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)
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Team roster
Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
22 Albin Alili SUI Left Back 1.6.1996 Frauenfeld, SUI 196 94
10 Christoffer Brännberger SWE Line Player 29.12.1990 Farsta, SWE 200 105
17 Gabor Csaszar HUN Centre Back 16.6.1984 Celldömölk, HUN 188 94
3 Nikola Cvijetic SUI Right Wing 1.12.1989 Schaffhausen, SUI 183 83
8 David Graubner SUI Left Back 29.5.1984 Moosseedorf, SUI 194 93
21 Johan Koch DEN Line Player 29.11.1990 Svendborg, DEN 185 91
6 Dimitrij Küttel SUI Right Back 18.2.1994 Gersau, SUI 192 90
5 Manuel Liniger SUI Left Wing 10.9.1981 Winterthur, SUI 180 76
19 Zoran Markovic SUI Left Back 6.5.1995 Schaffhausen, SUI 197 92
20 Luka Maros SUI Left Back 20.3.1994 Zürich, SUI 196 88
2 Lucas Meister SUI Line Player 16.8.1996 Basel, SUI 197 100
22 Sergio Muggli SUI Centre Back 6.7.1993 Zürich, SUI 178 78
9 Andrija Pendic SUI Centre Back 12.3.1987 Arbon, SUI 190 90
Filip Pendic SUI Line Player 20.8.1988 Krusevac, SRB 190 95
7 Markus Richwien GER Right Wing 5.7.1985 Magdeburg, GER 186 84
11 Leszek Starczan POL Left Wing 28.11.1977 Olesnica, POL 183 90
14 Aleksandar Stojanovic SRB Right Back 22.6.1983 Jagodina, SRB 197 103
Nik Tominec SLO Right Wing 26.3.1991 Luzern, SUI 190 88
12 Nikola Marinovic AUT Goalkeeper 29.8.1976 Belgrad, SRB 198 100
1 Nikola Portner SUI Goalkeeper 19.11.1993 Bern, SUI 194 90
16 Kaj Stokholm SUI Goalkeeper 15.4.1995 Zürich, SUI 195 100
Average: 26,52 190,9 91,6
Markus Baurcoach• 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: 2006OG: S 2004, WCh: G 2007, S 2003, EURO: G 2004, S 2002, B 1998
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Nikola Marinoviccoach• for more than ten years the number 1 of the Austrian national team
• was born in Belgrade, but changed the citizenship to Austrian in 2004
• his first CL start with Austrian side Bregenz
• later transferred to various German clubs (Wetzlar, Balingen and Göppingen)
• Joined Kadetten before the 2015/16 season to replace Jonas Maier
• Austrian handball player of the year in 2007
Nikola Portnergoalkeeper• quite international - born in France and goalkeeping number 1 of the Swiss national team
• his father Zlatko was a famous handball player in ex-Yugoslavia
• had his first match in the Swiss league at the age of 17
• joined Kadetten in summer 2014, but after two seasons he leaves for Montpellier
Manuel Linigerleft wing• experienced wing player had been part of the successful Kadetten team from 2007 until 2010
• 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
• started his career in Winterthur and also had spell at German sides Wilhelmshaven, Lemgo and Balingen
• one of the all time top scorers of Swiss national team with over 800 goals
David Graubnerleft back• Swiss international is one of the most experienced players in the Kadetten squad
• already played seven years for Schaffhausen until 2012, before he joined German side Großwallstadt, but returned one year later
• 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
• six-time Swiss champion
Gabor Csaszarcentre back• had played professional handball in five different countries: Hungary, Denmark, Spain, France and now Switzerland
• joined Kadetten in the middle of the 2014/15 season, arriving from French powerhouse PSG Paris
• the playmaker of the Hungarian national team
• part of two Olympic Games (2004, 2012) with Hungary, each time to finish fourth
• national champion in Hungary and Switzerland
Johan Kochline player• had been playing for German side Emsdetten before he joined Kadetten at the start of the 2015/16 season
• replaces Swedish line player Anton Mansson, who left for Lemgo (Germany)
• had been teammate of Mikkel Hansen in his first club GOG Svendborg
• played three years for current Swedish champions Kristianstad until 2013, before he moved to Germany
Dimitrij Küttelright back• had 99 appearances in the Swiss youth and junior national teams, scoring an overall of 341 goals
• had his debut in the Swiss men’s national team in 2014
• belong to the successful Swiss junior team, which now is an integral part of the men’s team
• arrived from Aarau at Schaffhausen
• shares the right back position with more experienced Alexandar Stojanovic
Markus Richwienright wing• German is the only current Kadetten player, who was part of a VELUX EHF FINAL4 tournament, playing at Cologne with Füchse Berlin in 2012
• born in Magdeburg, he went through all youth teams of former CL winner SCM
• in 2007 joined Füchse Berlin, where he became German international – debuting against Switzerland in 2008
• 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
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HCM Baia Mare (ROU)
Club Address:HCM Baia MareStr. Valea Rosie 264800 Baia Mare - MaramuresRomania
Media contact:Paul Ursachi+40 757 275 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.minaur.roFacebook: hcminaur
Playing hall Sala Polivalenta Lascar PanaBd. Unirii Nr.14 A430272 Baia Mare - MaramuresRomaniaCapacity: 2,080
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: blue-whitePlayer short: blue-whiteGoalkeeper shirt: multicolour
DarkPlayer shirt: yellowPlayer short: yellowGoalkeeper shirt: multicolour
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 1
OtherChallenge Cup: Quarter-final 2003/04, 2004/05EHF Cup: Round 3 2005/06
Romanian league: 3 titles (1998, 1999, 2015)Romanian Cup: 5 titles
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
GROUP D
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Romanian champions
Coach: Lars Walther since 2014Captain: Viorel Fotache
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)
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Team roster
Lars Walthercoach• 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
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
13 Inal Aflitulin RUS Centre Back 22.3.1988 Astrakhan, RUS 182 82
73 Daniel Bera ROU Left Wing 26.5.1990 Fagaras, ROU 181 81
11 Mihai Ionut Busecan ROU Line Player 1.6.1987 Baia Mare, ROU 195 105
55 Albert Georgian Cristescu ROU Line Player 30.5.1992 Moreni, ROU 194 97
15 Viorel Fotache ROU Left Back 15.5.1989 Galati, ROU 197 106
13 Radu Cristian Ghita ROU Right Back 22.11.1990 Bacau, ROU 189 92
9 Tamas Ivancsik HUN Right Wing 3.4.1983 Györ, HUN 179 75
18 Ivan Karacic BIH Centre Back 26.5.1985 Mostar, BIH 190 93
20 Tudor Mihai Marta ROU Right Wing 1.2.1988 Baia Mare, ROU 180 79
21 Bogdan Patru Mihai ROU Right Back 21.6.1982 Botosani, ROU 198 99
32 Vladislav Ostroushko UKR Left Back 5.3.1986 Cherkasy, UKR 202 101
7 Andrei Mihai Popescu ROU Centre Back 16.9.1989 Baia Mare, ROU 183 87
14 Antonio Pribanic CRO Line Player 13.12.1987 Rijeka, CRO 185 95
8 Ionut Ramba ROU Left Back 8.2.1991 Fagaras, ROU 198 100
25 Alexandru Sabou ROU Left Wing 20.4.1982 Baia Mare, ROU 189 89
17 Marius Sadoveac ROU Right Wing 7.5.1985 Timisoara, ROU 193 88
Paul Andrei Simulescu ROU 12.6.1995
23 Uros Vilovski HUN Line Player 25.2.1984 Senta, SRB 197 103
1 Razvan Mihai Pop ROU Goalkeeper 20.6.1985 Baia Mare, ROU 188 90
12 Peter Tatai HUN Goalkeeper 23.6.1983 Györ, HUN 195 98
Average: 28,25 190,3 92,6
HCM Baia Mare (ROU)
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Peter Tataigoalkeeper• after leaving Pick Szeged in 2014, Tatai won his first Romanian championship title with HCM Baia Mare in the 2014/15 season
• Hungarian reached the CL semi-final with Veszprem in 2006, where he also claimed the Cup Winners’ Cup and two Hunagarian league titles
• his amazing saves have earned him a special place in the hearts of Baia Mare’s fans
Alexandru Sabouleft wing• 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
• with six Romanian championships and seven Romanian Cups, is one of the most decorated Romanian players ever
EC trophies: EHF Cup 2002
Uros Vilovskiline player• has been Tamas Ivancsik’s teammate in Veszprem and Balatonfüredi
• came to Baia Mare after Nikola Eklemovic, the former Veszprem and Baia Mare player, recommended him to sign with HCM
• 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
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008, Champions Trophy 2008
Antonio Pribanicline player• defensive specialist, has already played two seasons in the CL with Pick Szeged
• admits he knew nothing about HCM before his arrival, but after one year he says that Baia Mare is a perfect city for him
• had trouble learning Romanian, but says he is getting better day by day
• being born in Rijeka, a port at the Adriatic Sea, his favourite hobbies are fishing, scubadiving and navigating
Tamas Ivancsikright wing• 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
• his older brother, Gergö plays for Veszprem, while younger brother Adam is in Tatabanya KC
• 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
Ionut Rambaleft 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
• his dream is to play in Bundesliga, he had several offers, but Bacau declined all of them
• after a stint in HC Odorhei, where he won the Challenge Cup, he left for Baia Mare
• his idol is Siarhei Rutenka, the legendary Belarussian left back
EC trophies: Challenge Cup 2015
Inal Aflitulincentre back• very technical player, with a high handball IQ, he became an instant fan-favourite in Baia Mare after his arrival from Zaporozhye in 2015
• Astrakhan-born started playing in the youth team of Chekhovskie Medvedi and in 2011 he transferred to Motor
• has 15 games in the Russian national team and has played in the EHF EURO 2014
• named the MVP of the Men’s 19 European Open in Sweden in 2007
Marius Sadoveacright back• versatile left-hander plied his trade as a right wing at HCM Constanta, but he seldom plays on the wing in Baia Mare
• played six years for Constanta, winning six titles and four Romanian Cups
• 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
EC trophies: Cup Winners’ Cup 2008, EHF Cup 2014
146
Elverum Handball Herrer (NOR)
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.
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.”
Club Address:Elverum Handball HerrerPostboks 2952403 ElverumNorway
Media contact:Erik Henriksen+47 400 [email protected]
Online information:Website: www.ehh.noFacebook: elverumhandballTwitter: @ElverumHandball
Playing hallTerningen ArenaHamarvegen 1122418 ElverumNorwayCapacity: 2,400
Kit colours
LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: yellow
DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: green
Past achievements
VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2015/16 season): 2Qualification (1): 2013/14
OtherCup Winners’ Cup: Quarter-final 2010/11 EHF Cup: Group Phase 2012/13
Norwegian league: 3 titles (2009, 2013, 2015)
Qualification for the 2015/16 VELUX EHF Champions League: Norwegian champions, winner of the Qualification Tournament
Coach: Michael Apelgren (since 2014)Captain: Morten Neergaard
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)
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Team roster
Elverum Handball Herrer (NOR)
Michael Apelgrencoach• 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.
No. First Name Surname Nat. Position Date of Birth Place of Birth Height Weight
9 Michael Apelgren SWE Centre Back 20.8.1984 Stockholm, SWE 181 87
4 Karl Anders Victor Björkman SWE Right Wing 7.10.1983 Varnamo, SWE 180 80
7 Aleksander Borresen NOR Line Player 30.8.1985 Baerum, NOR 206 111
18 Jonas Burud NOR Right Wing 20.10.1993 Oslo, NOR 195 95
19 Hakon Bratvold Ekren NOR Centre Back 10.7.1994 Elverum, NOR 186 97
3 Torbjörn Fredriksen Eide NOR Left Back 27.11.1990 Melhus, NOR 193 95
14 Joergen Jansrud NOR Left Back 23.7.1996 Eidskog, NOR 195 93
15 Andre Lindboe NOR Left Wing 3.11.1988 Tonsberg, NOR 186 80
2 Didrik W. Linderud NOR Right Wing 7.12.1995 Oslo, NOR 183 87
11 Nikolaj Mehl DEN Right Back 3.8.1984 Struer, DEN 190 98
20 Luka Mitrovic SRB Left Back 17.5.1987 Vrsac, SRB 192 85
87 Morten Nergaard NOR Goalkeeper 26.2.1987 Elverum, NOR 189 92
10 Lars Nordberg NOR Back 23.4.1982 Elverum, NOR 197 100
24 Vegard Bakken Oeien NOR Goalkeeper 8.7.1994 Elverum, NOR 190 100
24 Petter Överby NOR Line Player 26.3.1992 Kongsvinger, NOR 200 110
21 Steffen Stormo Stegavik NOR Centre Back 30.11.1983 Trondheim, NOR 183 90
17 Erik Thorsteinsen Toft NOR Left Back 14.11.1992 Elverum, NOR 192 80
Average: 26,11 190,5 92,9
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Morten Nergaardgoalkeeper• has spent far most of his career in Elverum, had a short foreign adventure by Danish Aalborg in 2012
• played eight internationals for Norway
• one of the Elverum players who has European experience from the 2012/13 CL qualification and the EHF Cup Group Phase
Erik Toft Thorsteinssonleft back• versatile back court player, and though being right handed, he can actually play all three back court positions
• has always played in Elverum, the place where he was also born
• 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
• played 27 junior internationals for Norway
Hakon Bratvold Ekrencentre back• has played all his handball career in Elverum
• played one senior international and 17 junior internationals for Norway.
• physically strong player and an inventive playmaker, his idol used to be another quite inventive playmaker, Ivano Balic
• 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
Nikolaj Mehlright back• playing his second season in Elverum after joining from league rivals Drammens HK in the summer of 2014
• 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
• has an academy exam in international trade and marketing
Andre Lindboeleft wing• born in the women’s handball stronghold Larvik played for four other Norwegian clubs before he joined Elverum in 2011 (Halsen, Larvik, Fram, Sandefjord)
• made a debut in the national team of Norway in April 2011 against Germany
• took part at the EHF EURO 2014 scoring seven goals in three matches
Luka Mitrovicleft back• a versatile Serbian back court player who can also play the playmaker position which he has done in several of his previous clubs
• playing his second season with Elverum after joining from Danish Norsjaelland Haandbold in the summer of 2014
• 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)
Petter Överbyline 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
• played 12 senior internationals for Norway, including the EHF EURO 2016 qualifiers against Croatia
• by joining Elverum, he left his younger brother Henrik who was among his teammates in Notteroy
• strong and solid pivot who is good at making room on the line and with a fine scoring percentage from the line.
Karl Anders Björkmanright wing• 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
• 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
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140917_UNQ_Handball_A4.indd 1 9/18/14 14:29 PM
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2014/15 Top ScorersRank Player Club Goals
1 Momir Ilic (SRB) MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN) 114
2 Kiril Lazarov (MKD) FC Barcelona (ESP) 106
3 Mikkel Hansen (DEN) Paris Saint-Germain Handball (FRA) 103
4 Karol Bielecki (POL) KS Vive Tauron Kielce (POL) 92
5 Timur Dibirov (RUS) HC Vardar (MKD) 78
6 Zsolt Balogh (HUN) MOL-Pick Szeged (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) MOL-Pick Szeged (HUN) 69
14 Bo Dybdal Spellerberg (DEN) KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN) 66
15 Uwe Gensheimer (GER) Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER) 65
Zlatko Horvat (CRO) HC PPD Zagreb (CRO) 65
17 Alexander Dereven (RUS) Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) 62
Thomas Mogensen (DEN) SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER) 62
19 Renato Sulic (CRO) MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN) 60
20 Dmitry Zhitnikov (RUS) Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS) 59
2014/15 All-Star Team
151
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)
2008 BM Ciudad Real (ESP)
2007 THW Kiel (GER)
2006 BM Ciudad Real (ESP)
2005 FC Barcelona-Cifec (ESP)
2004 RK Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO)
2003 Montpellier HB (FRA)
2002 SC Magdeburg (GER)
2001 Portland San Antonio (ESP)
2000 FC Barcelona (ESP)
1999 FC Barcelona (ESP)
1998 FC Barcelona (ESP)
1997 FC Barcelona (ESP)
1996 FC Barcelona (ESP)
1995 Elgorriaga Bidasoa (ESP)
1994 TEKA Santander (ESP)
152
History: 22 years of EHF Champions League1993 – 2005
1993/94Final: 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.
1994/95Final: 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.
1995/96Final: 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.
1996/97Final: 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.
1997/98Final: 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.
1998/99Final: 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.”
1999/00Final: 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.
2000/01Final: 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 all-Spanish Final.
2001/02Final: 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.
2002/03Final: 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.
2003/04Final: 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.
2004/05Final: 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.
153
History: 22 years of EHF Champions League2005 – 2015
2005/06Final: 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.
2006/07Final: 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.
2007/08Final: 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.
2008/09Final: 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.
2009/10Final: FC Barcelona Borges vs HW Kiel 34:36In 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.
2010/11Final: FC Barcelona vs Renovalia Ciudad Real 27:24Since 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.
2011/12Final: THW Kiel vs BM Atletico Madrid 26:21The 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.
2012/13Final: FC Barcelona vs HSV Hamburg 29:30 AETHSV 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)
2013/14Final: SG Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel 30:28For 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.
2014/15Final: FC Barcelona vs MKB-MVM Veszprem 28:23The 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.
154
All-time club standings (1993-2015)# TR Name of the club MP W D L GF:FA GD P NP % G
1 1 FC Barcelona Lassa ESP 228 170 16 42 7053:5830 +1223 356:100 (19) 78,07 B
2 2 THW Kiel GER 220 158 13 49 6869:5909 +960 329:111 (19) 74,77 A
3 3 MKB-MVM Veszprém HUN 202 136 8 58 5844:5231 +613 280:124 (20) 69,31 A
4 4 HC PPD Zagreb CRO 208 103 22 83 5498:5344 +154 228:188 (22) 54,81 A
5 5 BM Atletico Madrid ESP 144 111 5 28 4502:3803 +699 227:61 (10) 78,82 A
6 6 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko SLO 174 98 9 67 4989:4671 +318 205:143 (18) 58,91 A
7 7 Montpellier HB FRA 154 89 10 55 4448:4202 +246 188:120 (16) 61,04 B
8 8 SG Flensburg-Handewitt GER 130 82 9 39 3929:3599 +330 173:87 (11) 66,54 A
9 9 HSV Hamburg GER 98 68 9 21 3088:2670 +418 145:51 (7) 73,98
10 10 Portland San Antonio ESP 100 64 6 30 2929:2594 +335 134:66 (9) 67,00
11 11 Chekhovskie Medvedi RUS 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
^ = Excluding Qualifying matchesThe club name is the last used name in the CLTR – total rankingMP – matches playedW – winsD – draws
L – lossesGF:GA – goals for:goals againstP – pointsNP – number of participations% = winning percentageG - group
All stats in this guide are provided by Roy Knoppert
155
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
European Handball FederationHoffingergasse 181120 ViennaAustria
Tel +43 1 80151 0
For further information please contact:
Vladislav BrindzakEHF Media & Communications+43 1 80151 [email protected]
EHF Marketing GmbHHoffingergasse 181120 ViennaAustria
Tel +43 1 80151 224