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VELUX EHF Champions LeagueSeason 2014/15 Group Phase Draw

Media Guide

2

Media contacts 3

Preview 4

Playing system diagram - stages and dates 5

Seeding list 6

POT 1

THW Kiel 7

FC Barcelona 8

MKB-MVM Veszprem 9

KS Vive Targi Kielce 10

POT 2

KIF Kolding 11

HC Metalurg 12

RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko 13

Dunkerque Grand Littoral 14

POT 3

HC Zagreb 15

Chekhovskie Medvedi 16

Kadetten Schaffhausen 17

Alingsas HK 18

POT 4

Rhein-Neckar Löwen 20

Naturhouse La Rioja 21

Pick Szeged 22

Orlen Wisla Plock 23

POT 5

SG Flensburg-Handewitt 24

Aalborg Handbold 25

HC Vardar 26

PSG HB 27

POT6

Montpellier 28

Past winners 29

Table of contents

3

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

Akos MoczanMedia ManagerEHF Marketing GmbH+43 1 80 151 [email protected]

POT 1

THW Kiel (GER)Christian Robohm +49 [email protected]

FC Barcelona (ESP)Gustau Galvache+34 [email protected]

MKB-MVM Veszprém KC (HUN)Zsolt Sevinger+36 [email protected]

Vive Targi Kielce (POL)Sebastian Kozubek+48 [email protected]

POT 5

SG Flensburg Handewitt (GER)Sandra von Wallis+49 [email protected]

Aalborg Handball (DEN)Poul [email protected]

RK Vardar PRO – Skopje (MKD)Marko Savovski+389 75 200 [email protected]

PSG Handball (FRA)Louise Cosnard+33 (0)675 591 [email protected]

POT 6

Montpellier (FRA)Suzy Demonte+33 499 610 [email protected]

POT 2

KIF Kolding København (DEN)Thomas Christensen+45 22 [email protected]

HC Metalurg (MKD)Zoran Cvetanovski+389 [email protected]

RK Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO)Nejc Ajdnik+386 [email protected]

Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral (FRA)Melanie Lefevbre+ 33 3 28 66 91 [email protected]

POT 3

RK Zagreb (CRO)Goran Roknić+385 95 9999 [email protected]

Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS)Benjamin Kuznetsov+7 [email protected]

Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)Barbara Imobersteg+41 [email protected]

Alingsas HK (SWE)Christer Martensson+46 705 [email protected]

POT 4

Rhein Neckar Löwen (GER)Ute Krebs+49 126 2500 [email protected]

Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)Jaime Luis Gonzalez Gutierrez+34 63 77 66 [email protected]

Pick Szeged (HUN)Nandor Szögi+36 70 [email protected]

Orlen Wisła Płock (POL)Piotr RaczkowskiTel: [email protected]

4

Seeding for group phase draw confirmedFollowing last Friday’s decision on the teams taking part in the VELUX EHF Champions League in the 2014/15 season, the European Handball Federation has announced the seeding of teams for both the qualification and the group phase draw this week.

The qualification draw took place on Thursday, 26 June 2014 at 14:00 hrs. at the EHF Office in Vienna, the group phase draw will follow on Friday, 27 June 2014 at 18:00 hrs. at the Gartenhotel Altmannsdorf in Vienna.

Three tickets from qualificationThe qualification will be played on 6 and 7 September in three tournaments, the winners of which will be awarded with a place in the group phase.

The matches from each tournament will be played in one venue with two semi-finals, where teams from Pot 4 will meet teams from Pot 1 and teams from Pot 3 will face teams from Pot 2, followed by finals. The pairings and the right to organise tournaments will be drawn on 26 June. Pot 1: HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR), HC Meshkov Brest (BLR), HCM Constanta (ROU) Pot 2: RK Vojvodina (SRB), FC Porto (POR), Haslum HK (NOR) Pot 3: Tatran Presov (SVK), Alpla HC Hard (AUT), Besiktas JK (TUR) Pot 4: Targos Bevo HC (NED), Initia Hasselt (BEL), Junior Fasano (ITA)

Kiel, Barcelona, Veszprem and Kielce in the top potThe group phase draw will follow one day after the qualification draw. 21 directly seeded teams plus three qualification group winners will be divided into six pots with four teams in each pot. Teams will not be able to face opponents from the same country in the group

Pot 1: THW Kiel (GER), FC Barcelona (ESP), MKB-MVM Veszprem (HUN), KS Vive Targi Kielce (POL)Pot 2: KIF Kolding (DEN), HC Metalurg (MKD), RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko (SLO), Dunkerque Grand Littoral (FRA)Pot 3: RK Zagreb (CRO), Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS), Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI), Alingsas HK (SWE)Pot 4: Rhein-Neckar Löwen (GER), Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP), Pick Szeged (HUN), Orlen Wisla Plock (POL)Pot 5: SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER), Aalborg Handbold (DEN), HC Vardar (MKD), PSG HB (FRA)Pot 6: Montpellier AH (FRA), winner Qualification Group 1, winner Qualification Group 2, winner Qualification Group 3

Junior to test Motor after qualification draw Both debutants of the European top flight face a stern test after the draw at the EHF Office in Vienna has determined the three qualification groups. Michael Wiederer, EHF Secretary General carried out the draw, which also determined the right to organise the tournaments on 6-7 September.

While the Dutch champions Targos Bevo HC will head for Belarus to face the hosts of Brest Meshkov in the Group 1 semi-final, the other newcomer Junior Fasano in the Group 2 semi-final will meet HC Motor Zaporozhye, who reached the Last 16 in the previous season and were eliminated by eventual runners-up from Kiel.

The second semi-final pairing in Meshkov consists of the host club Vojvodina and Slovakian champions Tatran Presov. In Group 2, which is to be played in Hard, Austria, the home side Alpla meet FC Porto, who showed an impressive performance in their EHF Champions League premiere last season.

The Turkish champions Besiktas Istanbul have earned the right to host the Group 3 tournament. In the semi-final they will face Norwegian title holders Haslum HK, who they eliminated two years ago on the way to the EHF Cup Group Phase after coming back from 11-goal deficit.

In the other semi-final the last season’s EHF Cup Finals participants HCM Constanta from Romania play against the Belgian team Hubo Initia Hasselt, who return to the Champions League after 14 seasons.

Only the winners of each group will make their way to the next phase. The group phase draw will take place on Friday, 27 June from 18:00 hrs at the Gartenhotel Altmannsdorf in Vienna.

Semi-final pairings of the VELUX EHF Champions League Qualification:

Group 11-Brest Meshkov (BLR) vs 4-Targos Bevo HC (NED)2-HC Vojvodina Novi Sad (SRB) vs 3-Tatran Presov (SVK)

Group 21-HC Motor Zaporozhye (UKR) vs 4-Junior Fasano (ITA)2-FC Porto (POR) vs 3-Alpla HC Hard (AUT)

Group 31-HCM Constanta (ROU) vs 4-Hubo Initia Hasselt (BEL)2-Haslum HK (NOR) vs 3-Besiktas JK (TUR)

Order of the right to host tournaments: Row 3*, Row 1, Row 4, Row 2* as Presov hosted the qualification group last year, their right passed automatically to Row 1 (Brest Meshkov)

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15

QualificationTournaments

4 groups with 6 teams 16 teams 8 teams 4 teams24.‐28.09.2014 (1)

06./07.09.2014 01.‐05.10.2014 (2) 11.‐15.03.2015 08.‐12.04.2015 30./31.05.2015tournaments 08.‐12.10.2014 (3) first leg first leg tournament

15.‐19.10.2014 (4)NATION 12.‐16.11.2014 (5)

19.‐23.11.2014 (6)26.‐30.12.2014 (7)03.‐06.12.2014 (8) 18.‐22.03.2015 15.‐19.04.201511.‐15.02.2015 (9) second leg second leg18.‐22.02.2015 (10)

1 GER 1 THW Kiel2 ESP 1 FC Barcelona3 HUN 1 MKB‐MVM Veszprem4 POL 1 KS VIVE Targi Kielce5 DEN 1 KIF Kolding6 MKD 1 HC Metalurg7 SLO 1 RK Celje Pivovarna Lasko8 FRA 1 Dunkerque Grand Littoral9 CRO 1 RK Zagreb10 RUS 1 Chekhovskie Medvedi11 SUI 1 Kadetten Schaffhausen12 SWE 1 Alingsas HK13 GER 2 Rhein‐Neckar Löwen14 ESP 2 Naturhouse La Rioja15 HUN 2 Pick Szeged16 POL 2 Orlen Wisla Plock S.A.17 GER 3 SG Flensburg‐Handewitt18 DEN 2 Aalborg Handbold19 MKD 2 HC Vardar20 FRA 2 PSG HB21 FRA 3 Montpellier AH22 UKR 1 HC Motor Zaporozhye23 BLR 1 HC Meshkov Brest24 ROU 1 HCM Constanta25 SRB 1 RK Vojvodina26 POR 1 FC Porto27 NOR 1 Haslum HK28 SVK 1 Tatran Presov29 AUT 1 Alpla HC Hard30 TUR 1 Besiktas JK31 NED 1 Targos Bevo HC32 BEL 1 Initia Hasselt33 ITA 1 Junior Fasano

Group Phase

3 groups with 4 teams

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

Qualification Tornaments go to the EHF Cup Qualification Rd 3

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ELUX EH

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VELUX EHF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2014/15

DRAWS: 26 June 2014 in Vienna 27 June 2014 in Vienna 24 February 2015 21 April 201524 March 2015

Last 16 FINAL4Quarterfinals

status: 23.06.2014

7

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: green

DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: red

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 18Winners (3): 2006/07, 2009/10, 2011/12Runners-up (4): 1999/2000, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2013/14Semi-final (3): 1996/1997, 2000/01, 2012/13Quarter-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, 2003/04

German league: 19 titles (1957, 1962, 1963, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014)German cup: 9 titles

Kiel took their 19th Bundesliga title after one of the most thrilling and nail-biting final rounds in years. Before the last match day, Rhein-Neckar Löwen and Kiel were equal on points, as the two contenders had been for several rounds.

In case of a win for both teams, the title was to be decided through goal difference, and in this aspect, the Lions were seven goals better than the Zebras after 33 of the 34 rounds. However, Rhein-Neckar Löwen’s 40:35 away win against VfL Gummersbach was not enough to maintain the lead against Kiel until the end.

Through a 37:23 win against Füchse Berlin at home in the Sparkassen Arena, Kiel finished two goals better than their rivals and the record champions could celebrate yet another title.

POT 1

8

FC Barcelona (ESP)

Club Address:FC Barcelona IntersportAvda. 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: redGoalkeeper shirt: green/grey

DarkPlayer shirt: blue and redPlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: black/dark red

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 18Winner (7): 1995/96, 1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2004/05, 2010/11Final (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: 21 titles (1969, 1973, 1980, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)Spanish cup: 18 titlesAsobal cup: 9 titles

No team has ever won a Spanish league as clearly as FC Barcelona last season. With their superstar team, the Blaugranas won every single game quite clearly and were already crowned champions six games before the end. With the league’s best defence and attack, Barcelona let nothing slip, winning their games by an average of twelve goals.

After their third place last season, Naturhouse La Rioja this time finished second, still thirteen points behind the champions and will also take part in the VELUX EHF Champions League next season.Legendary left winger and the all-time Asobal top scorer Juanin said his farewell to Barcelona at the last VELUX EHF FINAL4 and will be replaced by THW Kiel iconic Icelander Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson.

POT 1

9

MKB-MVM Veszprém (HUN)

Club Address:MKB-MVM VeszprémMarcius 15. ut 58200 VeszprémHungary

Media contact:Zsolt Sevinger+36 [email protected]

Online information:Website: www.mkbveszprem.euFacebook: mkbveszpremkcTwitter: @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 2014/15 season): 20Final (1): 2001/02Semi-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 (2): 1993/94, 2010/11, 2011/12Group Phase (3): 1994/95, 1995/96, 2007/08

OtherCup Winners’ Cup: Winners 2007/08, Runners-up 1996/97

Hungarian league: 22 titles (1985, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)

Hungarian cup: 23 titles

VELUX EHF FINAL4 participants Veszprem added another domestic title to the collection after going neck and neck with Pick Szeged throughout the season.Both frontrunners shared the spoils against each other with one win each during the regular season and were separated at the top only by goal difference with Veszprem taking first place.

After comfortable wins in the semi-finals, the two sides were set to meet again. Carlos Ortega’s men took the first game 30:21 at home and while the second game in Szeged was less clear, Veszprem managed to take a 28:24 win and retained their title.

Runners-up Pick Szeged made up for their disappointment by winning the EHF Cup a week later in Berlin and will take part in the 2014/15 VELUX EHF Champions League after a one-year absence.

POT 1

10

KS Vive Targi Kielce (POL)

Club Address:KS Vive Targi Kielceul. Robotnicza 525-662 KielcePoland

Media contact:Sebastian Kozubek+48 [email protected]

Online information:Website: www.vivetargi.plFacebook: vivetargikielceTwitter: @vivetargikielce

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 2014/15 season): 12Semi-final (1): 2012/13 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

OtherOther EC records: 11 participations in other ECs

Polish league: 11 titles (1993, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014)Polish cup: 11 titles

Kielce steamrolled all their opponents on the way to their eleventh national championship title in the Polish Ekstraklasa. After winning all 22 games in the regular season with a perfect record of 44 points, they lived up to their highest expectations in the play-off too eliminating Kwidzyn in the quarter-finals (2:0 in a best-of-three series) and Azoty-Pulawy in the semi-finals (3:0 in a best-of-five).

In the final they faced Wisla Plock once again, after having played and won already two games in the regular season, another two in the Champions League and one in a very narrow Polish Cup final in Warsaw (33:32). Plock showed a very formidable fashion before the final series not only in the cup final and the European encounters.

In the second game Kielce escaped a surprising setback after extra-time, but could not avoid their first domestic defeat of the season in game 3 at the river Vistula. They clinched the first Polish title for their coach Talant Dujshebaev, who replaced Bogdan Wenta halfway through the regular season, in the fourth match, winning the best-of-five series 3:1.

POT 1

11

KIF Kolding København (DEN)

Club Address:KIF Kolding KøbenhavnAmbolten 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: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: orange/blue

DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: orange/blue

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 12Semi-final (1): 2001/02Quarter-final (1): 2002/03Last 16 (7): 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2013/14Last 32 (1): 1993/94Group Phase (1): 1994/95

OtherCup Winners’ Cup: Semi-final 1999/2000, Quarter-final 2007/08EHF Cup: Quarter-final 2012/13

Danish league: 13 titles (1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2014)Danish cup: 8 titles

The finals of the Danish championship were a repeat of 2013, but with the opposite outcome.Last season, Aalborg Handball won both legs of the final against KIF Kolding København clearly, this time it was the other way round.

Both teams were missing several players due to injury, but KIF were best at coping with the injury problems and made things more or less clear in the first match, as they won 23:18 at Gigantium in Aalborg.

Even though the second leg in the Trefor Arena of Kolding became a considerably more equal affair, KIF won that match as well 19:17, which meant that KIF could celebrate their 13th Danish championship through a 42:35 win on aggregate.

POT 2

12

HC Metalurg (MKD)

Club Address:HC Metalurgul. Jane Lukroski 61000 SkopjeFYR Macedonia

Media contact:Zoran Cvetanovski+389 [email protected]

Online information:Website: http://www.rkmetalurg.mk/Facebook: 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 2014/15 season): 7Quarter-final (2): 2012/13, 2013/14Last 16 (1): 2011/12Group Matches (2): 2006/07, 2008/09Qualification (1): 2010/11

Other9 participations in other EC

Macedonian league: 6 titles (2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014)Macedonian cup: 5 titles

Due to their participation in the SEHA league, the two heavy favourites for the Macedonian league Vardar and Metalurg only joined at the play-off stage. The two duels between these teams decided the new champion as no other team could seriously challenge the pair. In their first meeting, Vardar managed to win 25:24, but Metalurg dominated the return fixture and took a significant 30:21 victory. The rest of the championship turned out to be just a formality with easy matches for both teams and with both teams ending the championship on the same number of points, Metalurg’s better goal difference in the matches between these two teams saw them take championship gold from Vardar’s grasp.

POT 2

13

Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO)

Club Address:Celje Pivovarna LaškoOpekarniska 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: yellowPlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: blue

DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: black

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 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 (4): 1995/96, 2006/07, 2012/13, 2013/14Main Round (2): 2007/08, 2008/09Group Phase (3): 1993/94, 1994/95, 2010/11Qualification (1): 2009/10

OtherCup Winners‘ Cup: Semi-final 2002/02, 2011/12

Slovenian league: 19 titles (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014)Slovenian cup: 18 titles

In Slovenia, it was RK Celje Pivovarna Laško who put the considerably weakened defending champions RK Gorenje Velenje to the sword, having won their deciding duel 36:27.Celje was narrowly knocked out in the Last 16 of the VELUX EHF Champions League by SG Flensburg-Handewitt (who went on to become champions), but got over this disappointment to win their 18th domestic title after a turnaround in Celje, ending a three-year trophy draught. It was the second consecutive title for RK Celje Pivovarna Laško coach Branko Tamše, as the former RK Gorenje Velenje tactician made a switch at the end of last season, to bring the Slovenian powerhouse from Celje back to the top.

POT 2

14

Dunkerque HB Grand Littoral (FRA)

After finishing second last season, Dunkerque managed to grab its first French champion title in 2014. Beating PSG and Montpellier twice, their league triumph suffered no discussion and comes two years after their win in the national cup.

This title is a just reward for a squad that has been together a few seasons now, but struggled in the VELUX EHF Champions League last season. Coach Patrick Cazal has claimed that he aims to come back stronger next season in the competition and improve upon their three-point haul.

Thanks to a thrilling final round of games, PSG finished second and Montpellier third. The EHF Cup finalists were in a set to end up right behind Dunkerque, but lost their last decisive match in Chambéry (30:33) while PSG coasted past Cesson-Rennes (34:27) and into second place.

Club Address:Dunkerque HB Grand LittoralAvenue de Rosendael - B.P. 419759378 Dunkerque cedex 1France

Media contact:Melanie Lefevbre+ 33 3 28 66 91 [email protected]

Online information:Website: www.usdk.frFacebook: DunkerqueHandballTwitter: @USDKDunkerque

Playing hallStades de FlandresAvenue de Rosendael59240 DunkerqueFranceCapacity: 2,500

Kit colours

LightPlayer shirt: yellowPlayer short: yellowGoalkeeper shirt: black/red

DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: blue/red

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 3Group Phase (1): 2013/14Qualification (1): 2011/12

OtherEHF Cup: Finals 2011/12, Quarter-final 2006/07, 2007/07, 2009/10Challenge Cup: Runners-up 2003/04City-Cup: Quarter-final 1998/99, 1999/2000

French league: 1 title (2014)French Champions Trophy: 1 title (2012)French cup: 1 titleFrench League cup: 1 title

POT 2

15

HC Zagreb (CRO)

HC Zagreb again proved their dominance, after defending the title to lift their 23rd Croatian championship trophy, following a 31:25 away win against the runners-up RK Nexe in Našice. In the wake of their crucial win against Nexe, which finished runners-up for the sixth consecutive season, HC Zagreb put an end to all hopes of an upset in the title race. Zagreb, still yet to lose a domestic title since the competition was established in 1991, put a convincing performance in their final play-off match against RK Karlovac. In Arena Zagreb, the home team won 33:23, thus allowing the Croatian league trophy to remain in Zagreb for yet another season.

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: blue

DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: red

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 21Final (4): 1994/95, 1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99Semi-final (1): 1999/00Quarter-final (6): 1995/96, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2008/09, 2011/12Last 16 (3): 2005/06, 2009/10, 2010/11Main Round (1): 2007/08Group Phase (5): 1993/94, 2004/05, 2006/07, 2012/13, 2013/14

OtherEHF Cup: Runners-up 2004/05Cup Winners‘ Cup: Semi-final 2006/07

SEHA League: 1 title (2013)

Croatian league: 24 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)Croatian cup: 22 titles

POT 3

16

Chekhovskie Medvedi (RUS)

The domination of Chekovskie Medvedi in the Russian championship continued as Vladimir Maximov’s team took their thirteenth title in a row.

Although the team had a much younger roster compared to the previous season, they faced little opposition on the way to the finals, winning twenty out of twenty-two matches in the preliminary round. In the final series Chekovskie Medvedi faced Universitet-Neva. In the first game, Neva snatched the win after a penalty shootout. However, the champions regained their composure in the following two matches and showed their superiority with two home victories 30:23 and 24:18 to take the title.

Club Address:Chekhovskie MedvediPoligrafistov str. 30142300 Chekhov, Mosk. oblastRussia

Media contact:Benjamin Kuznetsov+7 [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 2014/15 season): 14Semi-final (1): 2009/10Quarter-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11Last 16 (3): 2004/05, 2006/07, 2012/13Main Round (1): 2007/08Group Phase (6): 2000/01, 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06,2011/12

OtherCup Winners’ Cup: Winner 2005/06

Russian league: 13 titles (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)Russian cup: 12 titles

POT 3

17

Kadetten Schaffhausen (SUI)

A year after losing the finals to Wacker Thun, Kadetten Schaffhausen were in no mood to make the same mistake twice.

After finishing one point behind Pfadi Winterthur at the top of the regular season table and once again by the end of the championship round, Kadetten kicked into gear in the semi-finals against Kriens-Luzern, wasting no time in the best-of-five series and set up a showdown with the side who had bested them throughout the year.

Pfadi Winterthur had the home advantage, but it counted for very little against Kadetten who won two away games and a home tie in between to take the series 3:0 and see themselves back into the VELUX EHF Champions League after one season away.

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 2014/15 season): 8Last 16 (2): 2010/11, 2011/12Group Phase (4): 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2012/13Qualification (1): 2009/10

OtherEHF Cup: final 2009/10Cup Winners’ Cup: semi-final: 2007/08

Swiss league: 7 titles (2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014)Swiss cup: 7 titles

POT 3

18

Alingsas HK (SWE)

While quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Swedish championship play-off are played as best of five, the final is decided in only one match.

This year the final was played in the Malmö Arena between Alingsås HK and EHF Cup quarter-finalists Lugi HF.

Lugi were leading most of the time, and were even three goals up at 22:19 with ten minutes left, but through five unanswered goals at the end, Alingsås managed to take the title for the second time in the club’s history, after their first triumph in 2009.

Club Address:Alingsas HKNolhaga alle 12 A44155 AlingsasSweden

Media contact:Christer Martensson+46 705 [email protected]

Online information:Website: www.ahk.nuFacebook: AlingsasHKTwitter: @AlingsasHK

Playing hall*Estrad ArenaLillagatan 144130 AlingsasSwedenCapacity: 2,000

Kit colours

LightPlayer shirt: light greenPlayer short: light greenGoalkeeper shirt: yellow

DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: red

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 2Group Phase (1): 2009/10

OtherEHF Cup: Last 32 1999/00

Swedish league: 2 titles (2009, 2014)

POT 3

* to be confirmed

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VIP-Hotline: +43 1 80151 – 216

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20

Rhein Neckar Löwen (GER)

Club Address:Rhein-Neckar LöwenMollstraße 49a68165 MannheimGermany

Media contact:Ute Krebs+49 126 2500 [email protected]

Online information:Website: www.rhein-neckar-loewen.deFacebook: rnloewenTwitter: @RNLoewen

Kit colours

LightPlayer shirt: yellowPlayer short: yellowGoalkeeper shirt: white/red

DarkPlayer shirt: blackPlayer short: blackGoalkeeper shirt: blue/green

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 6Semi-final (2): 2008/09, 2010/11Quarter-final (2): 2009/10, 2013/14Qualification (1): 2011/12

OtherCup Winners’ Cup: Runners-up 2007/08EHF Cup: Winners 2012/13, semi-final 2011/12, quarter-final 2006/07

Playing hallSAP ArenaXaver-Fuhr-Str. 15068219 MannheimGermanyCapacity: 12,900

After the closest race at the top of the Bundesliga in many years, Rhein-Neckar Löwen had to see THW Kiel run away with the trophy for the 19th time in history after all.

Having taken turns with Kiel on leading the Bundesliga on goal difference during the last rounds, Rhein-Neckar Löwen had a seven goal lead over Kiel before the final gameday, but the Lions’ win was not enough to match Kiel’s 37:23 home win against Füchse Berlin which left the North German Zebras two goals ahead of Rhein-Neckar and saw them snatch the trophy.

POT 4

21

Naturhouse La Rioja (ESP)

In a season which saw Barcelona win every one of its games, Naturhouse La Rioja managed to finish second and to qualify for the second season at Europe’s top table in a row. It was no easy task though, since the team from Logrono had to battle with historically strong clubs from the Asobal, such as Léon and Granollers.

Only conceding one draw and a defeat in the 2014 year, Logrono proved it has now moved from an average team to perhaps the only one able to bother Barcelona. With a strong defence, fast wingers and an experienced team (only five players from the roster are under 28 years old), Logrono look to progress further than the group phase this time around. Their recruits match their ambitions, since the Spanish side managed to sign both Juanin Garcia and Albert Rocas, former Barcelona wingers, who hope to repeat some of the success they had in their former club.

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: greenPlayer short: greenGoalkeeper shirt: grey

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 2Group phase (1): 2013/14

OtherEHF Cup: semi-final 2009/10, 2010/11, Group Phase 2012/13

Spanish league: - (runners-up 2014)Spanish cup: - (runners-up 2013)

POT 4

22

Pick Szeged (HUN)

Club Address:Pick SzegedDeák Ferenc u. 28-30.6720 SzegedHungary

Media contact:Nandor Szögi+36 70 [email protected]

Online information:www.pickhandball.huFacebook: pickszegedTwitter: @pickhandball

Playing hallVarosi Sportcsarnok SzegedTemesvari Krt.336726 SzegedHungaryCapacity: 3,200

Kit colours

LightPlayer shirt: orangePlayer short: silverGoalkeeper shirt: black / red / green

DarkPlayer shirt: blue or redPlayer short: blue or redGoalkeeper shirt: black / red / green

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 13Quarter-final (2): 1996/97, 2003/04Last 16 (5): 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2010/11, 2012/13Main Round (1): 2007/08Group Phase (3): 2008/09, 2009/10, 2011/12Qualification (1): 2013/14

Other EHF Cup: quarter-final 2000/01, Last 16 1994/95, 1999/2000Cup Winners’ Cup: semi-final 1993/94,quarter-final 2002/03, 2008/09

Hungarian league: 2 titles (1996, 2007) Hungarian cup: 6 titles

Hungary’s perennial runners-up gave champions Veszprem a serious run for their money in the domestic league this season. The sides remained side by side at the top of the league throughout the season, with Szeged relegated to second place on account of their inferior goal difference after they ended the season level on points.

After comfortable wins in the semi-finals, the two sides were set to meet again. Szeged were unable to exert any significant pressure on their opponent’s home court and went down 30:21. While the second game in Szeged was a tighter affair, Veszprem managed to take a 28:24 win and retained their title. Pick Szeged made up for their disappointment by winning the EHF Cup a week later in Berlin. They were the surprise package of the event, first defeating home side Füchse Berlin, followed by a win in the final against favourites Montpellier.

POT 4

23

Orlen Wisła Płock (POL)

Club Address:Orlen Wisła PłockPlac Celebry Papieskiej 109-400 PłockPoland

Media contact:Piotr RaczkowskiTel: [email protected]

Online information:Website: www.sprwislaplock.plFacebook: sprWislaTwitter: @SPRWisla

Playing hallOrlen ArenaPl. Celebry Papieskiej 109-400 PłockPolandCapacity: 5,467

Kit colours

LightPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: lemon green

DarkPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: orange

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 10Last 16 (3): 1995/96, 2011/12, 2013/14Group 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

Yet another season completed in a runner-up position. Plock’s season was marked by two highlights in their European campaign as they celebrated a victory against the French powerhouse Montpellier in the VELUX EHF Champions League wildcard knock-out matches and qualified for the Last 16, where they gave Veszprem a good run for their money in both games.

However, with key players like Mariusz Jurkiewicz and Valentin Ghionea often sidelined by injuries, their domestic performance was not as impressive, as they lost not only all matches against their bitter rivals from Kielce in the regular season, but also stumbled in two away games at Kwidzyn and Azoty Pulawy.

Nevertheless, they timed their top form well for the end of the season and they easily sailed past Stal Mielec in the quarter-finals and Zabrze in the semi-finals to set up a final showdown against their familiar rivals. The Oilers put up a good fight against Kielce in the finals series, losing the second game only after extra time and winning the third match before going down 3:1.

POT 4

24

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: redPlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: yellow

DarkPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: black

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 10Winners (1): 2013/14Final (2): 2003/04, 2006/07Semi-final (1): 2005/06Quarter-final (4): 2004/05, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2012/13Main Round (1): 2007/08

OtherCup Winners’ Cup: Winners 2000/01, 2011/12EHF Cup: Winners 1996/97City Cup: Winners 1998/99

German league: 1 title (2004)German cup: 3 titles

Bothered by a series of injuries, it was a tough challenge for Flensburg to keep up with Kiel and Rhein-Neckar Löwen at the top of the Bundesliga and chase success in the VELUX EHF Champions League at the same time.

Left back Lars Kaufmann, who was sidelined for the entire season was particularly missed, but still the team from the far north of the Germany did not only manage to secure a sensational win at the VELUX EHF FINAL4, but also finished third in the Bundesliga.

Their final ranking was an absolutely acceptable result for head coach Ljubomir Vranjes’ men, not least given the circumstances, and due to their win in Cologne were granted a place in the competition for this season.

POT 5

25

Aalborg Handball (DEN)

Club Address:Aalborg Håndbold A/SWilly Brandts Vej 31DK-9220 Aalborg ØstDenmark

Media contact:Poul [email protected]

Online information:Website: www.aalborghaandbold.dkFacebook: aalborghaandbold

Playing hallGigantium ArenaOlimpiaparken 29220 Aalborg OstDenmarkCapacity: 4,666

Kit colours

LightPlayer shirt: LimePlayer short: WhiteGoalkeeper shirt: Blue

DarkPlayer shirt: RedPlayer short: WhiteGoalkeeper shirt: Black

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 3Last 16 (1): 2013/14Group Phase (1): 2010/11

OtherDanish league: 2010, 2013Danish cup: - (2012 Supercup winner)

Holding on to the top of the Danish league alongside their maiden VELUX EHF Champions League voyage took a lot of physical and mental resources in Aalborg, but still the defending champions ended up in the Danish championship final against KIF Kolding København for the second year in succession.

This year, however, the outcome was very different compared to the previous. After a 23:18 defeat at home in the first leg of the final tie, Aalborg had a mountain to climb in the second match in Kolding.

And even though Aalborg went into the lead a couple of times in the second half, they could not prevent a 19:17 defeat and an aggregate 42:25 defeat.

POT 5

26

HC Vardar PRO - Skopje (MKD)

Club Address:HC Vardar - SkopjeMarko SavovskiBUL 8 mi Septemvri 20FYR Macedonia

Media contact:Marko Savovski+389 75 200 [email protected]

Online information:Website: www.rkvardar.com.mkFacebook: rkvardar

Playing hall*Jane SandanskiSkopjeFYR MacedoniaCapacity: 5,000

Kit colours

LightPlayer shirt: red/whitePlayer short: red/whiteGoalkeeper shirt: red/black/yellow

DarkPlayer shirt: black/RedPlayer short: red/whiteGoalkeeper shirt: black/grey

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 9Quarter-final (1): 2013/14Last 32 (1): 1999/2000Group Phase (6): 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2007/08, 2009/10

OtherCup Winners’ Cup: semi-final 1998/99, 2004/05, 2010/11, quarter-final 2006/07SEHA league: 2 titles (2012, 2014)

Macedonian league: 8 titles (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2013)Macedonian cup: 8 titles

As expected, the fight for the Macedonian title was a two-horse race. Both Skopje rivals Metalurg and Vardar joined the domestic championship only late in the season after a preliminary round. Defending champions Vardar won the first encounter by one goal, but that cushion was quickly lost in the reverse fixture as Metalurg prevailed by nine and virtually sealed the trophy. Vardar redeemed themselves in the Macedonian Cup, where they beat their arch-rivals in the final and also in the SEHA league. While Metalurg stayed nine points short of a best four finish, Vardar not only qualified for the final tournament in Novi Sad, but also won the trophy after eliminating Zagreb in the semi-final and beating Brest Meshkov in the final.

POT 5

* under construction

27

PSG Handball (FRA)

Club Address:PSG Handball82 avenue Georges Lafont75016 ParisFrance

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

Online information:Website: www.psghand.frFacebook: PSGHandTwitter: @psghand

Playing hallHalle Georges Carpentier81 boulevard Massena75013 ParisFranceCapacity: 4,800

Kit colours

LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: grey

DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: grey

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): 3Quarter-final (1): 2013/14Last 16 (1): 2005/06

OtherEHF Cup: quarter-final 2006/07, Last 16 2003/04

French league: 1 title (2012/13)French cup: 2 titles

Despite being the defending champions as well as firm favourites, PSG did not manage to win the French league last season. Too many away defeats, combined with two losses to title rivals Dunkerque, relegated the Paris team to finish second.

Much was expected with the arrival of a number of handball superstars last summer such as Igor Vori. However, some of them were unable to bring what was needed to the squad, perhaps explaining why the PSG lacked collective experience in the tight games. Their national cup win was the only silverware of the season and they were awarded with an additional place in the VELUX EHF Champions League.

After a quarter-final appearance last season, they hope to make it all the way to Cologne this time around, especially with the addition of veteran goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer, who has already won the competition four times.

POT 5

28

Montpellier Agglomeration HB (FRA)

Club Address:Montpellier Agglomeration HBCentre Jean-Paul LacombeCentre Jean Paul Lacombe - 100034090 MontpellierFrance

Media contact:Suzy Demonte+33 499 610 [email protected]

Online information:www.montpellierhandball.comFacebook: montpellierhandballTwitter: @MAHB

Playing hallArena MontpellierRue de la Foire34470 Pérols/MontpellierFranceCapacity: 8,000

Kit colours

LightPlayer shirt: whitePlayer short: whiteGoalkeeper shirt: orange/light blue

DarkPlayer shirt: bluePlayer short: blueGoalkeeper shirt: blue

Past achievements

VELUX EHF Champions LeagueParticipations (including 2014/15 season): Winners: 2002/03Semi-final: 2004/05Quarter-final: 2000/01, 2005/06, 2009/10, 2010/11Last 16: 1995/96, 2003/04, 2006/07, 2011/12Main Round: 2007/08, 2008/09Group Phase: 1998/99, 1999/00, 2012/13Qualification: 2013/14

Other:EHF Cup: Runners-up 2013/14, quarter-final 1996/97, Last 16 1993/94, 1994/95Cup Winners’ Cup: quarter-final 2001/02

French league: 14 titles (1995, 1998-2000, 2002-2006, 2008-2012)French cup: 10 titles

Behind Dunkerque and PSG, Montpellier finished third, despite holding the second place for a large part of the season. But a final day defeat in Chambéry (32:35) meant that Patrice Canayer’s team would finish third. If you look back at Montpellier’s season, it was not a bad result after all. After having two points deducted in the middle of the season due to financial problems, the team managed to pull itself together and to win eleven games in a row, before the end of season disaster, with an EHF Cup Final defeat and the loss to Chambéry.

With Dragan Gajic as top scorer of the league and the return of Thierry Omeyer in goal, Montpellier played one of the most exciting brands of handball the French league has seen for a long time and hope to carry on in that vein next season. With five Slovenian players in the team since the signature of Borut Mackovsek, Montpellier is building a team which should cause some surprises in the VELUX EHF Champions League this season.

POT 6

29

EHF Champions LeaguePast Winners

2014 SG Flensburg-Handewitt (GER 2013 HSV Hamburg (GER)

2012 THW Kiel (GER)

2011 FC Barcelona Borges (ESP)

2010 THW Kiel (GER)

2009 BM Ciudad Real (ESP)


2007 THW Kiel (GER)


2005 FC Barcelona-Cifec (ESP)

2004 RK Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO)

2003 Montpellier HB (FRA)

2002 SC Magdeburg (GER)

2001 Portland San Antonio (ESP)

2000 FC Barcelona (ESP)





1995 Elgorriaga Bidasoa (ESP)

1994 TEKA Santander (ESP)

European Handball FederationHoffingergasse 181120 ViennaAustria

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For further information please contact:

Vladislav BrindzakEHF Media & Communications+43 1 80151 [email protected]

EHF Marketing GmbHHoffingergasse 181120 ViennaAustria

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