Kolding claim second spot following dramatic finish

KIF Kolding Kobenhavn secured second place in VELUX EHF Champions League Group B, but were made to work had for it, coming from behind to beat Alingsas 34:33.

The Swedish club held the lead until late in the second half before Kolding's experience eventually told.

VELUX EHF Champions League Group B

KIF Kolding Kobenhavn (DEN) vs Alingsas HK (SWE) 34:33 (16:15)

KIF Kolding Kobenhavn finished in second place in their Champions League group for the second year in a row, but the Danish champions had to withstand heavy pressure before emerging victorious in the closing stages of a tense meeting with Alingsas.

The hosts were missing the injured back court duo of Kasper Irming and Lasse Andersson, but still got off to a 2:0 start.

Alingsas soon got a grip of the game off-the-back of their impressive counter attacks and established several one-goal leads before KIF managed to create a four-goal edge at 15:11.

The Swedish side responded once again, however, and reduced the deficit to one goal at half-time.

Alingsas moved in front by two goals on a number of occasions during the second half as KIF struggled to contain 18-year-old left back Felix Claar, who scored eight goals.

Still, experience would prove the difference as the match entered its closing stages, and the Danish side snatched a two-goal lead and managed to hold on.

KIF goalkeeper Kasper Hvidt said: "Our defence was not at the level we are used to.

"We made too many mistakes and gave away too many easy goals, especially from the wings.

"The positive thing about the match is the two points, but if we do not play better in the Last 16, it does not matter which opponent we face, we will not win."