Three-goal lead not enough for Pölva

After the first half of the quarter-finalists in the Men’s Challenge Cup were found thanks to double-headers last weekend, boarding was completed this weekend with one further double-header and three second leg matches.

Pölva Serviti took a three-goal lead with them to Ukraine, having won the first leg at home against ZRT Zaporozhye 24:21.

But as the Estonians may have feared, this was not enough in the return match in Uzhgorod on Saturday. After a narrow 15:14 lead at half-time, the Ukrainians stepped up a gear and a 28:23 secured their quarter-final berth.

KS Azoty-Pulawy had better odds ahead of their home game against HC Vise BM.

The Polish team had won the first leg in Belgium 32:30, and that win was followed by an even bigger victory in Pulawy on Saturday afternoon.

This time, the Pulawy won as big as 35:26, ten of their 35 goals scored by centre back Piotr Maslowski.

After a 42:27 win at home against HC Dukla Praha, Liberty Seguros ABC/Uminho were practically already in the quarter-finals ahead of the return match in Belgium.

In the away match Sunday afternoon, the Portuguese visitors were a bit more modest, winning 32:30 this time.

In the only double-header this weekend, Käsipalloseura Riihimäen Cocks secured their access to the quarter-finals for the second year in succession.

The first leg against H.C. Holon Saturday was won 35:28 by the Finnish hosts and they made it 40:24 the next day.

The Challenge Cup Quarter-final draw will take place on Wednesday 25 February at 11:00 hrs local time at the EHF Office in Vienna.