All-Portuguese Challenge Cup final still possible

The final in the Men’s Challenge Cup may very well be an all-Portuguese derby this season.

That possibility obviously existed already before the semi-finals, as the two Portuguese teams in the tournament were in different ties, but the chances have definitely been increased after the first leg.

Liberty Seguros ABC/UMinho seem to have the best chances to reach the final with a seven-goal advantage against Stord Handball from Norway.

Last week, Stord saved their existence in the Norwegian league, but they may very well be on their way out for the Challenge Cup after their 25:18 defeat in Braga this weekend.

1,422 spectators saw the home team leading 12:9 at half-time and more than double that lead during the last 30 minutes, which obviously gives Liberty a fine chance ahead of the return match in Norway this coming weekend.

Portugal’s other representative among the last four, S. L. Benfica were in Romania to play Handball club Odorhei.

1,500 spectators saw Odorhei winning both halves by one goal, leading 16:15 at half-time and winning the match 31:29

This result still gives Benfica a good chance ahead of the second leg at home this coming weekend.