Hannover keep their hopes alive with a win over Rabotnik

Antonio Carlos Ortega Perez’s gameplan worked out perfectly in Bitola as the visitors won easily to ensure their goal of a quarter-final place is still achieveable.

• Filip Kuzmanovski finished with 7 while his teammate Vladislav Ostroushko scored six for Rabotnik
• Hannover’s Cristian Ugalde Garcia had a great night with nine goals
• Rabotnik finish in fourth spot in Group B while Hannover still have the chance to advance to quarter-finals

GROUP B
HC Eurofarm Rabotnik (MKD) vs TSV Hannover-Burgdorf (GER) 17:29 (8:15)

It was known before the start that if Hannover won they could still achieve a quarter-final spot if they followed it up with another victory against Nexe next Wednesday in Germany.

However, Hannover, like their opponents, Rabotnik made many mistakes and were head-to-head in the beginning.

It was not until the end of the first 10 minutes in which Antonio Carlos Ortega’s Hannover could develop a clear lead, up by three as Kai Häfner and Cristian Ugalde led the German club with great and unstoppable shots, not missing any of them in the first half.

The picture of the game did not change after the pause as TSV stayed excellent in offence although Rabotnik’s Vladislav Ostrousko started the second period with four quick goals.  

There were no questions left for the last 20 minutes as Hannover took the win and can now look to hosting Nexe in the battle for second spot, knowing a win can help them reach the quarter-finals.

“With the results from yesterday in Croatia we now have a big chance for the quarter finals,” said Ortega. “We started the match with confidence and a lot of spirit with our defence and goalkeeper Zimmer fantastic, and we broke our opponents in the first half.”

Rabotnik visit Tatabanya as all four teams get ready for the last round of Men’s EHF Cup Group Phase.