ROUND REVIEW: Despite a defeat on Sunday, defending champions Malaga won their double-header against Quintus
Reigning champions Costa del Sol Malaga became the first team to reach the Last 16 of the EHF European Cup Women.
In the only double-header of the weekend in round 3, the Spanish team defeated Dutch rivals H.V. Quintus 37:23 on Saturday and progressed despite a 37:33 defeat on Sunday.
- while Quintus are eliminated, fellow Dutch side JuRo Unirek VZV enjoyed a big away win against former Champions League runners-up WHC Vardar, 35:25
- HC DAC Dunajská Streda (SVK) also had a successful voyage, winning 33:24 at UHC Stockerau
- goalkeeper Naira Mendes De Almeida made 20 saves for IUVENTA Michalovce, yet her team lost 27:22 at HC Galychanka Lviv
- six second leg matches and nine double-headers will be played next week, from 18 until 21 November
High-scoring match in Telde
While Malaga are already through, two-time EHF Challenge Cup winners Rocasa Gran Canaria are under pressure following their defeat at home in Telde against Swedish side Skara HF.
The 38:37 scoreline indicates that this match featured an entertaining exchange of goals — and the tie remains wide open ahead of the second leg next Saturday.
TEXT:
EHF / Sergey Nikolaev