The EHF European League Men returned with five tantalising matches in leg 1 of the qualification round. Two German sides, TSV Hannover-Burgdorf and Rhein-Neckar Löwen, had strong away performances and came closer to the group stage.

Last season’s runners-up, Fraikin BM. Granollers, had a tough time in Romania but came away with the win. Aguas Santas Milaneza made an incredible comeback against Pfadi Withertur, while their compatriots from ABC de Braga let their advantage slip against Trimo Trebnje.