24.02.2017, 04:21
Men's Challenge Cup seeks last 4 quarter-finalists

ROUND PREVIEW: The fight is on for the last four quarter-final spots in the Men's Challenge Cup this weekend after four teams already made it through last week.

Men's Challenge Cup seeks last 4 quarter-finalists

Valur from Iceland, HB Dudelange from Luxemburg, Sporting CP from Portugal, and AHC Potaissa Turda from Romania are already there.

This weekend, the remaining four teams for the quarter-finals of the Men's Challenge Cup will emerge from two double-headers and from two second legs of ties which started last weekend.

Double-headers feature two debutants

The action starts in Marousi, Greece, on Friday evening when A. C. Doukas host European debutants Tasova Yibo SK from Turkey for the first leg of their double-header.

The return match in the Dais Cultural a. Athletic Center will be played on Saturday evening.

The second double-header this weekend is taking place in the City Sports Hall of Pozega, Serbia. Another European debutant, HC Sloga Pozega, are playing on home court against HC “Lokomotiv” Varna.

The Bulgarian side have already made it one step further than last season, when they did not advance beyond Round 2.

Two matches with different starting points

The remaining two quarter-finalists will come from the second leg of their respective ties, after those clubs already met once last week. The two matches have very different starting points.

MSK Povazska Bystrica can travel to the Netherlands for their second meeting with JMS Hurry-Up on Sunday afternoon with plenty of confidence after winning the home game in Slovakia 30:19.

The tension will be much bigger for another team from Slovakia, HHM Sala, playing at the same time in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

TSV St. Otmar St. Gallen are trailing HHM Sala by just three goals after losing 30:27 in the first leg last Saturday. Playing at home in the Sporthalle Kreuzbleiche, the Swiss side were expected to have a good chance to make up the deficit and clinch a quarter-final berth.

TEXT: Peter Bruun / ew