21.02.2019, 02:10
Saint-Raphael and Berlin aim to extend winning streaks

GROUP A PREVIEW: Title holders Füchse Berlin could be in a strong position to reach the Men’s EHF Cup Quarter-finals if they collect a third straight victory this weekend in Spain

Saint-Raphael and Berlin aim to extend winning streaks

After wins in the previous round, last year’s Men’s EHF Cup finalists Saint-Raphael Var Handball and Füchse Berlin would like to add another success to their current streak. 

For Berlin, earning the two points in La Rioja would put them in a strong position in the race for the quarter-finals. After winning at home last week, Saint-Raphael face a tough trip to Hungary, where Balatonfüredi still hope to open their table.

GROUP A
Balatonfüredi KSE (HUN) vs Saint-Raphael Var Handball (FRA)
Saturday 23 February, 15:45 local time, live on ehfTV.com

• This will be the first time in European cup history that Saint-Raphael will face a Hungarian team

• Just like in the previous game against La Rioja, Adrien Dipanda, Daniel Sarmiento and Xavier Barachet should be missing for Saint-Raphael

• The French side have only won one game so far in 2019 – in the previous round against La Rioja

• Having earned no points so far, another loss could put the Hungarian side in a tough position regarding qualification for the quarter-finals

BM Logroño La Rioja (ESP) vs Füchse Berlin (GER)
Saturday 23 February, 19:30 local time, live on ehfTV.com

• Füchse Berlin are on top of the group, with four points. If they manage to win in Spain, they will be in an ideal position to qualify for the next stage, with six points and two home games left

• Berlin’s Hans Lindberg is currently the competition’s fifth top scorer (26 goals) while Imanol Garciandia has netted 18 times for La Rioja

• This will be the first time these teams meet in a European competition

TEXT: Kevin Domas / cg