"This makes the joy greater!"

A semi-final tie against Györi Audi ETO or Larvik HK, that is what defending Champions League winners Viborg HK can look forward to. They have secured access to the round of this season’s last four of the Women’s Champions League with their convincing 35-28 victory at home against HC Dinamo Volgograd this weekend.

The Danes have positive memories of both teams, as they defeated Györ on aggregate in the Champions League finale last year. Also they have won the vast majority of their previous meetings with Norway’s Larvik.

Therefore it does not really matter a lot to head Coach Jakob Vestergaard, which team will emerge as his team’s semi-final opponent after the last matches this coming weekend.

eurohandball.com: Was it easier than expected to finally secure access to the semi-finals?

Jakob Vestergaard: Not really, but I think we played well in the last match, when we were able to book the ticket. I expected Dinamo to keep up with us a bit further on in the match. But then again I believe it was due to our strength that they could not manage to follow us.

eurohandball.com: For the second year in a row you have reached the semi-final. Was it more difficult this year than last season?

Jakob Vestergaard: Yes, obviously, as we have had our challenges with injuries and pregnancies. But this makes the joy of having made it so much greater. Last year we ensured our qualification for the semi-finals earlier than this year. However, we are extremely proud of having made it after such a deciding match as the one against DinamoVolgograd.

eurohandball.com: As you said, your squad is reduced due to injury and pregnancy. Can this reduced squad hold out for the rest of the season?

Jakob Vestergaard: I believe it can. Now we have about a month until the semis, and in between there will be a break due to training camps for the various national teams. Next weekend we have a match without great importance against Vâlcea. After that we have two matches left in the ground series of the Danish league, so I think our squad can stand it. Furthermore, I hope to have a few of our injured players fit for the semi-finals.

eurohandball.com: Your opponents in the semi-final will be either Györ or Larvik. How do you see your chances there?

Jakob Vestergaard: Györ have been doing really well lately. They have a fantastic team. For them it almost does not matter, if they are missing Tomori or Görbicz. From last year’s final against them we know what kind of pressure the can put upon any opponent at home. However, we are looking forward to the semi-finals, no matter if our opponent will be Györ or Larvik.