Hosts and Holstebro play the first match of the EHF Cup Finals

The hosts of the 2013 EHF Cup Finals will not miss the opening throw-off of the first edition of the final tournament on Saturday, 18 May 2013 in the Palais des Sports de Beaulieu in Nantes. The French organisers, HBC Nantes will play against Denmark's Team Tvis Holstebro in the first semi-final at 15:45 hrs local time, followed by an all-German semi-final Frisch Auf Göppingen vs Rhein Neckar Löwen at 18:00 hrs.

On Sunday, 19 May both semi-finals losers will meet at 15:45 hrs followed by the final at 18:00 hrs.

The playing times and the order of matches at the EHF Cup Finals have been confirmed just three days after a draw at the Tour Bretagne, Nantes had determined both semi-finals pairings of the top four teams in the newly formatted competition.

The playing schedule has been created following discussions with rights holders to ensure the best possible exposure for the event on television screens around the world and also to guarantee an unforgettable experience for 5,000 fans in the arena.

Playing order of the EHF Cup Finals in Nantes:

Saturday 18 May 2013
Semi-final 1 – Team Tvis Holstebro vs HBC Nantes (throw off at 15.45)
Semi-final 2 – Frisch Auf Göppingen vs Rhein Neckar Löwen (throw off  at 18.00)

Sunday 19 May 2013
3rd/4th Placement match – loser Holstebro/Nantes vs loser Göppingen/Löwen (throw off at 15.45)
Final – winner Holstebro/Nantes vs Göppingen/Löwen (throw off at 18.00)
(all times local)