Hashron, Stord, Lisbon, Odorhei storm into Challenge Cup Quarter-finals

It was a big weekend in the Men’s Challenge Cup with four of seven Last 16 encounters played in a double-header format meaning that four quarter-finalists are already confirmed.

In Greece, GAS Kilkis were not able to get much of an advantage out of playing both matches against Ramat Hashron HC at home.

The Israeli visitors won the first leg on Friday 29:19, followed by a 30:27 win on Saturday.

Handbal club Odorhei from Romania did not leave any doubts either when they welcomed Red Boys Differdange from Luxembourg.

The Romanians’ 33:20 win on Friday already saw them virtually advancing to the quarter-final – the 30:16 on Saturday emphasised their dominance even further.

Third in line to reach the next phase became Norwegian team Stord. On home court they defeated HC Radnicki from Serbia 32:23 on Friday, followed by a 27:22 on Saturday.

Stord’s Danish playmaker Henrik Knudsen had a particularly successful weekend, scoring nine goals in both matches.

Completing the quartet were Lisbon-based S.L. Benfica. The Portuguese side beat HB Dudelange from Luxembourg 36:30 and 28:24.

The four remaining quarter-finalists will be decided the coming weekend.