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HC DRAGUNAS KLAIPEDA – HC ALKALOID 31-37 (17-21)

Arena: SBV in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Referees: Alice Watson and Line Welin from Sweden. Delegate: Ventsil Kalev from Estonia

HC ALKALOID: Kizikj (3 saves), Galevski 1 (9 saves + 1 penalty), Petrov, Markoski, Mladenovikj 1, Serafimov 7, Karasmanakis, Stojkovikj 3, Mitev 6, Gjorgiev 3, Velkovski 1, Simonovski, Bingo 6, Silva 3, Petkovski 6, Savrevski

Seven-meter throws: 4/7 Suspensions: 8 minutes

HC Alkaloid achieved their objective, advancing to the third round of the EHF European Cup with a second win over HC Dragunas Klaipeda (37-31). From start to finish, our team commanded the game, claiming another victory in this two-leg series against Lithuania’s Dragunas and securing a place in the next stage.

Our team opened the match strong, with Bingo, Mitev, and Stojkovikj leading the charge, Alkaloid took a quick 6-2 lead just seven minutes in, soon extended by two more goals from Petkovski to reach an 8-2 advantage, prompting a timeout from the hosts. Goalkeeper Ivan Galevski was instrumental in this run, notching four crucial saves. As expected, the game then intensified, with the match picking up a rhythm similar to that seen in Avtokomanda, with thrilling moments of high-paced play and scores. After 15 minutes, Alkaloid held a 15-8 lead, at times stretching it to nine goals. Following a few errors on both sides, Alkaloid closed the first half 21-17.

In the second half, Dragunas Klaipeda’s goalkeeper stepped up, helping the home team to chip away at Alkaloid’s lead. Ten minutes in, Dragunas cut the gap to just two goals (25-27) during an offensive dry spell for Alkaloid. The offense clicked right when it was needed most, as HC Alkaloid scored three consecutive goals, pushing the lead to 25-30 and regaining a comfortable cushion. Our players kept their composure until the end, leaving no room for nerves and giving the opponent no chance for a comeback.