HC RADOVISH – HC ALKALOID 21-46 (9-25)

Venue: Avtokomanda in Skopje. Referees: Silvana Karbeska and Marija Ilieva. Delegate: Vladimir Sazdovski.

HC Radovish: Ristov, Kostadinovski, Petrov 2, Gjorgјiev 1, Postolov, Markovikj, Jankovski 1, Sokolov 2, Stojanoski, Gjorgjiev, Stojanov 1, Talevski 2, Trajanov 3, Onchev 3, Kostadinov 3, Atanasov 3.

Seven-meter throws: 3/5. Suspensions: 4 minutes.

HC Alkaloid: Kizikj, Trajkoski, Petrov 1, Mladenovikj 6, Serafimov 1, Karasmanakis 1, Stojkovikj 3, Gjorgjiev 3, Simonoski 3, Bingo 4, Francisco 4, Petkovski 8, Savrevski 4, Garbeski 7, Kovachevikj 1.

Seven-meter throws: 3/4. Suspensions: 8 minutes.

HC Alkaloid returned to form in the Super League and reclaimed the top spot. In Round 13, acting as potential host at the Avtokomanda arena, our team outplayed HC Radovish, securing a commanding 46-21 victory (25-9) in what was the highest-scoring match of the season across all competitions.

The match at the Avtokomanda arena was fast-paced and uninterrupted, with no suspense as HC Alkaloid led from start to finish. HC Radovish stayed competitive for only a few minutes before HC Alkaloid pulled ahead to 10-4 and continued to extend the lead consistently.

Midway through the first half, the score was 16-9, and by halftime, Alkaloid had gone on a nine-goal run to lead 25-9. The second half featured efficient play, resulting in a resounding victory. Coach Lazarov gave all players a chance to contribute, and every player scored. Among them were young talents Maksim Garbeski (7 goals) and Marko Kovachevikj (1 goal).

In the next round of the Super League, HC Alkaloid will face HC Butel Skopje.

HC Alkaloid achieved its objective and, with two victories over Austria’s West Wien, advanced to the Round of 16 in the EHF European Cup. Following the second match at the Avtokomanda arena, which ended 32-29 in favor of our team, a press conference was held featuring representatives from both clubs.

Kiril Lazarov, Head Coach of HC Alkaloid: “Our main objective was to secure a spot in the next round, and we delivered. We faced a talented and youthful Austrian team that demonstrated a modern, relentless style of play, fighting until the very last whistle. I respect their mentality — despite an 11-goal deficit from the first leg, they never backed down. Across both matches, I ensured all our players got time on the court. While I knew we had the edge in experience and overall quality, we took some calculated risks to assess our squad’s depth. That said, I’m not entirely pleased with the performance of certain players. We need to work harder, and everyone must realize that we need to break away from old habits if we’re to reach the level I envision as a coach and that we, as HC Alkaloid, aim to achieve. I am concerned because tougher matches lie ahead. As for our next round, I don’t know all the names of the potential opponents. Among those listed, the Scandinavian teams are unknown to us, and I would prefer to avoid Olympiacos, but we’ll see when the full list is available.”

Ivan Galevski, HC Alkaloid player: “This was an incredible experience for us. We faced an excellent team. Playing two matches against the same opponent within 24 hours is not easy. We came off a tough week in the domestic championship, but thanks to the staff, we were well-prepared for West Wien. We had a big task, and we’re thrilled with two wins, advancing to the next round of the EHF European Cup.”

Roland Marouschek, Head Coach of West Wien: “I would like to thank HC Alkaloid for the excellent hospitality in Skopje. We are happy to have been here; this was a great experience and memorable journey for our team. We have a young team and are heading home with a sense of satisfaction. Congratulations to our opponent, Alkaloid, who proved to be the stronger side. I wish them success in the next round. Considering the quality of the teams, we had a good second match. We are a young team; this was a lesson for us. Last year, we played in the second division and made it to Europe by winning the Austrian Cup. These matches were a valuable experience for us.”

Paul Pfeifer, West Wien player: “The coach summed it up perfectly. We made too many errors in the attack during the first match, which really hurt our chances. The opponent built a significant lead in the opening minutes, but we showed significant improvement in the second game. Our defense tightened, and we didn’t allow our opponent to score easy goals. Playing against a more experienced team was a great learning experience for us.”

The draw for the Round of 16 in the EHF European Cup is scheduled for December 3. The matches in this stage will take place in mid and late February 2025.

WEST WIEN – HC ALKALOID 29-32 (12-16)

Venue: Avtokomanda in Skopje. Referees: Filip Faner and Lukas Kubis from Poland. Delegate: Boris Ivanovic from Serbia.

WEST WIEN: Weik 1, Edionwe, Meleschnig 4, Mostl 3, Derdak 3, G. Kofler 1, Drager 2, Bernkop 2, Huber 2, Fruhstuck, Pfeifer 2, Bryslawski 4, Gareis 4, Payer, Wiegrefe, J. Kofler.

Seven-meter throws: 1/2. Suspensions: 6 minutes.

HC ALKALOID: Galevski (5 saves), Kizikj (7 saves), Djonov 3, Markoski, Mladenovikj, Serafimov 7, Karasmanakis, Stojkovikj 1, Mitev 3, Gjorgiev 1, Velkovski 1, Bingo 2, Francisco 2, Simonoski 3, Petkovski 7, Savrevski 2.

Seven-meter throws: 4/5. Suspensions: 4 minutes.

HC Alkaloid has clinched a spot in the EHF European Cup Round of 16, achieving another significant milestone in the club’s history.

Following the 38-27 triumph in the first leg against Austrian West Wien, this evening Alkaloid confirmed their advancement to the Round of 16, featuring the top 16 teams in the competition. Although West Wien was officially considered the home team, the second match took place in Skopje’s Avtokomanda arena.

HC Alkaloid will learn their next opponent for the February fixtures on Tuesday.

The tempo of tonight’s game wasn’t as fast-paced as the first encounter, but HC Alkaloid adapted better even with a slower style of play.

Our team dictated the pace, maintaining a lead of one to two goals during the first 20 minutes, after which a decisive 5-0 run extended Alkaloid’s lead to seven goals (15-8). By halftime, West Wien managed to reduce the deficit slightly, ending the first half at 16-12.

In the second half, both teams traded goals early on, with Aleksandar Petkovski stepping into the spotlight. The lead remained steady between three and four goals (21-17 at 37 minutes), reaching five goals again in the 40th minute (23-18).

With eight minutes remaining, Alkaloid held a commanding 30-25 lead, closing out the match without any major difficulties and securing their spot in the EHF European Cup Round of 16.

HC ALKALOID – WEST WIEN 38-27 (20-14)

Venue: Avtokomanda in Skopje. Referees: Filip Fanner and Lukas Kubis from Poland. Delegate: Boris Ivanovic from Serbia.

HC ALKALOID: Galevski (10 saves), Trajkoski (6 saves), Djonov 2, Petrov, Markoski, Mladenovikj, Serafimov 8, Karasmanakis, Stojkovikj 2, Mitev 7, Gjorgiev, Velkovski 2, Bingo 6, Francisco 2, Petkovski 9, Savrevski.

Seven-meter throws: 4/6. Suspensions: 10 minutes.

WEST WIEN: Weik, Edionwe, Meleschnig 8, Mostl 2, Derdak, G. Kofler 3, Drager 4, Bernkop 2, Huber 1, Fruhstuck 1, Pfeifer, Bryslawski 4, Gareis, Payer, Wiegrefe, J. Kofler 1.

Seven-meter throws: 5/7. Suspensions: 8 minutes.

HC Alkaloid took a significant step towards the Round of 16 in the EHF European Cup with today’s victory over Austrian West Wien.

Once again, HC Alkaloid faced a team that maintained a fast pace throughout the game, regardless of the scoreline.

The visitors initially led 2-0, but HC Alkaloid quickly responded. With Arnaud Bingo scoring five goals in the first ten minutes, the team turned the tide and led 8-4.

Five minutes later, the score was 12-6, and the match settled into a rhythm where HC Alkaloid maintained a six-to-seven-goal lead until halftime.

Goalkeeper Ivan Galevski delivered key saves during this stretch, while right-winger Aleksandar Petkovski stood out, scoring five goals in the initial 30 minutes. Nine minutes into the second half, HC Alkaloid extended their lead to 10 goals for the first time (26-16).

The dynamic play produced goals on both sides, with goalkeeper Blagojche Trajkoski also making an impact, recording six saves in a short span. Ultimately, HC Alkaloid secured an 11-goal victory (38-27) and will enter the second leg with a more comfortable position.

The return match is scheduled for tomorrow at the Avtokomanda arena, starting at 19:00h.

After an impressive start to the season, with 14 consecutive wins, including two matches in the EHF European Cup against Lithuania’s Klaipeda Dragunas, HC Alkaloid is gearing up for its second European challenge of the season.

In the third round—the last to be played in 2024—HC Alkaloid will battle Austria’s West Wien over two legs for a spot in the Round of 16.

West Wien is a club with a rich, nearly 80-year history and an impressive record, including six domestic championship titles and a semifinal appearance in the EHF Champions League.

Their most recent championship win came in 2023, but financial difficulties forced the club to withdraw from the top league that same season.

They quickly bounced back, reclaiming a spot in the top division and winning the Austrian Cup, securing their place in this year’s EHF European Cup.

In the second round, West Wien played two matches in the Faroe Islands against Vestmanna IF. They won the first leg 29-22 and defended their aggregate lead despite a 30-34 loss in the second leg.

Both matches will be played at the Avtokomanda arena, scheduled for Friday (November 29) and Saturday (November 30), with both games starting at 19:00h.

HC Alkaloid held a press conference today, with head coach Kiril Lazarov and player Martin Serafimov previewing the upcoming two-legged tie.

“We cleared the second round against a tough Lithuanian team. Now we’re up against a well-coordinated side composed of young Austrian national players, a team that our youth team faced to a draw this summer.

This opponent is technically sound and excels in fast-paced play. That suits us because we also play a similar style of handball. Fans will get to enjoy two high-quality matches within 48 hours. Our goal is to win, but to do that, we must perform at our best. We need to approach these games with maximum seriousness and continue to build on our system. I hope to see a strong crowd in the Avtokomanda arena because these players have earned the support, especially in European matches,” said Lazarov.

Martin Serafimov also shared his thoughts, emphasizing the team’s determination to secure two wins.

“After a strong start in the European Cup, we now face two home games against West Wien. We are ready to take on the challenge, deliver on our objectives, and, of course, win both matches. I hope the fans will come out and support us,” said Serafimov.

HC VARDAR 1961 – HC ALKALOID 29-27 (15-13)

Venue: Jane Sandanski in Skopje. Referees: Sasho Krkachev and Gjoko Kolevski. Delegates: Dragan Nachevski and Dushko Kamishevski.

HC Vardar 1961: Espinha, Gogov, M. Stojanovski 1, Jagurinovski 1, Alarov, T. Stojanovski, Georgievski 1, Tankoski 1, Kooij 2, Horiha 7, Srdanovic 6, Nikolic 4, Petric 2, Margheli 2, Kjosevski, Borozan 2.

Seven-meter throws: 4/7. Suspensions: 10 minutes.

HC Alkaloid: Kizikj, Galevski, Djonov 4, Markoski, Mladenovikj, Serafimov 3, Karasmanakis, Stojkovikj 2, Mitev 5, Gjorgiev 2, Velkovski, Simonoski 4, Bingo 1, Francisco 1, Petkovski 3, Savrevski

Seven-meter throws: 4/6. Suspensions: 10 min

After triumphing in 14 consecutive official matches since the start of the season, HC Alkaloid tasted defeat for the first time in a closely contested Macedonian Super League derby against HC Vardar 1961 on their home court.

The hosts had a stronger start, quickly establishing a 5-2 lead. HC Alkaloid rallied, however, leveling the score at 6-6, and the game settled into an intense “goal-for-goal” rhythm.

HC Alkaloid took the lead late in the first half, going up 11-9, but HC Vardar managed to turn the game around, closing the half with a 15-13 advantage.

In the second half, HC Alkaloid once again fought back, equalizing at 19-19 and creating several opportunities to take the lead.

In their eagerness to make a comeback, however, our plays rushed several key plays, missing critical chances in pivotal moments. Ultimately, the match slipped away, ending in a narrow 29-27 loss for Alkaloid.

HC Alkaloid remains atop the standings, tied on points but holding a better goal difference and head-to-head record against HC Vardar 1961.

The team now shifts its focus to the EHF European Cup. On Friday and Saturday, HC Alkaloid will host Austrian side West Wien at the Avtokomanda arena.