- Turkish side Görele BSK came through their 'home' double-header against WHC Metalurg Avtokomanda winning 70:65 on aggregate, but Metalurg's Marija Jankulovska was arguably the outstanding player of the tie, as the 18-year-old left back scored no less than 25 goals in total — 10 in the first leg Saturday, and even 15 in the second leg Monday
- in one of the closest double-headers of the weekend, ADA de Sao Pedro do Sul won 56:55 on aggregate against HK Slovan Duslo Sala to secure their ticket to round 3
- four teams had clear missions during the weekend, as they finished their double-headers with major goal differences overall — Caja Rural Aula Valladolid, Conservas Orbe Zendal Bm Porrino, HC Galychanka Lviv and Haukar all imposed at least 30-goal gaps on aggregate and qualified to round 3
- it was a disappointing weekend for Zalgiris Kaunas, who lost both legs at home, in Lithuania, against Valur (65:45)
- six other participants ended the weekend on a high after advancing to the next round: JuRo Unirek VZV, Jomi Salerno, Garabagh HC, O.F.N. Ionias, WAT Atzgersdorf and Madeira Andebol SAD
- for Greek teams, this round’s clashes were bittersweet, as O.F.N. Ionias took a 65:47 aggregate win at home against Kur, while Anagennisi Artas struggled in Portugal on Madeira Andebol SAD’s court (60:43 on aggregate) and missed out on a round 3 berth
Goals galore for home teams in Spain
Last year, the Spanish warriors from ATTICGO Bm Elche lifted the trophy in a tight final against MSK IUVENTA Michalovce. The defending champions aren’t part of the competition this season, but Spanish fans have their eyes set on other three teams — Caja Rural Aula Valladolid, Conservas Orbe Zendal Bm Porrino and Malaga Costa del Sol.
Caja Rural Aula Valladolid and Conservas Orbe Zendal Bm Porrino showed a lot of strength and determination on home soil, after securing impressive victories over KHF Ferizaj and SSV Brixen Südtirol, respectively, and grabbing round 3 tickets. Their wins were a result of team effort, as all players scored at least once in the double-headers. Inoa Lucio Garcia steered Valladolid to a 79:30 overall win with 12 goals, while Micaela Casasola stole the spotlight for Porrino, netting 16 times.
Malaga Costa del Sol have also started their European campaign in the right way, after winning 32:25 at A.S.D. Handball Cassa Rurale Pontinia, but they’ll have to make sure to keep their advantage in the second leg on home soil, scheduled for Saturday, 12 October.
