Kiel outscore Porto; Limoges beat Irun with after-buzzer penalty

HIGHLIGHT MATCH

GROUP III

THW Kiel (GER) vs FC Porto (POR) 32:22 (14:12)

In the opening quarter, the home side pulled in front by one goal time after time, but Porto drew level with the same regularity. Only in the 16th minute, Kiel opened a two-goal advantage (7:5), and shortly afterwards, they used a 4:0 run to create an 11:6 lead. The German side's goalkeeper Tomas Mrkva recorded 10 saves in the first half, but Porto did not give up and cut the deficit to two goals again at half-time. Kiel looked very determined after the restart, with their defence working well, and Mrkva shining in goal again. Propelled by his saves and Hendrik Pekeler's goals, the hosts enjoyed a 7:0 run between the 35th and 43rd minutes, and the game was basically decided. Elias Ellefsen á Skipagøtu became Kiel's top scorer with six goals, while Mrkva ended the game with 17 saves and a 44 per cent save rate.

IN OTHER MATCHES

Limoges Handball (FRA) vs Bidasoa Irun (ESP) 32:31 (15:17)

Vojvodina (SRB) vs MT Melsungen (GER) 29:36 (17:18)

photos main & in-text: Sascha Klahn; gallery: as stated.