Elche close in on semi-final after big win

• Dutch right back Tessa van Zijl played a big role for Elche, as her nine goals contributed a lot to her team's 15-goal victory
• Slovakia's MKS IUVENTA Michalovce, another semi-finalist from the last season, also took a commanding win, 30:18
• Michalovce's goalkeepers Naira Mendes de Almeida and Iryna Yablonska-Bobal combined for 17 saves in that match, boasting a 56 and 42 per cent save rate respectively
• in the only match held on Saturday, Portugal's Sport Lisboa e Benfica proved too strong for their Turkish rivals Armada Praxis Yalikavaspor, as their Angolan centre back Alexandra Lutunu Shunu netted nine goals
• the second-leg matches are scheduled for the next weekend, 16/17 March

Strong comeback for Granollers

Both matches between KH-7 BM. Granollers and Rocasa Gran Canaria in the Spanish league this season were extremely tight. But, following a 30:20 home win, Granollers are much closer to securing the EHF European Cup semi-final berth than their domestic rivals.

Gran Canaria won the first half 13:11, but Granollers made a strong comeback after the break, as their goalkeeper Marta Mera boasted a 44 per cent save rate, and left back Guilia Guareiro scored eight goals, so Gran Canaria will have a mountain to climb in the second leg.