Rapid 35-26, in the quarterfinals of the European League in handball

Although Giulestencele were hoping for a positive result before the return from Bucharest, the difference of 9 goals seriously complicates their chances of qualifying for the Final Four.

Viborg controlled the first half and set the stage for victory

The start of the game was a balanced one, with Rapid managing to open the scoring through Kassoma. The Danes' response came immediately, and the hosts began to take the initiative, taking advantage of defensive mistakes by the team trained by Laurent Bezeau.

Viborg were more accurate in the finishing phase and managed the important moments of the game better, managing to break away gradually. Rapid tried to stay in the match through the successes of Buceschi, Korsos and Lopes, but the lack of consistency in defense spoke volumes.

At the end of the first half, the Danes accelerated the pace and increased the gap, entering the cabins with a solid advantage, 19-14after a convincing performance in both phases of the game.

Second half, no reaction from Rapid

After the break, the scenario of the game did not change. Viborg continued to dominate the game, while Rapid were unable to find solutions to get back into the match.

Dismissals and errors were decisive and the home team took every opportunity to increase their advantage. The gap steadily increased, reaching 10 goals in the 58th minute, when the scoreboard read 35-25.

Although Buceschi continued to be accurate from 7 meters, and Lopes and Kouyate reduced the difference at the end, Rapid did not have the necessary strength to pose real problems to the opponents. The final score, 35-26, reflects the clear superiority of the Danes.

Viborg, more efficient in all aspects

The Danish line-up impressed with Martinsen (9 goals) and Thomsen (7 goals) at the fore. Also, goalkeeper Jensen had an important contribution, managing 9 decisive interventions.

On the other side, Lopes, Buceschi and Kassoma stood out for Rapid, each with 4 goals, but the collective performance was not at the level required for a match of such importance. Diana Ciucă had no less than 8 decisive interventions.

The return from Bucharest, an extremely difficult mission

After this result, Rapid is obliged to recover a difference of 9 goals in the return scheduled for March 28, in Bucharest. An extremely complicated task, given that Viborg showed solid play and excellent form.

Even if the European course in the group stage was a very good one, Rapid needs a perfect match to still hope to qualify for the semifinals of the EHF European League.

• Gloria Bistrita Gallery was present in the hall in Viborg to support the Rapid. On Sunday, Gloria has a match in Denmark, against Ikast, in the play-off for the “quarters” of the Champions League.

FINAL » Viborg – Rapid 35-26

• End of the match: Viborg clearly prevails, 35-26, after Rapid scored in the last phase.

• 58th minute: Viborg continue to dominate and go on the counter attack, scoring again. 35-25

• The 54th minute: Viborg scores and goes within 10 goals after Rapid commits several mistakes and gets an unnecessary disposal, 33-23.

• 52nd minute: Lopes scores and reduces the difference, which remains considerable. 30-23

• The 51st minute: Viborg dominate and score, bringing the score to an 8 goal difference. 29-21

• Minute 46: After a few mistakes by the team from the Capital, Viborg scores two goals and distances itself again. 25-21

• Minute 44: Lopes converted the shot from 7 meters after Buceschi had been fouled while Viborg had an empty net. 23-21

• Minute 43: Kouyate cuts in excellently and scores. 23-20

• Minute 42: Lopes reduces the difference for Rapid to 3 goals, but immediately after that, Kassoma makes a mistake and Viborg takes advantage for 23-19.

• 38th minute: Fouled, Kassoma scores, and the goal is validated, difference of four goals, 22-18.

• Minute 37: Buceschi scores again from 7 meters, succeeding 4/4. 22-17

• Minute 32: Topfner scores from the far right, and Rapid reduces the difference. 20-16

• Minute 31: Eliza Buceschi converts a shot from 7 meters and scores the first goal of the second half. 19-15

• The end of the first half! Viborg enters the locker room with an advantage, score 19-14 in front of Rapid.

• 29th minute: After a huge miss by Skrobic, Eliza Buceschi converts the penalty kick. 18-14

• 28th minute: Kouyate scores for the first time in this match and Rapid remain five goals behind. 18-13

• Minute 23: After several misses by Kassoma and a cross from Giuleštense, Viborg scored after a successive phase. 17-12

• 21st minute: The speedster Skrobic penetrates the center and scores, fooling the opposing goalkeeper. 15-11

• Minute 20: Eliza Buceschi converts a shot from 7 meters with a superb technical execution, and Rapid tries to come back. 13-10

• Minute 19: Outnumbered and without a goalie, Rapid makes big mistakes and concedes a goal, 13-9.

• Minute 16: After a successive phase, the ball reaches the far left to Korsos, who finishes for Rapid. 11-9

• Minute 14: Lopez throws excellently for Rapid and the opposition keeper fails to save. 10-8

• Minute 13: Viborg scores from 7 meters. 10-7

• Minute 10: After a beautiful phase of the Angolan from Rapid, Kassoma finishes successfully. Immediately after, Viborg answers and scores, 9-6.

• Minute 8: Kassoma misses from the ideal position, Viborg's goalkeeper quickly starts the counterattack, and the Danes score. 8

• Minute 6: Korsos receives the ball excellently on the far left, penetrates and scores with a lob over the goalkeeper. 5-4

• Minute 3: Kassoma scores the second goal, but the Danes respond quickly with two consecutive successes, score 2-2

• Minute 2: Kassoma scores with an excellent throw, the ball hits the crossbar and into the goal. 0-1