Zagreb came within inches of pulling off a classic Champions League upset against Aalborg Håndbold. A struggling Danish side managed to edge a 34–33 win, securing their place in the next round.
It was supposed to be two relatively easy points for Aalborg as they welcomed Zagreb for the fourth round of the EHF Champions League. The game started well for the Danish champions, who took control in the first half.
German star Juri Knorr shouldered much of the scoring burden in the first half, and his six goals helped Aalborg take a four-goal lead into the break. It looked perfectly set up for the home side to pull away in the second half, but Zagreb were not going to give up that easily.
Two quick goals for the visitors after the break set the tone for a half in which Zagreb refused to let Aalborg out of reach. Despite receiving multiple red cards and several two-minute suspensions, the Croatian side stayed within striking distance, thanks in large part to Filip Glavaš’s attacking efforts.
With just three minutes left on the clock, pivot Gleb Kalarash scored to make it a one-goal game. What followed were some dramatic final minutes as the teams traded goals back and forth. Despite their best efforts, Zagreb fell just short as Aalborg managed to secure their place in the next round with a narrow 34–33 victory
EHF Champions League results – 14 October
- One Veszprém HC 38–28 RK Partizan
- HBC Nantes 33–25 MT Melsungen
- Orlen Wisła Płock 33–32 HC Vardar 1961
- Aalborg Håndbold 34–33 HC Zagreb
- RK Celje Pivovarna Laško 30–41 Paris Saint-Germain
- Kolstad Håndball 28–36 HC Kriens-Luzern
- SC Magdeburg 30–27 Industria Kielce