Two decisive second-leg play-off matches in the Champions League on Saturday confirmed the final teams advancing to the quarter-finals, with FTC-Rail Cargo and Gloria Bistrita both securing their places among Europe’s elite.
FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria booked their spot in the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive season after a 27–27 home draw against BV Borussia Dortmund. Thanks to their six-goal advantage from the first leg, the Hungarian side progressed 58–52 on aggregate. Despite a slow start and strong pressure from Dortmund – who led by three goals early in the second half – FTC stayed composed. Goalkeeper Laura Glauser delivered an outstanding performance with 15 saves, while Petra Simon led the attack with nine goals.
In the Match of the Week, Gloria Bistrita delivered a dominant performance, defeating Ikast Håndbold 37–28 to complete a 72–62 aggregate victory. The Romanian side, competing in only their second season in the tournament, made history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.
The match remained closely contested for much of the first half, but Bistrita took control after the break. Danila So Delgado was the standout performer, scoring 14 goals and earning Player of the Match honors. Her crucial scoring burst in the second half shifted momentum decisively, helping her team pull away in the final minutes.