Five teams advanced in European League qualification via Saturday efforts. Horsens (HH Elite) played European handball for the first time in 19 years with a successful result and Molde knocked out Skara HF in a tight duel.
It takes two knock-out rounds to reach the group stage of the second tier cup. Horsens returned to the European stage with a completely different return game than opening against Yalikavakspor from Türkiye.
After 40–23 on home ground and a solid team performance Horsens look forward to meeting Baia Mare in the next round.
Despite winning the second leg, the international quest of Swedish champion Skara HF ended already in the first round. Molde with fellow Swedish transfers Jenny Carlson and Fanny Elovson ruled with a small margin overall.
Sävehof solid away performance included experienced actions from Nina Dano and deciding goals from newcomer Elin Thorkelsdottir. SL Benfica posed a threat until the very last minute, when the total deficit became impossible to repair.
The two remaining games were less exciting to begin with. Rapid Bucharest was in total control over Hypo Niederösterreich with an eight goal lead to begin with and Amicitia Zürich could afford a loss in the Swiss battle with LC LC Brühl and still make it to the next round with ease.
European League, qualification
HH Elite– Yalikavakspor 40–23 (19–13)
HH Elite advance 64–48 on aggregate.
Skara HF–Molde 27-26 (14–12)
Molde advance 53–51 on aggregate
Amicitia Zürich– LC Brühl 25–30 (13–15)
Zürich advance 61–53 on aggregate
Rapid Bucharest–Hypo Niederösterreich 30–19 (14–9)
Rapid advance 62–43 on aggregate
SL Benfica–IK Sävehof 27–29 (15–16)
Sävehof advance 57–54 on aggregate