Group A results

Kiel – Aalborg : 33-22

Kiel needed at least a draw against Zagreb to secure top spot in the group, but the Germans took the game seriously and gave the Croatians no chance. After the first ten minutes, Kiel already had a comfortable lead (10': 9-2). Led by an imperious Niclas Ekberg (9 goals), the leaders ended the group phase in the best possible way. For their part, Zagreb remain in fifth place following Szeged's defeat at the hands of the capital club.

 Aalborg – Kielce : 35-35

Later in the evening, Aalborg played host to Kielce in a crucial game for the Poles, but with nothing at stake for the Danes. With Kiel having won a few hours earlier against Zagreb, Mikkel Hansen's team-mates could no longer move to the top of the group, regardless of the outcome of this match against Kielce. For their part, the Poles had to secure fourth place, while keeping alive hopes of third place should Les Rouge et Bleu lose to Szeged. Despite taking a five-goal lead shortly after the restart (31': 15-20), Kielce cracked, largely due to Mads Hoxer Hangaard, who put in a splendid performance (12 goals). With this result, Kielce retain fourth place in the group, and will know their opponents at the end of the final round of Group B matches on Thursday.

Kolstad – Pelister : 34-27

With both teams already eliminated from the play-off race, the meeting between Kolstad and Pelister was more of a chance for the Norwegians and Macedonians to end on a positive note. In this duel, it was Kolstad who came out on top, ending a run of four consecutive defeats on the continental stage. The Norwegians could count on their fans to cheer them on, with Ulstad Simen Lyse (11 goals) in rampant form to put his side in the best possible frame of mind. Pelister, meanwhile, ended the group phase with a record of ten defeats from as many games.

(Credits: L. Valroff/Team Pics/PSG)