Benfica Faces Czech Side in EHF European League Qualifying Tie

Benfica faces the Czech side Hazena Kynzvart in a two-leg qualifying tie at the Pavilhão n.º 2 da Luz, starting this Friday, November 13, at 19:30 local time.

The aggregate winner will secure a historic first appearance in the EHF European League group stage.

The Lisbon club has struggled to reach the group stage in recent seasons, falling by narrow margins in previous qualifying attempts. Benfica was eliminated by Spain’s Bera by two goals two years ago and missed out by three goals against Sweden’s Savehof last season, according to reports from A Bola.

The current squad enters the tie with momentum, having defeated Croatia’s ZRK Zrinski 72-37 on aggregate in the second qualifying round. The Portuguese side dominated both legs, winning 31-16 in Lisbon and 41-21 in Cakovec, as noted by the Federação de Andebol de Portugal.

Head coach Marina Teixeira, who assumed the role this season, acknowledged that while playing both matches at home provides a logistical advantage, the team must manage the pressure of seeking a milestone result. “Obviously, playing both legs at home gives us some advantage, but we have to be very focused on our work to get through, because we really want to reach the group stage,” Teixeira told A Bola.

The coach noted that the team’s desire to succeed has occasionally disrupted their tactical discipline in previous years. “It’s true that the players are very motivated… but sometimes wanting it too much can distract us a little from our DNA, from our way of playing,” she added.

Benfica’s captain, Mihaela Minciuna, expects a physically demanding series against the Czech visitors. “We expect very competitive, very intense, very aggressive games, a little different from those we find in the national championship,” Minciuna told SAPO. The 27-year-old central back emphasized that the squad views this as a collective ambition that transcends individual players.

Minciuna highlighted the importance of the home crowd at the Pavilhão da Luz in creating a challenging environment for the visitors. “The fact that we play both games in our arena is an advantage, with the support of our public and being able to show the other team what the ‘hell of the Luz’ is really like,” she said.

“I have already watched several matches of this opponent. It is an opponent that will pose difficulties, without a doubt,” the coach said. “But, if we manage to follow our game plan and always keep our DNA active, I really believe we have the capacity to overcome the tie.”

Benfica arrives at this tie undefeated in the national championship, having recorded nine victories in nine matches. The team scored 313 goals and conceded 177, with Patrícia Rodrigues leading the scoring charts with 36 goals, according to the Federação de Andebol de Portugal.

Goalkeeper Matilde Rosa has been a key defensive presence, recording 36% efficiency in the first leg against ZRK Zrinski and improving to 60% in the second leg. The second leg of the current series against HK SK Cheb is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at 15:00, with both matches broadcast on BTV.

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