Denmark knock Norway off the throne in Bucharest

In the first-ever final of the women's EHF EURO Cup, Denmark beat Norway 34-30, ending the Norwegians' run of 19 consecutive wins in the competition, in which they had won both previous trophies. Debutants in the competition, the Danes reached the title with eight wins from eight games. The hero was once again goalkeeper Anna Kristensen with 15 saves, while Trine Jensen Østergaard scored eight goals, mostly on the counterattack. Henny Reistad scored 10 and finished the tournament as top scorer with 56 in total - but it wasn't enough. Denmark had previously lost the 2022 and 2024 European Championship finals and the Olympic semi-final in Paris to the same opponent. If even Norway can fall, there are no untouchables in women's handball - a useful lesson ahead of November.

Romania take bronze in front of their own fans

Hosts Romania took third place with a 33-30 win over Hungary, in a neighbours' duel neither side wanted to lose. Hungary led 12-9 behind the saves of Zsófi Szemerey, and Katrin Klujber scored 11 goals, but Romania turned the game around in the second half. A 5-1 run at the start of the second half and four Hungarian turnovers converted into four goals were decisive, and goalkeeper Bianca Curmenț locked up the win in the closing stages. Romania are also in Group B at the European Championship, alongside Macedonia - and on home soil, since the group is being played in Romania. Macedonia's women now know what kind of atmosphere awaits them.

Ohrid, Butel and Alkaloid learn their European Cup opponents

In the draw for the second round of the men's EHF European Cup in Vienna, the three Macedonian clubs were handed their opponents. GRK Ohrid face Turkey's Spor Toto, RK Alkaloid play Austria's Kelag Ferlach, and RK Butel Skopje meet Croatia's Gorica. The first legs are on October 17 and 18, the return legs on October 24 and 25, and the aggregate winner goes through. Of the 64 teams in this round, 32 will advance to the third. On paper the draw is manageable, but in Europe paper rarely plays - this is the round where Macedonian clubs need to show they're not just there to take part.

Vardar unbeaten ahead of the derby with Ohrid

Champions Vardar 1961 beat Tikveš in Kavadarci 35-27 and have four wins from four games in the Super League - and that without Vorkapić, Bomaštar, Pedro and Stojanovski. The hosts closed to 20-21 in the second half, but a 6-1 run put the Skopje side six goals clear again, with Leon Ljevar scoring six. Vardar are level at the top with Alkaloid, one point ahead of Ohrid and Eurofarm Pelister. Now comes the real test: the derby with GRK Ohrid on October 3 at 19:00 at the Jane Sandanski Sports Centre, with tickets at 300, 400 and 500 denars. Four wins against weaker opponents are a good start, but there's no discount on Saturday.

Macedonia's women finish second at the "Macedonia Trophy", with a win over Croatia

The women's national team under new coach Igor Marković finished second at the "Macedonia Trophy 2026" tournament in Ohrid. Macedonia beat Serbia 29-21, lost 23-29 to eventual winners Montenegro, and then surprised Croatia 25-22 at the end. The tournament's top scorer was right wing Sara Ristovska with 22 goals, back from injury. All four national teams are going to the European Championship, where Macedonia are in Group B, in Romania, with Norway, Romania and Switzerland. Two wins at a home tournament guarantee nothing - but after the final in Bucharest, at least it's clear that even Norway can fall.