EHF European Cup: Round of 16 Draw Sets Stage for February Handball Showdowns
Vienna, Austria – November 26, 2025 – The excitement is building in the world of European handball! The 2025/26 EHF Handball European Cup has finalized its Round of 16 draw, promising a thrilling February as teams battle for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals. This breaking news comes directly from the EHF European Handball House in Vienna, where the draw took place on November 25th. For handball fans and those following Google News, this is a crucial update on one of Europe’s most competitive club competitions. This article is optimized for SEO to ensure you get the latest information quickly.
Key Matchups Revealed: Who Will Advance?
The draw has produced some compelling clashes. Last season’s runner-up, HC Izvidac (Bosnia and Herzegovina), will face a tough test against RK Trimo Trebnje (Slovenia) on their home court in the first leg. Runar Sandefjord (Norway), fresh off a semifinal appearance in the 2024/25 season, travels to Hungary to take on Tatabanya KC. Olympiacos SFP (Greece), a consistent contender having reached the quarterfinals last season and finishing as runner-up in 2023/24, will host BK-46 (Finland). A particularly intriguing matchup sees past EHF Champions League winners RK Celje Pivovarna Laško (Slovenia) pitted against Turkish powerhouse Besiktas JK.
Photo: European Handball Federation
Full Round of 16 Schedule & Match Details
Here’s a complete look at the Round of 16 pairings:
- Olympiacos SFP (GRE) vs BK-46 (FIN)
- HC Izvidac (BIH) vs RK Trimo Trebnje (SLO)
- GRK Ohrid (MKD) vs HC Dukla Praha (CZE)
- Brno (CZE) vs Nilüfer BSK (TUR)
- HCB Karvina (CZE) vs Balatonfüredi KSE (HUN)
- MOL Tatabanya KC (HUN) vs Runar Sandefjord (NOR)
- RK Celje Pivovarna Laško (SLO) vs Besiktas JK (TUR)
- RK Konjuh Zivinice (BIH) vs ACS HC Buzau 2012 (ROU)
The first leg matches are scheduled for February 14th and 15th, 2026, with the return legs taking place the following weekend, February 21st and 22nd. The eight victorious teams will then progress to the quarterfinals, slated for March and April 2026.
Understanding the EHF European Cup: A Brief History
The EHF European Cup, formerly known as the EHF City Cup, is a European handball competition organized by the European Handball Federation. Established in 1981, it serves as a platform for clubs from across Europe to compete at a high level. While often overshadowed by the prestigious EHF Champions League, the European Cup consistently delivers exciting matches and provides a crucial development pathway for players and teams. It’s a competition steeped in history, with teams from diverse handballing nations vying for continental glory. The draw process itself, as seen this year, prioritizes competitive balance by separating teams from the same country, ensuring a wider range of national representation in the later stages.
What to Expect in the Quarterfinals and Beyond
The quarterfinals promise even more intense competition. Teams like RK Celje Pivovarna Laško, with their Champions League pedigree, will be favorites to advance, but the European Cup is known for its upsets. Keep an eye on teams like Olympiacos SFP, who have consistently demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. The road to the final will be arduous, requiring not only skill and athleticism but also tactical flexibility and mental fortitude. For fans, this means a February and spring filled with captivating handball action.
The EHF European Cup Round of 16 draw has ignited the passion of handball enthusiasts across Europe. With a compelling lineup of matches and a rich history behind it, this competition is poised to deliver a memorable season. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage, expert analysis, and the latest updates as the tournament unfolds. Don’t miss a moment of the action – bookmark us now and become part of the handball conversation!
