Netherlands‘ Cabooter Fortes Venlo achieved a dramatic comeback victory at home and secured a ticket to the quarterfinals of the European stage.
Fortes Penlo defeated ZRK Mlinotest Ajdovscina of Slovenia 33-29 in the second leg of the round of 16 of the 2025/26 EHF Women’s Handball European Cup held at the Egerbos Stadium in Penlo, Netherlands on January 24 (local time).
Penro, who had unfortunately lost by 27-28, 1 goal in the first game away to Slovenia, recorded a total score of 60-57 with this win, completing the comeback scenario and enjoying the joy of reaching the quarterfinals of the European Cup for the second time in the club’s history.
Penro was highlighted by the even performance of the main players. Elisa Marsman led the attack with six goals, and Sharon Grummel and Elisabeth Flipsen scored five goals each.
In particular, Penro’s goalkeeper, BRULS Jessy, saved the team’s victory with a brilliant performance, making a total of 19 saves at every crucial moment in the final minutes of the game.
On the other hand, Mlinotest gained momentum in the first game, leading by up to 5 goals at one point thanks to the support of the home fans, but was unable to overcome the hurdle of the away game in the second game.
It was a close game until the end, trailing by 16-18, 2 goals in the first half, but suffered from extreme difficulty in making decisions in the second half, missing the decisive 7-meter throw five times. The mistake that occurred in the final minutes of the game was also a painful point.
Although the team failed to advance to the quarterfinals, Mlinottest coach Jan Žbogar applauded the young players’ fighting spirit. Coach Zbogar said on the club’s website, “This loss will be a good lesson for the future,” and “I am looking forward to next season because I have fully confirmed the quality and potential of our players.”
Portes Penro, who survived dramatically, is now aiming to advance to the semifinals against Slovakia’s powerhouse MSK IUVENTA Michalovce (Slovakia) in the quarterfinals.
[김용필 MK스포츠 기자]
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