Macedonian handball clubs struggle to produce results on the European stage

Skopje, October 15, 2026 — Macedonian handball clubs arrive at mid-October with a disappointing European record, and the two leading domestic title contenders have so far failed to deliver results at continental level.

Defending national champion Vardar remains pointless in the EHF Champions League after four rounds: four defeats and no realistic chance to reach the main round. Their improved showing in the rematch against Wisła Płock in Poland did not translate into any points, and the scoreboard still reads zero.

Pelister, Tikveš and the next Macedonian challengers

In Bitola, Eurofarm Pelister managed to take a single point away from Gdańsk, holding onto a lead in a match where they had opportunities to win. Coach Lino Červar continues to favour the seven-on-six approach, a tactic that the team has not yet been able to turn into positive results. Pelister’s European ledger shows two defeats and one draw; in theory they still have a pathway to the next Europa League round, but it will be a difficult road.

GRK Tikveš suffered an early exit from the EHF European Cup in the first round. Their narrow one-goal victory over Esch was nullified because the same opponent had already beaten them on home ground earlier, effectively eliminating Tikveš from progression.

There are still three Macedonian sides with upcoming European fixtures and a chance to improve the national balance. Alkaloid, GRK Ohrid and Butel Skopje will compete in the EHF European Cup; Kiril Lazarov’s Alkaloid will be first among them to seek a positive result when they host Kelag Ferlach. GRK Ohrid begins its title defence in the competition on October 23–24 against Sport Toto (Turkey), while Butel Skopje travels to face Gorica in their opening tie on Saturday.

The hope among fans and officials is that this bleak European tally will change in the coming weeks and that Macedonian clubs will finally start registering wins abroad.

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Photo: press material from the event