The new season of the EHF European League is set to begin with exciting qualifying matches involving three Croatian representatives: MRK Čakovec, MRK Dugo Selo, and MRK Sesvete. While Nexe has already secured direct entry into the group stage, the remaining Croatian clubs face challenging first-round qualifiers.

MRK Čakovec will host the Swiss team BSV Bern on August 30, 2025, at 20:00 in the Graditeljska škola. BSV Bern, a three-time Swiss champion (1961, 1980, and 1985), finished last season third in their league behind Kadetten Schaffhausen and Kriens-Luzern. They recently began their Swiss league season with a loss against league champions Kadetten Schaffhausen, coached by Croatian Hrvoje Horvat, adding an intriguing connection for Čakovec. Čakovec faces a challenging task after losing two key players, goalkeeper Adan Armand Martinez and top scorer Tina Baković, but the club has brought in several new talents to maintain its competitive edge. Should Čakovec advance, they will face a formidable group that includes Montpellier Handball, THW Kiel, and the Polish side REBUD KPR Ostrovia Ostrow Wielkopolski.

The match between MRK Dugo Selo and MRK Sesvete on August 31, 2025, at 19:00 is also highly anticipated. Dugo Selo’s squad has significantly strengthened, welcoming new coach Toni Čolina and several experienced players from various clubs. Sesvete, led by coach Željko Babić, has likewise reinforced its roster by adding players, including Tin Baković from Čakovec. The teams will showcase different tactical approaches, with Sesvete focusing on a faster, modern style of handball and the advantage of playing the second leg at home. This matchup will be broadcast live on MAXSport, highlighting its importance.

The winner of the Dugo Selo vs. Sesvete qualifier will advance to a competitive group stage featuring IFK Kristianstad (Sweden), HC Vardar 1961 (North Macedonia), coached by Ivan Čupić, and Fenix Toulouse (France), promising a challenging yet rewarding European campaign.

The EHF European League qualifiers mark the onset of a demanding but exciting European handball season for Croatian clubs as they aim to both test and elevate their level of play on the continental stage. Fans can look forward to thrilling matches and the opportunity to see Croatia’s vibrant handball teams compete against some of Europe’s best.