Day 5 | Reaches Semifinals with Thrilling Matches and Fair Play Highlights

The second-to-last day of the European University Handball Championship was filled with decisive moments, farewells, and breath-taking matches. Between final standings and semifinals, there was room for fair play, competitive intensity, and another sporting day worthy of the tournament’s prestige.

The day began at 9:00 a.m. with the matches to determine 11th and 12th place. In the men’s competition, the University of Maia came out on top against the home team, the University of Beira Interior, winning 32–25 and ending their campaign with a victory. In the women’s bracket, the University of Würzburg made no concessions against the University of Beira Interior, claiming a clear 35–21 win to secure 11th place in the final standings.

At 11:00 a.m., the matches for 9th and 10th place followed. In the men’s draw, the University of Castilla-La Mancha delivered a dominant performance, defeating the Norwegian University of Science and Technology 38–18 and thus securing 9th place. Beyond their excellent display, Spanish player Adrián Trancón Ávila was awarded a white card in recognition of a fair play gesture that embodied the true values of sport. In the women’s game, the University of Côte d’Azur beat the University of Valencia 29–24 in a tightly contested duel, also claiming 9th place. Sportsmanship was once again in the spotlight, with the physiotherapist of the Spanish team receiving a white card for assisting the opposing side.

In the afternoon, the classification matches for 5th to 8th place brought tightly fought contests.

At 2:00 p.m., in the men’s bracket, the German Sport University Cologne defeated the Zagreb University of Applied Sciences 32–30. In the women’s competition, the University of Zagreb overcame the University of Minho 28–24 in a well-played game. At 4:00 p.m., the men’s team of the University of Minho secured an authoritative 41–24 win over Gumushane University. In the women’s draw, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology edged out the German Sport University Cologne 25–22 in a duel decided by fine margins.

The evening then brought the most anticipated moment: the semifinals.

At 6:00 p.m., the University of Côte d’Azur confirmed their outstanding form by defeating the University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour 35–28, booking their place in the final. In the women’s semifinal, the spectacle reached new heights as the University of León edged the Polytechnic University of Bucharest 33–32, with the winning goal scored in the very last second, sending the stands into raptures and sealing one of the most dramatic victories of the competition so far.

At 8:00 p.m., the second men’s semifinal saw the Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava deliver a dominant display over the University of Zagreb, winning 35–21 to secure their place in the grand final. In the women’s draw, the Hungarian University of Sports Science booked their spot in the final with a 27–21 victory over the University of Mainz.

Beyond the courts, the festivities continued across the city. As on previous days, many athletes, volunteers, and delegation members took the opportunity to visit the final day of the Feira de São Tiago.

In a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere, participants enjoyed regional cuisine, live music, and local crafts, with special attention to the dedicated Championship tent, where visitors and locals could learn more about the event.