Handball: the first highlight of the season for the Raphaëlois marked by a little weak time

On the evening of the first leg in Denmark (won 32-45), on August 30, the Raphaëlois already had in the back of their minds Group A (see opposite), where the Germans of SG Flensburg-Handewitt, holders of the title in the European League, awaited them.

By winning their return match against Mors-Thy on Saturday evening (35-32), the Varois took on the big names from northern Germany, the Romanians from Turda ( ^2nd in their championship last year) and Irun, another team from the qualifying round. The Spaniards eliminated Braga after two controlled matches: 35-26 then 24-30.

"All that's left is to play well."

Between the qualification acquired by securing fifth place on the final day last season, and this two-legged play-off match, the flagship team of Saint-Raphaël Var handball has wisely used the "wild card" it was awarded. The teammates of rookie Antonin Mohamed are starting in the best possible way a season that could have great things in store for them: "We are very happy to have achieved this objective. It's crazy to experience this . I am proud of the team and the club, who are giving me the opportunity to play in a European Cup. All that's left is to play well."

Over the two matches, Saint-Raphaël performed well, and all positions were able to express themselves. "In the first leg, we put in a very strong performance. We knew that, even subconsciously, we might have slackened off a bit, " admitted captain Johannes Marescot. " That's the main thing."

A booster shot before the resumption of the Starligue

A qualification acquired seriously, and even with style, since the Varois could afford to lose this match as long as the goal average was preserved. The scenario of the second half of the return match, where the Danes returned to contact, served as a warning as the resumption of the championship approaches, tomorrow at Cesson-Rennes (8:30 p.m.). "It's a good slap in the face before the start of the championship ," admits the new left winger. "It's not a bad thing. We were too complacent in defense and too relaxed in attack. It reminds us that matches are played over 60 minutes."

At least two fronts to lead

This point could be the element that makes the difference: "A season is very long. The team that achieves the best results is the one that manages its weak moments best. We had one during the return leg, but also in the first leg, which we managed to manage well. The main thing is match management, throughout the season."

The 2025-2026 season will undoubtedly be grueling for the Raphaëlois. They will play two matches per week with a "tunnel" during the months of November and December, between the European League on Tuesdays and the championship on the weekend. Henrik Toft Hansen demonstrated this fatigue on Saturday after the match, after having played four matches in less than two weeks, even though the season has just begun.

Recognized by his peers for his values ​​on the pitch, the Danish captain – who will hang up his boots at the end of the season – sent a message to his opponents this evening that reflected his image: "Good luck in the European Cup." Quite simply classy.