MT Melsungen Faces First European League Defeat in Main Round Against HC Vardar

SKOPJE, North Macedonia – MT Melsungen suffered a 37-33 defeat against HC Vardar in Skopje on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, marking their first loss in the main round of the European League. The North Hessian team was significantly depleted, traveling with only a reduced squad due to the absence of ten potential regular players. Despite a strong start, Melsungen ultimately succumbed to the pressure from the home team.

Early Promise and a Strong Start

Despite the challenging circumstances, MT Melsungen began the match with a concentrated defensive effort, limiting HC Vardar’s early opportunities. Goalkeeper Laszlo Bartucz proved crucial in denying the hosts clear scoring chances. Melsungen’s attack was efficient, and they quickly established a 10-4 lead by the 13th minute. The team’s youthful players appeared unfazed by the lively atmosphere at the Sports Center in Skopje.

Vardar Responds and Takes Control

Yet, HC Vardar mounted a comeback in the latter stages of the first half, and continued to build momentum after the break. The game became closely contested, with Melsungen consistently needing to respond to Vardar’s advances. Vardar pulled ahead, capitalizing on Melsungen’s accumulating time penalties and turnovers.

Personnel Challenges and Unexpected Roles

The significant number of absent players forced MT Melsungen to rely on youth players and reserves. Notably, 41-year-old assistant coach Isaias Guardiola featured in the match, alongside Max Pregler, who typically plays for the second team and also serves as a B-youth coach.

Remaining in Contention

Despite the defeat, MT Melsungen remains in first place in the European League table, and their chances of reaching the quarter-finals are still viable.

Match Details

The final score was 37-33 in favor of HC Vardar. Key moments included goals from B. Eickhoff and J.P. Silva in the closing minutes, but ultimately insufficient to overcome Vardar’s lead.