GOG had already secured advancement in the men’s Champions League, but the Danes will not carry any points forward to the intermediate round of the European handball tournament.
The home side was more competitive than the first encounter in Lisbon, which Sporting won by ten goals. GOG delivered a strong second half, but the deficit from the first half proved too large, and Sporting won 37–35 on Thursday evening.
Although GOG had already qualified, they were still chasing crucial points in this final group match. Points earned against the other team from the group that also advances are carried over into the intermediate round.
Following two defeats to the Portuguese side, GOG will therefore carry zero points into the intermediate round. Sporting, who finished first in the group, will begin the next stage with four points.
On Thursday evening, it was the Portuguese side—led by the brother duo Martim and Francisco Costa—that made the better start in Svendborg.
GOG struggled with efficiency, converting less than half of their shot attempts in the first half. Consequently, Sporting went into the break with a solid 16–11 lead.
However, GOG key players Oli Mittun and Manuel Zehnder gradually settled into their stride and the Danes began to close the gap on Sporting over the final 30 minutes.
Despite an impressive second half—and 11 goals apiece from Oli Mittun and Manuel Zehnder—Sporting managed to keep the hosts at bay and secure the victory.
The Costa brothers were Sporting’s top scorers, netting seven goals each.