Maccabi Rishon LeZion Advances in European Handball Cup

Maccabi Rishon LeZion's handball team has advanced to the second round of the European Cup after defeating Italian side Follonica Arredamenti Pressano 32-25 in Italy on Thursday. The Israeli team secured their progression following a dramatic 34-34 draw in the first leg, delivering a more consistent performance in the return match.

Maccabi Rishon LeZion established an early lead, with goals from Nadav Nizri and Eden Ginji putting them up 6-3 by the ninth minute. Yirmi Sidi and Lidor Pasu extended the advantage to 10-7. Despite a late push from Follonica's Davide Bochetto, Pasu scored to give Rishon LeZion a 15-13 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Noam Sosna and Lidor Pasu quickly increased the lead to 18-13. Pasu and Sidi maintained the margin, making it 23-18 by the 45th minute. Eden Ginji scored to bring the score to 27-20, nearing the next stage. Yirmi Sidi and Dan Teper sealed the victory with a final score of 32-25.

Yirmi Sidi was the top scorer with 10 goals, followed by Lidor Pasu with 8. Goalkeeper Dan Teper made 11 saves. Maccabi Rishon LeZion becomes the third Israeli representative to reach the next round, joining Maccabi Holon and A.S. Ramat Hasharon. The draw for the next round is scheduled for the following Tuesday.