Two Seconds That Changed Everything in Bucharest
HC Izvidac claimed a dramatic 25–24 victory over CSM Bucuresti in the EHF European League, with Stipe Mandalinic scoring the winning goal just two seconds before the final whistle.
HC Izvidac started strongly in Bucharest, taking an early 3–1 lead through Amer Sahinovic and Fahrudin Melic. However, the hosts gradually recovered, with Andrei Dragan and Domingo Luis Mosquera helping Bucuresti level the match. The first half remained balanced until Bucuresti moved ahead 9–8 in the 24th minute. Izvidac then produced a decisive 4–0 run, with goals from Melic, Kerim Semic and Danijel Stijovic, reaching halftime ahead 12–9. The visitors extended their advantage to 13–9 early in the second half, but Bucuresti responded with an impressive comeback. Claudiu Baba levelled the match at 14–14 before Dragan put the hosts ahead 15–14. Bucuresti maintained their momentum and gradually established a 22–19 advantage with less than eight minutes remaining, appearing to take control of the match. But Izvidac refused to surrender. A remarkable 4–0 run turned the score from 22–19 to 22–23, with Melic, Semic and Stijovic playing important roles. The final minutes were filled with drama. Baba equalised at 23–23, Kristian Katic restored Izvidac's lead, and Baba scored again to make it 24–24 with 38 seconds remaining. Following a timeout, Izvidac prepared one final attack. With just two seconds remaining, Stipe Mandalinic scored the winning goal, securing an extraordinary 25–24 away victory.
THE GAME, MOMENT BY MOMENT.
TEAM STATISTICS
CSM BucurestiHC IzvidacSHOOTING PROFILE.
CSM BucurestiSHOT MAP
SHOOTING PROFILE
HC IzvidacSHOT MAPPLAYERS WHO SHAPED THE GAME.
For HC Izvidac, Fahrudin Melic led the scoring with six goals from eight shots (75%), including six successful seven-metre attempts from seven. Amer Sahinovic contributed five goals from six attempts (83%), while Kerim Semic added four goals from six shots (67%). Stipe Mandalinic scored three goals, including the decisive winner at 59:58. Goalkeeper Miloš Knežević also contributed with eight saves and a 30% save rate. For CSM Bucuresti, Claudiu Baba delivered a perfect performance with six goals from six attempts (100%), including two crucial equalisers in the closing minutes. Andrei Dragan finished with six goals from ten shots (60%), while Domingo Luis Mosquera contributed five goals from seven attempts (71%).
#27 BABA Claudiu
#53 LUIS Domingo
#20 DRAGAN Andrei
#8 SAHINOVIC Amer
#44 MELIC Fahrudin
#19 SEMIC Kerim
THE LAST LINE.
WHAT DECIDED THE GAME
Izvidac's superior shooting efficiency was the key difference, converting 69% of their attempts compared with Bucuresti's 57%, despite taking six fewer shots. The visitors were particularly effective from six metres (11/12, 92%) and seven metres (6/7, 86%), making better use of their opportunities. Although Bucuresti committed fewer turnovers (7 compared with 12) and recovered from a four-goal deficit, they could not protect their 22–19 lead in the closing minutes. Ultimately, Izvidac's finishing efficiency and a decisive 4–0 run in the final eight minutes created the opportunity for Stipe Mandalinic to secure victory with just two seconds remaining.