Sporting Lisbon delivered a dramatic second half comeback to defeat Aalborg Handball 35 33 in the EHF Champions League Group A, overturning a five goal halftime deficit at Pavilhão João Rocha.
The Danish side had controlled much of the opening half and entered the break with a commanding advantage, putting themselves in position to challenge for top spot in the group. Aalborg’s defensive organisation and quick transitions unsettled Sporting early on, allowing the visitors to build momentum and silence the Lisbon crowd.
However, the match shifted decisively after the interval as Sporting increased their tempo and applied greater pressure in attack. The Portuguese champions, already qualified for the knockout phase, showed composure and depth when it mattered most.
Francisco Costa was central to the turnaround. The 21 year old right back produced a standout performance, scoring consistently and leading Sporting’s offensive push as they gradually reduced the gap. His ability to break through Aalborg’s defensive lines and convert from distance gave the home side renewed belief.
Costa has become one of the most prominent young figures in Portuguese handball, and his influence was once again evident on the European stage. As Aalborg struggled to contain his movement and shooting accuracy, Sporting regained control of possession and began to dictate the rhythm of the contest.
In the closing minutes, with tension rising inside the arena, Martim Costa stepped forward to seal the comeback. The older of the Costa brothers delivered crucial goals that ultimately secured the two point victory for Sporting, completing a remarkable recovery from five goals down.
The defeat proved costly for Aalborg in the context of the group standings. Earlier in the evening, German side Füchse Berlin had suffered a loss against Polish club Kielce despite a strong individual performance from Mathias Gidsel. Aalborg had the opportunity to move into first place with a win in Lisbon, but the late collapse prevented them from capitalising.
Despite the setback, Aalborg can take reassurance from having already secured direct qualification to the quarter finals. That achievement allows the Danish club to bypass the playoff round reserved for teams finishing between third and sixth place in the group.
For Sporting Lisbon, the victory reinforces their competitive credentials ahead of the knockout phase. The Lisbon club demonstrated resilience under pressure and confirmed their ability to compete with Europe’s leading teams. The atmosphere at Pavilhão João Rocha reflected the significance of the result, with supporters witnessing one of the most dramatic matches of the current Champions League campaign.
