SUMMARY: Thüringer and Ikast impress in semi-final victories

• coverage of the EHF European League Women 2024/25 semi-finals
• Ikast Håndbold are the first to secure their ticket to the final after a 28:18 win against HSG Blomberg-Lippe
• Thüringer HC also booked a seat in the final following a six-goal victory over JDA Bourgogne Dijon Handball
• watch exclusive content on our dedicated social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X); all matches are live on EHFTV (geo-restrictions may apply)
• hurry up and grab the last tickets here; download the Home of Handball app to enjoy the full experience
• check out the reviews for the first and second semi-finals
• photos © kolektiff

SATURDAY 3 MAY

21:00

That's it from us today. The live blog will be back on tomorrow at noon, before the bronze medal match at 15:00 CEST and the final at 18:00 CEST. Only 60 minutes left until we find out the next EHF European League Women champions — Ikast Håndbold or Thüringer HC?

Have a great evening and enjoy the best handball!

20:45

Beautiful smiles in Raiffeisen Sportpark today!

20:11

Check out the review of the second semi-final in Graz!

14:45

Last minutes before throw-off! It will be an action-packed day, so make sure you know how to stay close to the EHF Finals Women 2025. And a bonus for you — take a look at the facts and figures of the final event. How many did you know beforehand?

14:30

The players arrived at Raiffeisen Sportpark a while ago and have now entered the court and started their warm-up. A lot of mixed emotions ahead of the first semi-final!

14:09

In preparation for the big weekend, our EHF journalists also had the chance to talk to Nina Dury and Johanna Reichert. Find out what they said before heading to Graz.

13:55

In the evening, at 18:00 CEST, the spotlight will be on Thüringer HC and JDA Bourgogne Dijon Handball as they also have their first encounter today.

After making it to the EHF Finals in 2023 and finishing fourth, Herbert Müller's club gets another chance at the trophy — a successful weekend would be a dream come true, as they hope to grab their maiden European title. They have shown determination from the very beginning, having entered their EHF European League journey in qualification round 3, led by Austrian talent Johanna Reichert, who is currently the top scorer of the competition.

The French side started from the first qualification round and are also eyeing their maiden trophy. Runners-up in group C — behind the other EHF Finals Women 2025 participants Blomberg-Lippe — Dijon then eliminated HSG Bensheim/Auerbach Flames in the quarter-finals to book their Graz ticket. Nina Dury has been an important asset for the team, as the left wing added 37 goals to her tally since the start of the group phase.

13:37

The tension on court will reach new heights this afternoon during the semi-finals, but behind-the-scenes the players had some fun during their media duties with a special challenge. Can you spot your favourite player in the video?

13:15

Talking about the star players — make sure you read our exclusive features with Ona Vegue and Jamina Roberts!

12:55

HSG Blomberg-Lippe and Ikast Håndbold meet for the first time today at 15:00 CEST and the two teams are polar opposites in terms of EHF European League experience.

The most recent success for the Danish side happened two years ago in Graz, when they conquered the title after the final against Nykøbing Falster Håndbold. They are currently at their fourth EHF Finals edition — after 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and count on a strong squad, including Swedish star Jamina Roberts, who joined in January from Vipers Kristiansand.

On the other hand, HSG Blomberg-Lippe are debutants at the final weekend and have come all the way from the first qualification round. After failing to reach the group phase twice, in 2020/21 and 2021/22, the German club is enjoying one of their best seasons so far. Despite lacking Ikast's experience, Blomberg-Lippe established themselves as a force to be reckoned with since the group phase, when they finished at the top of the standings. In the quarter-finals they faced Super Amara Bera Bera and celebrated after Ona Vegue I Pena's penalty goal sealed their semi-final spot.

Who will come out on top today?

12:33

Less than three hours left until the first whistle, as players and fans alike are getting ready for a handball fiesta in Graz. There is plenty of time to get you up to speed with all the essential info for today's semi-finals and we are starting with the preview for Saturday. Our EHF journalist Eric Willemsen highlighted the most important aspects ahead of the matches — check them out below!

12:15

Hello everyone and welcome to the most anticipated weekend of the EHF European League Women 2024/25!

The Road to Graz challenged some of the best teams in Europe and only four of them are still in the battle for the title. It’s time for the final test, as HSG Blomberg-Lippe, Ikast Håndbold, Thüringer HC and JDA Bourgogne Dijon Handball are all hoping to write a chapter in the competition’s history books.

Follow us as the action unfolds this weekend!