19:46
Metalurg have emerged as a different beast in this second half. Daniel Gjorgjeski is saving everything coming his way, his teammates are scoring goals like nobody's business and all of a sudden it's 23:20 to the home side.
19:40
The second half is underway with Metalurg hoping to strike early and often in a bid to overturn a three-goal deficit. It did not take them long as a quick 4:1 run puts them level after four minutes!
Fivers are on the hunt for their first away win in Europe since 2008, when they beat Cyprus College 27:26 in the EHF Cup. Current defensive stalwart Markus Kolar was their top scorer on that occassion.
19:19 | Half-time: HC Metalurg 16:19 Fivers
We've been treated to 35 goals in a pulsating half of handball in Skopje. Despite the Austrian guests looking the better team, overall, Metalurg have battled their way into a competitive position and will undoubtedly fancy their chances of turning things around in the second half.
19:09
The goals keep flooding in at both ends and Fivers look good value for their 16:12 lead after 22 minutes. Easily the standout player in this clash has been left wing Eric Damböck, who has scored a remarkable seven goals from as many shots.
18:55
Metalurg have begun to find their feet in attack but their defence will worry them most. Fivers are piercing through them with ease, particularly on the wings and lead 9:6 after just 10 minutes of play.
18:46
We're underway and it has been a bright start for the visitors, displaying a solid defence and an Eric Damböck fast break, his second goal of the game, makes it 3:0 to Fivers.
18:31
Before we get started, here are some of the key facts listed in our pre-match preview
- Metalurg will play their first match in the EHF European League since losing to Leon in round 3 five weeks ago
- Metalurg are one of four teams in the group phase still without points
- Fivers are fourth in group A with three points, though they lost both away games they have played so far
- Fivers won the last four games in the domestic league and are currently ranked second behind Handball Tirol
18:20
It's a short and sweet burst of European League action before Christmas! At 18:45, Metalurg host Fivers in what should be an intriguing game. Metalurg, a traditional top club in search of some form and their first points face a young Fivers side who have impressed with their three points earned so far!