HSG Graz — Bregenz Handball: 35:32, HLA

HSG Graz saw off Bregenz 35:32 in the HLA on Sunday afternoon. The hosts moved up to fourth place with the win, while Bregenz dropped to sixth. It was a match that stayed close until the final whistle.

The result keeps Graz in the hunt for a European spot. They now sit five points behind the leaders with two games played fewer. Bregenz, meanwhile, lost ground after their draw with Ferlach earlier in the month.

Graz had been inconsistent before this. A heavy defeat to Linz and a narrow win over Barnbach suggested they were still finding their rhythm. By then it was clear they needed a result like this to steady things.

We had tipped the hosts to win at 54 per cent confidence. And here's the thing — it was the home advantage that made the difference. Bregenz looked comfortable against weaker sides but struggled against the top teams, and Graz took advantage.

The visitors had won three of their last four before this trip. They came in confident, but things came to a head when Graz tightened things up in the second half. The clean-sheet run came to an end for Bregenz, but more importantly, they lost their way in attack.

Graz now have three games left and a real chance to push for the top four. Bregenz face a tough run-in with Linz and the leaders coming up. That price has gone for them if they don't start winning again.