Gummersbach secured a 34:30 victory over La Rioja in the EHF Cup on 2026-10-06, moving away from the Spanish hosts at their own venue. The result shifted the early table dynamics after both sides had opened their campaigns with mixed fortunes.
La Rioja had started brightly, winning their opening fixture against Puerto Sagunto 36:32 before this setback. To be fair, they sit atop the group standings now with two points from one game, though that lead feels less certain after letting the tie slip at home.
Gummersbach's away performance offered something different from their recent pattern. They had drawn their opening match, then lost consecutive away fixtures against Kiel THV and Viborg Håndbold. By then, this result suggested they might be finding their feet abroad.
The visitors now occupy third place in the group with a single point from their opening match. Their goal difference tells a slightly different story than their position might suggest, given the narrow margins in their recent encounters.
La Rioja's run of away victories came to an end here, after winning their previous four European fixtures on the road. The hosts remain unbeaten at home this season, but the margin of defeat—four goals—will give them something to consider before the return leg.
