HC Dragūnas Take Command in Quarter-Final Series with Convincing First-Leg Victory

March 7, 2026

The quarter-final phase of the Baltic Handball League began on Saturday with a decisive performance from HC Dragūnas Klaipėda, who defeated ASK/MSĢ 41:30 in the first leg of their quarter-final matchup. The Lithuanian side built a strong advantage already in the first half and maintained control throughout the match to take an 11-goal lead into the return leg.

The Baltic Handball League entered the knockout stage after a long main round where all teams faced each other both home and away. The main round winners have already secured direct qualification to the Final 4, while teams ranked from 2nd to 7th entered the quarter-final stage, played over two matches. The aggregate winners will advance to the Final 4 weekend, where the remaining semifinal spots will be decided.

In this quarter-final pairing, ASK/MSĢ and HC Dragūnas Klaipėda met after finishing in the middle of the main round standings, setting up a duel for a place among the league’s final contenders.

Dragūnas Set the Tone Early

The visitors from Klaipėda wasted no time taking control of the game. Although the opening minutes were balanced and ASK/MSĢ briefly held a 2:1 lead, Dragūnas quickly shifted momentum with a series of fast attacks and efficient finishing.

Goals from Deividas Virbauskas, Filip Hrnjak, and Emmanuel Gustavo Ferreira Paiva helped Dragūnas establish a 5:2 advantage early in the match. The Lithuanian team continued to build the lead with disciplined defense and quick transitions, forcing the home side into several missed attempts.

By the midway point of the first half, Dragūnas had stretched the margin to five goals, and the gap continued to grow as Matas Kairys and Daniil Plakhotin added key goals in the final minutes before the break. At halftime the scoreboard showed 20:12 in favor of the visitors.

ASK/MSĢ Attempt Comeback After Break

ASK/MSĢ opened the second half with improved offensive rhythm, reducing the deficit slightly thanks to goals from Valdis Kalniņš and Krists Vidzis. Kalniņš proved particularly effective throughout the match, leading the home team with 12 goals from 18 shots.

However, every time ASK/MSĢ threatened to close the gap, Dragūnas responded immediately. Paulius Čėsna, Matas Kairys, and Daniil Plakhotin continued to find space in attack, while Virbauskas converted crucial seven-meter throws to keep the visitors firmly in control.

Midway through the second half the Lithuanian side extended their advantage again, moving into double digits. Despite fighting spirit from the home team, including goals from Markuss Ikvils, Krists Vidzis, and Gints Greikšs, the outcome was never seriously in doubt.

A late red card for ASK/MSĢ’s Kristers Rihards Ozols further complicated the hosts’ efforts, and Dragūnas closed the match comfortably with a 41:30 victory.

Top Performers

HC Dragūnas Klaipėda displayed a balanced offensive effort with several players contributing significantly:

• Matas Kairys – 9 goals
• Deividas Virbauskas – 9 goals (including 3/3 from seven meters)
• Daniil Plakhotin – 6 goals
• Paulius Čėsna – 5 goals

For ASK/MSĢ, the standout performer was Valdis Kalniņš, who scored 12 goals and kept his team competitive for long stretches. Markuss Ikvils added six goals, while Krists Vidzis contributed five.

Second Leg Still Ahead

With the first leg completed, HC Dragūnas Klaipėda now carry an 11-goal advantage into the return match of the quarter-final series. According to the competition format, the winner on aggregate across both matches will advance to the Baltic Handball League Final 4.

ASK/MSĢ will need a significantly improved performance in the second leg to overturn the deficit and keep their Final 4 hopes alive, while Dragūnas will aim to confirm their strong position and secure a place among the league’s top four teams.

The decisive second leg promises another intense battle as both sides fight for a coveted spot in the Final 4 stage of the Baltic Handball League season.