Viljandi HC Edge Mistra 24–22 in Dramatic Clash

January 17, 2026

Viljandi HC secured a hard-fought 24–22 away victory over Mistra on Saturday afternoon in the Baltic Handball League, avenging their previous defeat earlier in the season and claiming crucial league points after a tense, evenly balanced contest.

The match, played on 17 January 2026, was level at halftime (12–12) and remained undecided until the final minute, when Viljandi HC showed greater composure to seal the win.

Match Summary

• Final Score: Mistra 22 – 24 Viljandi HC
• Half-Time: 12 – 12
• Competition: Baltic Handball League

The encounter marked the second meeting between the sides this season. In the previous game on 4 October 2025, Mistra had defeated Viljandi HC 30–25 away, making this result a measure of revenge for the visitors.

Key Moments

Viljandi HC opened the scoring through Simon Drõgin, but Mistra responded quickly as the teams traded goals in the opening minutes. The first half was characterized by strong defensive phases, missed penalties at both ends, and multiple suspensions, with neither side able to establish a clear advantage.

Mistra briefly took control midway through the first half behind the scoring of Arno Vare, but Viljandi HC stayed close, driven by Hendrik Koks and Ott Varik, and went into the break tied.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the score tied or separated by a single goal for long stretches. Mistra led 16–15 at one point after back-to-back goals from Vare, but Viljandi HC responded decisively.

The turning point came in the final 10 minutes. Goals from Johannes Pertelson (49th and 51st minutes) gave Viljandi HC a two-goal cushion (22–20). Despite late pressure from Mistra and a last-minute goal by Marek Kopli to make it 22–23, Viljandi HC closed the game through Sten Maasalu in the 60th minute to secure the 24–22 win.

Top Performers

Mistra

• Arno Vare (#11): Outstanding performance with 10 goals from 13 shots, including a perfect 4/4 from seven meters.
• Rauno Kopli (#55): Added 3 goals, contributing in key moments.
• Alvar Soikka (#67): Scored 2 goals, including a late effort to keep Mistra in contention.

Viljandi HC

• Ott Varik (#90): Match-high impact with 8 goals from 10 shots, including 2 seven-meter goals, leading Viljandi’s attack.
• Hendrik Koks (#9): Netted 5 goals, consistently threatening despite several missed attempts.
• Sten Maasalu (#10): Contributed 4 goals, including the decisive final score.