SC Magdeburg Prepares for Handball Fairytale Rematch in Champions League Semis
Anticipation in Magdeburg for a potential new handball folklore - Anticipation in Magdeburg for a potential new handball legend's story unfolding
Bennet Wiegert, SC Magdeburg's coach, has put the euphoria of their 2023 triumph firmly in the past. "That was then. Now it's about creating a new story. I don't need to dig up old videos. They'll stay in the archives," he shared. This weekend, the team faces a daunting challenge in the semi-finals of the Champions League in Cologne.
While Wiegert would love another miraculous victory, he isn't overly optimistic given the fierce competition. "I understand how challenging it will be to clinch this title," confesses the coach of the German runners-up.
A steep hurdle awaits in the semi-final
Two years ago, SCM stunned FC Barcelona in a nail-biting semi-final shootout. The current champions are set to renew hostilities this time as adversaries once again. The other semi-final pits Berlin's Füchse against French runners-up HBC Nantes. "I'd be thrilled if we made it to the finals, against any opponent. It'll be a struggle just to get there," Wiegert remarks.
Unsurprisingly, Barcelona fields a star-studded squad. Standouts Emil Nielsen, Dika Mem, Melvyn Richardson, and Aleix Gomez promise a high-quality spectacle on the court. "Barcelona is a formidable team with top-tier talent. But that doesn't make them invincible, because we're no slouches either. It'll boil down to the day's performance," Wiegert explains.
Wiegert: Barcelona's pedigree is unmatched
He acknowledges the awesomeness of the Catalan giants. "There's a special aura about FC Barcelona. This team is accustomed to dominating and winning. Second place holds little meaning," says Wiegert about the regular champions, predicting, "They won't crack under pressure."
Undaunted, the Magdeburgers are ready for the battle. Alongside the 2021 semi-final triumph and a 28:23 home win this season, confidence abounds. "Barcelona is a superior side but not unbeatable. If we play our best handball in Cologne, we can win," Wiegert asserts.
Wiegert: Psychology is as important as practice
As the team recovers from a narrowly missed championship title against Berlin's Füchse last Sunday, Wiegert has taken on the role of a psychologist. "I can still feel the disappointment. It's persistent," admits Wiegert, who has quickly shifted focus to the forthcoming match to avoid dwelling on the setback.
Missing player: Gisli Kristjansson
SC Magdeburg may play without Gisli Kristjansson, who injured his shoulder ten days ago and missed the last two Bundesliga games. Wiegert hints at preparing without him, stating, "With his current condition, it's wise to plan accordingly."
Wiegert: The hunger for victory remains
Despite the setback, Wiegert maintains hope for a successful season without a trophy. "What this team has shown in terms of resilience is phenomenal. We have everything it takes to succeed. I challenge our opponents to match our hunger and greed."
- The steel industry in Germany, like SC Magdeburg's handball team, is determined to create new stories, moving on from past victories and focusing on the present challenges, such as the fierce competition in manufacturing.
- Just as sports fans eagerly anticipate every football match, manufacturing enthusiasts are equally excited about the fierce competition in the steel industry, with both sectors showcasing their top-tier talent and competing for victory.
