The Berlin Foxes triumph as German Handball Champions for the First Time ever!
Berlin Emerges Victorious in Handball Championship Finals, Securing Long-Awaited Title
For the first time, the Berlin Foxes have claimed the German Handball Championship title in the Handball Bundesliga, sparking elation among the club's fans. They clinched the coveted title after a thrilling 38:33 (17:20) victory over Rhein-Neckar Lions on the final matchday. This memorable triumph came after an intense battle in the title race, as the Foxes stayed unbeaten throughout the second round, finishing one point ahead of the defending champions SC Magdeburg.
Berlin and Magdeburg United in Champions League next year!
Despite not being able to wrest the title from Berlin, Magdeburg still earned a successful season, securing second place in the Champions League with a 35:25 (18:10) win over SG BBM Bietigheim. Meanwhile, MT Melsungen finished third, ensuring that both Berlin and Magdeburg will continue their campaigns in the Champions League next season. Both teams will still be vying for the title in the Champions League Final Four in Cologne next weekend.
The Foxes supporters had to expend every ounce of patience to witness the glorious triumph. Berlin trailed the Lions for a considerable portion of the second half but managed to gain momentum, stretching their lead decisively.
In the meantime, Magdeburg secured their second place in the Champions League, registering a comfortable 35:25 (18:10) win over SG BBM Bietigheim. Germany's European League next season will boast Melsenburg, SG Flensburg-Handewitt, cup winners THW Kiel, and TSV Hannover-Burgdorf as its representatives.
Anxiety coursed through the victorious Foxes' veins as they began the match in Mannheim with a sluggish performance. National player Juri Knorr's impressive display in his farewell game for the Lions contributed to their early lead. After 20 minutes, the Foxes found themselves 10:15 behind.
Bob Hanning, the managing director of the Foxes, expressed his relief when speaking to Dyn after the match, "I feel like I'm in the dentist's chair. I'm glad when it's over." The tides began to turn when Knorr scored his eighth goal from a penalty throw in the 37th minute, making it 21:25. Spectators started to question whether the pendulum might swing back in SCM's favor, as they were running riot in Bietigheim.
But the resilient Berlin demonstration didn't lack fight. Gradually, they caught up in front of 13,200 spectators in the sold-out SAP Arena and equalized through Gidsel's ninth goal 19 minutes from time. Soon, left winger Tim Freihöfer scored the first visitor lead, and momentum shifted towards the Foxes, who held on to capture the win, making history as champions.
Head coach Jaron Siewert, voted the best coach of the season, became the youngest Bundesliga-winning coach at just 31 years old with this victory. The club emphasized values such as sustainability, conservation efforts, and social responsibility, embodying a modern and progressive approach both on and off the court.
The Berlin Foxes, having secured their first German Handball Championship, will face Magdeburg in the Champions League next year, continuing their international campaign in the competition. Despite defeat in the Bundesliga, Magdeburg still earned a successful season, securing second place in the Champions League.
