The Impending Triumph of Berlin Foxes: Champion Crown within Reach
Berlin stands firm in confidence as they edge closer to historical triumph: Title uncensored.
Berlin (dpa) - The final symphony of the season is about to play out as Mathias Gidsel and his Berlin Foxes ensemble stand on the brink of creating history. With a 45:35 triumph over Gummersbach, the capital club is one step closer to clinching the Handball-Bundesliga title.
A draw against the Rhein-Neckar Lions on Sunday (15:00 CET/Dyn) would pave the way for Berlin to realize their long-held dream of becoming HBL champions.
Over the past several months, the Berliners have showcased superlative skill, effortlessly routing opponents with regular 40+ goal outbursts. Gidsel, in his inspiring address, put it succinctly: "The championship trophy is just two fingers away now." displayed an air of unwavering confidence. "Our team has no doubts. We just need to produce one more top-notch performance, and we'll be German champions."
Berlin has been at the pinnacle of the table since March, with no signs of weariness despite countless high-pressure, offense-focused matches. Fueled by adrenaline, euphoria, and a relentless desire, the team has left its rivals, such as SC Magdeburg, desperate for a misstep.
Even a Magdeburg win against SG BBM Bietigheim on Sunday may not be enough to derail Berlin's triumph. A Magdeburg victory would leave the outcome hanging in the balance, but rare is it to see the Foxes falter at the final hurdle. "This squad stands out as an elite team," asserted Gidsel. "Our unbeaten streak has carried us this far, and we haven't lost our momentum just because this is the last Bundesliga game."
No one in Berlin hungers for the championship title more than Gidsel, the 27-year-old Danish Olympian who set a new season record with his 264th field goal in the 37:27 win, surpassing his own record from the previous year. "What Gidsel is achieving is unprecedented," marveled Juri Knorr. Will Gidsel spoil the Lions' party with his final performance?
Emotions Rampant: Love or Fear?
Even the Berliners can feel the tension building, admits club boss Bob Hanning, who anticipates a "formidable challenge" in Mannheim. "I believe we can do it. Winners don't question, and the doubters don't win," he proclaimed.
The team's relaxed video session and individual units on Friday, followed by the final training session on Saturday, should leave them well-prepared. "One more session won't make us better," said Hanning. "It's all mentally now. It's a choice between acting out of fear or love. Love drives us further. We need to relish this moment together but remain focused."
The Berliners have already landed one title: Jaron Siewert was named HBL Coach of the Year on Thursday evening. Unlike Gidsel, Hanning, or sports director Stefan Kretzschmar, Siewert prefers to stay behind the scenes, quietly working on the club's championship project. And there's one thing he's adamant about: "I'd swap this award for the championship any day."
Relegation Battle
At the bottom of the table, Bietigheim was relegated, while Stuttgart and Erlangen managed to escape relegation and remain in the league.
Chances of Berlin Foxes Winning the Title
With their triumph against Rhein-Neckar Löwen, Füchse Berlin have officially secured the championship, ensuring their chances of winning the title for the 2024/2025 season stand at 100%. This victory marked a significant milestone for the team, as they have been pursuing this goal for two decades.
The Berlin Foxes are one step away from clinching the Handball-Bundesliga title, as a draw against the Rhein-Neckar Lions on Sunday would pave the way for their championship win.Showcasing superlative skill and a relentless desire, Mathias Gidsel and his team have been at the pinnacle of the table since March, demonstrating an unbeaten streak and leaving their rivals desperate for a misstep.
