Flensburg-Handewitt Misses Direct Quarter-Final Ticket - Flensburg's narrow loss to Montpellier secures playoff spot despite injuries
SG Flensburg-Handewitt suffered a narrow 32:35 defeat against Montpellier HB in the EHF European League. Despite the loss, their 40:35 victory in the first leg secured advancement to the playoffs as group runners-up. The result also ended any chance of overtaking THW Kiel for the top spot in the main round.
Flensburg entered the match without three key players—Kevin Møller, Emil Jakobsen, and Simon Pytlick—due to minor injuries. Head coach Aleš Pajović opted to rest them, giving opportunities to younger talents like Catalin Haidu, Jonas Rithaphorn, and Onno Buschmann.
Montpellier took control after halftime, stretching their lead to 29:25 by the 44th minute. Marko Grgic led Flensburg's scoring with nine goals, but Jack Thurin and Agustín Casado each added six for the hosts. The 35:32 loss marked Flensburg's second defeat in the main round, leaving them with six points from four games (three wins, one loss).
THW Kiel remains unbeaten at the top of the group with 10 points from five wins (153:128 goals). Flensburg's earlier 40:35 win in the first leg ensured they advanced as runners-up, avoiding elimination despite the defeat.
The loss means Flensburg will not challenge Kiel for first place in the group. Instead, they progress to the playoffs based on their head-to-head tiebreaker. Montpellier's victory, however, keeps their own quarterfinal hopes alive.
