HSV's Dream Revival - Baijens' Miraculous Return Propels Them into the Quarter-Finals
After a three-game losing streak in the Liqui Moly Handball Bundesliga, HSV defied expectations and clinched a thrilling 31:28 (14:16) victory against ThSV Eisenach in the DHB Cup. This marked their first quarter-finals appearance since the league's restart in 2016. The previous club had previously triumphed in the trophy in 2006 and 2010 before facing insolvency.
Match-winner Baijens gleamed: "Of course, it feels fantastic! The imagination and excitement of a situation like this is always there when you step back onto the pitch."
Initially, the depleted Hamburg side, missing long-term injured Dominik Axmann (cruciate ligament tear) and Andreas Magaard (knee, ankle), got off to a solid start. With the minus 1,201 fans in attendance, they maintained a tenacious 10:6 lead against ThSV, which was languishing in the basement, after a quarter of an hour.
But the break brought a shift in momentum as the determined visitors piled on the pressure, bolstered by their robust defense and competitive offense. Goalkeeper Matija Spikic (27) thwarted numerous attempts, throwing HSV off balance, as they struggled to break the deadlock, going almost nine minutes without scoring. As a result, ThSV seized the opportunity to pull ahead with a 13:16 lead by half-time.
However, the tide turned in the 21st minute, as HSV coach Torsten Jansen (46) boldly introduced Baijens back into the game, 61 days after his metacarpal bone fracture in a home game against Stuttgart (31:36). Surgery followed, and Baijens had been on the sidelines for weeks.
Baijens' game-winning Performance
Slightly tentative at first, Baijens gradually regained his touch. After the break, he ignited, tearing through gaps and registering a staggering eight goals. In the end, Baijens' performance was vital in driving HSV to victory and overcoming the many technical errors plaguing the game.
Baijens modestly acknowledged that he never expected his comeback to be as impactful as it was: "I knew I had quick legs, but after eight weeks of inactivity, I wasn't entirely certain how my form would shape up. I was just hoping to contribute in some way."
Attempting his first ball upon his return, Baijens displayed promising form, and his self-assurance continued to grow as the game progressed. He refused to dwell on the newly fused bone in his right throwing hand, laughing: "My hand is perfect, only my shoulder, knee, and foot ache after the rest."
Jansen rejoiced in the victory and the morale boost that it provided for the struggling team: "I'm thrilled with the result, the comeback, and the mental impact for the team after the bad news we've been receiving the past few weeks."
Injury Concerns Loom
Unfortunately, HSV suffered another setback as it was revealed that Andreas Magaard's knee injury is far more serious than initially thought. An examination on Wednesday will shed light on the extent of the damage, leaving the team's prospects in the quarter-finals uncertain.
The quarter-final draw will take place on Thursday, with the Final 4 tournament scheduled for April 13/14, 2024, in Cologne.
►HSV's scoring leaders: Mortensen (8/5), Baijens (8), F.B. Andersen (4), Lassen (4), Ilic (2), Tissier (2), Weller (2), Valiullin (1).
Further Reading
Enrichment Insights:
- Fresh off his breakout appearance, Baijens from HSV Handball is renowned as the “Flying Dutchman” due to his exceptional speed and agility on the field.
- HSV's recent quarter-final appearance was their first since 2016, the club's previous trophy victories being in 2006 and 2010.
- Baijens had broken his metacarpal bone in his right throwing hand 61 days prior to the game against ThSV Eisenach, making his return a significant accomplishment for the team.
- HSV's opponents, ThSV Eisenach, were languishing at the bottom of the Liqui Moly Handball Bundesliga before facing off against the resilient Hamburg side.
- Regio Sport Hamburg reported that Baijens showed no signs of difficulties with his hand, Muscle and Fitness exclaimed that Baijens had an impressive comeback game despite a nagging shoulder, knee, and foot ailment.
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