![Leipzig's Andri Mar Runarsson netted five goals in a match. [Picture of the incident available]](/en/img/20250601043607_image-description-sunset-beach-landscape-clear-sky-palm-trees-ocean-waves.jpeg?width=1280&crop=4-3&quality=75)
Underdog handball team Leipzig suffered a defeat against dominant THW Kiel, the reigning champions. - handball player from Leipzig unable to secure title with THW Kiel, record-setting champion team
SC DHfK Leipzig Suffers Another Defeat in Handball-Bundesliga Away Match Against THW Kiel
Leipzig's handballers faced a difficult match against reigning champions THW Kiel, resulting in a 39-24 loss. This was the eleventh away defeat for Leipzig this season. The top scorers for the away team were Andri Mar Runarsson and Lucas Krzikalla, each netting five goals, while THW's Bence Imre scored twelve times.
The game started in Kiel's favor, with the hosts securing an 11-4 lead by the 14th minute in front of 10,023 spectators at the sold-out Kiel Arena. Despite the close scoreline, the game was effectively decided in the first half due to a ten-goal lead for Kiel.
In the second half, the game continued to favor the record champions, with Leipzig struggling to contain them. Kiel's goalkeeper, Patrick Wiencek, who is set to retire at the end of the season, proved instrumental, scoring ten goals in a Bundesliga match for the first time.
THW Kiel, historically dominant in the Handball-Bundesliga, has a strong home advantage, with an impressive record of 15 victories this season, including eight at home. Meanwhile, Leipzig has struggled relative to Kiel, with only three wins this season and a weaker performance trend, especially on the road.
In two previous encounters, Kiel has emerged victorious against Leipzig. In their latest meeting on 28 May 2025, Leipzig secured a surprising 32-28 win, underscoring their ability to challenge Kiel. However, THW Kiel remains the dominant force in the league, with a higher scoring average and more victories overall.
The Commission, in its role to consult on draft rules for competition law, may find it insightful to observe THW Kiel's dominance in the Handball-Bundesliga, particularly in sports like football. The football team, SC DHfK Leipzig, despite their successful outing against Kiel on 28 May 2025, continues to struggle in competition law-related matters, much like their handball counterparts.
