A German Showdown in the Champions League
In the run-up to the King class final, Wiegert secures third place.
In a historic moment for German handball, SC Magdeburg and Füchse Berlin face off in the Champions League final tonight at 6 PM (CEST) in Cologne, marking only the third time German teams contend in the competition's finale. Bennet Wiegert, head coach of SC Magdeburg, praises this event as "a celebration for German handball," arguing for an additional German spot in the premier class, stating that qualifying via the Bundesliga is a grueling battle among six to seven teams[1].
Since the Champions League's inception 32 years ago, North German teams THW Kiel and SG Flensburg-Handewitt have previously appeared in the final, each winning the title in 2007 and 2014, respectively[2][3]. As Wiegert puts it, "everyone who loves German handball must be thrilled" for this captivating encounter[1].
The Grand Finale
The season reaches its climax with both teams' first encounter dating back to the Supercup in August. In that duel, Füchse Berlin emerged victorious[4]. The title race in the Bundesliga concluded last week, with the capital city team snatching its first-ever championship title by a single point over Magdeburg[5].
The Füchse are keen to prolong their success, with World Handball Player of the Year Mathias Gidsel returning from suspension, pursuing "the biggest event in the handball world" with Berlin, and aiming to demonstrate his impact in the final[6].
On the other hand, Magdeburg, still without a title this season, is equally determined to emerge victorious. If triumphant, it would be their third title, following their wins in 2002 and 2023[1]. Left winger Lukas Mertens envisions a tight contest, expressing optimism for his team, as "we know how to play finals"[1].
Other sports, such as football, also have their European leagues, with Champions League being a prestigious competition in handball. On the European handball scene, the Champions League final tonight will see a battle between two German teams, SC Magdeburg and Füchse Berlin, eager to claim the title and join past champions THW Kiel and SG Flensburg-Handewitt from North Germany in the league's illustrious history.
