Kiel Suffers Shocking Defeat: Flensburg Outplays Melsungen
Handball: Kiel Exits European League Semis Amid Dramatic Loss to Montpellier
In a closely contested semifinal match of the German division in the European League Handball, THW Kiel suffered a dramatic loss against Montpellier Handball, 32:31. The defeat prevents Kiel from contending for the title, with the final match set for Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, SG Flensburg-Handewitt overcame MT Melsungen in a late-decision battle, winning 35:34 in overtime. The triumph secures their position in the final, where they will aim to defend their title against Montpellier.
The North German rivals faced off in the earlier semi-final encounter, with Flensburg seizing the advantage and booking a spot in the title match. The French outfit disrupted the prospect of a North German derby final by edging past Kiel in the closing moments.
Emil Jakobsen from the Flensburg side proved to be their top scorer, finding the net nine times in their victory. The game was tightly contested, with Flensburg initially leading by four goals in the first half. However, Melsungen stayed within reach and, later in the second half, the lead switched hands several times. In overtime, impressive presentations from the Flensburg team and the outstanding performance of Kevin Möller in goal secured them the victory.
Kiel found themselves trailing after a shaky start, with Duvnjak scoring their first goal in the 7th minute. The favorites ended up five goals down in the early stages, but their defensive performance and increasing attacking power allowed them to retake the lead at 15:14 in the second quarter. The match developed into an open, intense exchange after the break, culminating in a hard-fought French victory.
SG Flensburg-Handewitt is now one victory away from securing a third success in the "small European Cup". Having won in 2015, they have been consistent contenders, with only one year (2022) seeing a non-German team lift the trophy, when Benfica Lissabon emerged victorious. MT Melsungen's hopes of victory were dashed despite a valiant effort, particularly following their run to the DHB-Pokal final a few weeks ago, only to face THW. For the North Hessians, their Bundesliga campaign continues, as they remain tied for second place with leaders Füchse Berlin, with four games remaining.
Source: ntv.de, tno/sid
- Handball
- THW Kiel
- Flensburg
Although THW Kiel failed to reach the title match of the European League Handball after their loss to Montpellier, SG Flensburg-Handewitt will have the opportunity to win the championship as they advance to the final, having triumphed over MT Melsungen in a thrilling overtime match. Meanwhile, football enthusiasts can also look forward to the Champions League, where both football and handball teams from Germany have been making impressive strides in European leagues.
