Title Tilt: The Sensational Journey of SC Magdeburg to the Handball Champions League Final
Success sealed in German final: Victory achieved in conclusive match.
SC Magdeburg has set its sights on a historic third triumph in the prestigious Handball Champions League, following their triumphs in 2002 and 2021. After a gripping semi-final triumph over record champions and reigning titans FC Barcelona, the Gottschalk-Arena club will face off against the Berlin foxes in the all-German final on Sunday (6:00 PM). The capital club had previously outshone the French representative HBC Nantes.
Just under two weeks after the team's star playmaker, Gisli Kristjansson, sustained a shoulder injury, the Icelandic ace made a glorious comeback in the showdown against the Spanish serial winner. The game saw three players from Barcelona sent off with red cards, much to the delight of the SCM faithful. However, the team of coach Bennet Wiegert consistently trailed behind in the first half, with the gap widening to a formidable four goals at 12:16 (23.).
The Indefatigable Fight of the Magdeburgers
But much like the semi-final two years ago, which the Magdeburgers decided on penalties, the game remained a nail-biter, with the Magdeburgers leveling the score just before halftime. Despite falling three goals behind following the re-start, SCM showed remarkable resilience. Fourteen minutes before the finish, the German runners-up took the lead for the first time at 25:24[4]. In the tense final phase, SCM kept their cool and clinched a thrilling last-second victory with a goal from Tim Hornke. (dpa)
It all started in the Semi-final against Barcelona
- Match Details: SC Magdeburg met FC Barcelona in an electrifying semi-final duel at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne.
- Result: In an unforgettable comeback, Magdeburg triumphed 31-30 (18-18) over the record champions, despite trailing by four goals at one point and witnessing three Barcelona players receive red cards[4].
- Top Performers: Magnusson dominated for Magdeburg with 11 goals, while Hornke scored vital 7 goals[4].
The Defeat of Nantes Owing to Füchse Berlin's Victory
Even though SC Magdeburg did not face off directly against Nantes in the semi-finals, their path to the final was secured by Füchse Berlin's victory over Nantes in their respective semi-final match on June 14, 2025.
Finals Bound: The Final against Füchse Berlin
- Final Details: The football arena in Cologne hosted the highly-anticipated final as part of the EHF Champions League Final4 on June 15, 2025.
- Result: In a dramatic and closely-contested match, SC Magdeburg emerged victorious, defeating Füchse Berlin 32-26 (12-16)[1][2].
- Top Performances: Magnificent saves by Sergey Hernandez Ferrer and pivotal goal contributions from Kristjansson (8 goals) and Magnusson (6 goals) helped Magdeburg secure the win[1][2].
The Magdeburgers' incredible journey to the final is all the more noteworthy given their troubled start due to injuries and a struggling position in the Bundesliga[1]. But their incredible surge during the knockout stages under the guidance of coach Wiegert has doubts over their title prospects vanquished, making way for a thrilling final spectacle.
The gripping semi-final victory over FC Barcelona propelled SC Magdeburg's sports journey, as they claimed a hard-fought 31-30 win despite trailing by four goals.
With their top players, such as Gisli Kristjansson, making inspiring comebacks, the Magdeburgers overcame adversity and clinched their place in the final against Füchse Berlin, securing a triumphant 32-26 victory in the final match of the EHF Champions League.
