EHF European League: Flensburg-Handewitt vs THW Kiel – Result & Recap

FLENSBURG, Germany – THW Kiel ended a lengthy drought against domestic rivals SG Flensburg-Handewitt, securing a 32-30 victory Tuesday night in the opening match of the EHF European League Men’s main round. The win, played before a sold-out crowd of 6300 at the GP Joule Arena, marked Kiel’s first triumph over Flensburg in any competition since 2021, snapping a 22-match unbeaten run for the defending champions in the EHF European League.

The match was a tense affair, with neither team establishing a significant lead in the early stages. The first quarter saw the score tied at 6-6 after 15 minutes, and the lead never extended beyond a single goal for either side until Flensburg surged ahead midway through the first half. Flensburg built a three-goal advantage (11-8) after 22 minutes, prompting a timeout from Kiel coach Filip Jicha. Despite the tactical adjustment, Flensburg maintained a lead, going into halftime up 15-13.

Kiel mounted a comeback in the second half, fueled by a strong performance from goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, who recorded 14 saves throughout the match. The momentum shifted as Kiel steadily chipped away at Flensburg’s lead. The game remained closely contested, with the score tied multiple times in the final 30 minutes. Key moments included a series of tied scores in the 50th, 55th, 57th, 59th, and 60th minutes, demonstrating the relentless back-and-forth nature of the contest.

Jakobsen led the scoring for Flensburg with 10 goals, while Bilyk topped the charts for Kiel with 7. However, Kiel’s balanced attack, featuring contributions from Imre (7 goals), Johansson, and Dahmke (3 goals each), proved crucial in securing the victory. The win keeps Kiel and MT Melsungen as the only undefeated teams in the competition so far this season, after Melsungen defeated IFK Kristianstad 33-29 in Group III.

The match also saw several penalty calls and time penalties. Flensburg received three time penalties – Blagotinsek, Jakobsen, and Faljic – while Kiel were penalized three times through Pekeler (twice) and Dahmke. Seven-meter throws were awarded to both sides, with Flensburg converting 5 of 6 attempts and Kiel making 3 of 4.

Elsewhere in the EHF European League on Tuesday, Montpellier Handball defeated IRUDEK Bidasoa Irun 38-33, with Montpellier’s David Balaguer scoring 10 goals against his native country. Elverum Håndball, SAH – Aarhus, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, and Recken – TSV Hannover-Burgdorf also secured wins, marking a successful opening night for several teams in the main round.

This victory is particularly significant for Kiel, not only for breaking their losing streak against Flensburg but also for establishing themselves as strong contenders in the EHF European League. Flensburg, despite the loss, remain a formidable opponent and will undoubtedly look to rebound in their upcoming matches. The result sets the stage for an intriguing main round, with several teams vying for position in the competition.

The game highlighted the intense rivalry between these two German handball powerhouses. The atmosphere in Flensburg was electric, reflecting the importance of this derby to both sets of fans. Kiel’s ability to overcome a halftime deficit and secure a win on the road demonstrates their resilience and tactical flexibility.

Looking ahead, Kiel will aim to maintain their undefeated record as they progress through the main round. Their next challenge will be a test of their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Flensburg, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address the areas where they fell short against Kiel if they hope to defend their European League title.

The EHF European League resumed after an 11-week winter break, and this opening night of the main round delivered on its promise of thrilling handball action. The Kiel-Flensburg derby was a standout fixture, showcasing the skill, intensity, and drama that make this competition so compelling.