Berlin's foxes advance to the German European Cup's climax.
The Berlin Foxes are set to face off against SG Flensburg-Handewitt in the European League's finals. As the defending champs in this second-tier European club competition, they left no chance for their domestic rival, Rhein-Neckar Löwen.
Berlin Foxes, declared champions in the previous season's European Handball League, have booked their spot in the finals once more. They triumphed over compatriots and Bundesliga rivals Rhein-Neckar Löwen with a score of 33:24 (14:9). Come Sunday, they'll play in Hamburg against SG Flensburg-Handewitt, who managed to defeat the Romanian champions Dinamo Bucharest with a score of 38:32 (18:11). Seven goals apiece were marked by Mathias Gidsel and Lasse Andersson for Berlin, while Juri Knorr displayed similar prowess for Löwen.
The game saw an initial edge with the Mannheimers. German national player Jannik Kohlbacher managed to score an early goal, taking the tally to 4:2. However, a sharp rise in the Berlin goalkeeper's performance soon followed. Dejan Milosavljev, a Serbian goalie, held his ground with some spectacular saves. Supporting his cause was Hans Lindberg, a Dane who managed to steal victory with a seven-meter shot despite facing a 2.00m-tall goalkeeper from Löwen, David Spaeth.
A Moving Return
Tracks were already laid for an emotional comeback before the Flensburger's win. Kay Smits, a wing-back, was back in action posting a win for his team after nearly half a year's hiatus. Opening up about his personal journey, Smits said he felt like it was the "first day of school after a long summer break". Smits had been held back by a heart muscle inflammation but made a successful return, adding to the Foxes' eventual victory.
In the second half, the volition of the Bundesliga rankings was mirrored in the game. The Berlin Foxes, standing second in the league, maintained a strong upper hand at all times, never allowing Löwen to come within four goals. Two clinical shots from empty goals, resulting from a time penalty incurred by the goalkeeper being taken out of the field, wrapped up the trophy for the Berliners.
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The Berlin Foxes, who celebrated victory in the European Handball League last season under the name DHB, will aim to repeat their success against SG Flensburg-Handewitt in the European League finals. With a strong performance in their semifinal match against Rhein-Neckar Löwen, they secured their spot in the finals, demonstrating their talent and dedication to handball.
Source: www.ntv.de
