Team plays handball sport. - Magdeburg advances towards a potential four-title season with their third championship victory.
SC Magdeburg has clutch victory to claim the German handball championship for the third time. Now, Wegert's squad is gearing up for an incredible feat at the Cologne event on June 8 and 9, with hopes of clinching the championship title in the Champions League, the DHB Cup and the perfect quadruple. Their dominant 34-21 (19:11) win over the Rhein-Neckar Lions on Thursday night sealed the championship with just one game before the Bundesliga finale. The award ceremony will be held on Sunday following the last home game against HSG Wetzlar (4:30 p.m./Dyn).
The SCM held a 10-goal lead over the Lions after 28 minutes in Mannheim (19:9). Daniel Pettersson scored 6 goals for Magdeburg, while Juri Knorr scored 5 for the Rhein-Neckar Lions. After a fantastic display by his team, Wiegert stated to Dyn's TV broadcaster that "it feels great, it was a great game from us. It's bittersweet to say farewell, especially when a legend like Uwe Gensheimer is leaving the stage. We fought for the interests of the SCM today, it mattered to us."
This season, the SCM has only experienced two defeats - a 26:31 loss to the Berlin Eagles and a 27:28 defeat to the TSV Hannover-Burgdorf. A 27:27 draw in Leipzig at the SC DHfK and a 29:29 draw in Melsungen were the other setbacks. Wiegert, who has been in charge of the team since 2016, expressed, "we deserve the chance to play for all titles." This ten-time DDR champion has brought home eight titles under his leadership so far.
The Bearded Father Of Success
Proud son of 1980 Moscow Olympic champion, Ingolf Wiegert, Bennet Wiegert is known as the architect of success on the Elbe. He's not just a coach, but also maintains a family-friendly team atmosphere at the SCM. Wiegert has a distinctive playing philosophy of swift, mobile players, efficient transitions, and strategic planning. This is evident with the recent extension of Swedish star Felix Claar's contract until 2028.
Following a streak of 30 games without a defeat across competitions, Wiegert had to shave and cut short his beard after the Hannover defeat. While his beard has grown back, the league is in awe of the Magdeburg project. His former SCM teammate and Sporting Director, Stefan Kretzschmar, stated, "I couldn't have believed he would become one of the world's best coaches back then." Although Kretzschmar's foxes in Berlin were earlier title rivals until the 28:31 in Magdeburg, he now has a deep admiration for Wiegert's achievements.
The Icelandic Heart
Untouchable in one-on-one situations, strong game understanding, and a knack for high-pressure performances - the Icelandic duo of Omar Ingi Magnusson and Gisli Kristjansson are dynamic pillars of the Elbestaedtern team. Magnusson, the right-handed ace, was awarded the HBL Player of the Season in 2022 and the top scorer at EM 2022 before becoming nearly unforgettable with his countryman. A top-notch playmaker, Kristjansson often occupies the king's position on the left and is an influential figure despite many injury setbacks. The MVP of HBL last year, Kristjansson is back in top form.
A New Era After Portner's Departure
The SCM managed to get past the doping scandal involving their goalkeeper, Nikola Portner, with imperative faith in Sergey Hernandez. Hernandez, a Spaniard, showcased a remarkable performance in the first half against the Lions. His unforgettable performance in the DHB Cup win was well-received.
Read also:
- Bennet Wiegert, the son of 1980 Moscow Olympic champion Ingolf Wiegert, has been instrumental in SC Magdeburg's success in handball.
- Wiegert's squad aims to clinch the championship title in the Champions League, the DHB Cup, and potentially complete a quadruple, following their third German handball championship title.
- Stefan Kretzschmar, a former teammate and current Sporting Director of Foxes Berlin, admires Wiegert's achievements after earlier being rivals.
- The SCM has only suffered two defeats this season, including a loss to TSV Hannover-Burgdorf, but managed to bounce back with 27:27 draws in Leipzig and Melsungen.
- Gisli Kristjansson, an influential figure on the left, and Omar Ingi Magnusson, the right-handed ace, form an unbeatable duo for Magdeburg, with Kristjansson named MVP of HBL last year.
- Sergey Hernandez, who replaced Nikola Portner after a doping controversy, showcased a remarkable performance in the first half against the Lions and contributed to the team's success.
- In Cologne on June 8 and 9, Wiegert's squad will compete for the championship title in the Champions League, following their win in the German handball championship.
- The Rhein-Neckar Lions faced a difficult game against SC Magdeburg, ultimately losing 34-21, despite Juri Knorr's five goals.
- The DHB, or German Handball Federation, will hold the award ceremony for the German handball championship on Sunday, following the last home game against HSG Wetzlar.
- The Champions League final will take place in Hanover, as the Rhine-Neckar Lions and SC Magdeburg prepare for a fierce battle to determine the championship title.
- Wiegert maintains a family-friendly team atmosphere at SC Magdeburg, implementing a swift, mobile playing style, efficient transitions, and strategic planning, resulting in successful seasons.
