The German handball record champion THW Kiel made the impossible possible in the Champions League quarter-finals and qualified for the Final Four tournament in Europe’s premier class in Cologne at the beginning of June. The four-time title winner swept Montpellier HB 31:21 (17:12) out of the hall in the second leg, thus making the 30:39 defeat from the first leg in France a waste under the eyes of Schleswig-Holstein’s Prime Minister Daniel Günther.
With Kiel’s comeback among the four best teams on the continent after a one-year break, the Bundesliga is represented by two clubs in the final tournament of the most important club competition (June 8th/9th) for the first time in ten years. Defending champion SC Magdeburg had already qualified for the Final Four tournament in Cologne since Wednesday.
Cup winners and Bundesliga leaders Magdeburg can continue to dream of triples by participating in the Final Four again. So far, however, no German team has successfully defended its title in the Champions League.
Outstanding Eric Johansson
Kiel, which lost the German premier class final against SG Flensburg-Handewitt in 2014, can still save a messed up season on the European stage after its early cup knockout and wasted championship chances. The North Germans last remained without a title in the 2017/18 season.
From the middle of the first half onwards, the THW came into their own against Montpellier. After their first lead of 6:5 (14th minute), the home team converted a temporary 4:5 deficit into a promising five-goal lead by the break.
After the break, coach Filip Jicha’s team continued to put the guests under pressure and for the first time achieved a tie that was hardly possible at 30:21 (56th). Eric Johansson, who excelled with eight goals, ultimately made it to the semi-finals perfect.
In addition to Kiel and Magdeburg, the Danish top club Aalborg BK has already been confirmed as a finalist. FC Barcelona and Paris St. Germain will play for the last place in the tournament in the cathedral city on Thursday evening. Barca won the first leg 30:22.