The MT Melsungen defeated the record champions THW Kiel. She keeps her nerve in an open exchange of blows – and in some moments is reminiscent of the best times.
MT Melsungen made a real statement in the handball Bundesliga on Friday evening with a 30:29 win against record champions THW Kiel. It was a heated game in which Melsungen not only demonstrated its old class, but also its long-missing home strength.
In the first few minutes of the game, both teams lacked the necessary shooting efficiency. From MT’s point of view, the long, low-scoring game picked up speed mainly because the team was playing together again with the desired line-up. The goal from captain Timo Kastening to make it 11:10 was typical of this, when the Bartenwetzer let the ball run beautifully over Erik Balenciaga and Dainis Kristopans. At times it was reminiscent of the best times. Aaron Mensing, who had been injured for a long time, was also effective, and Nebojsa Simic, who also returned this year, got into the game better.
Warnings and time penalties on both sides
Shortly before the end of the first half, the Kiel team lost the ball due to carelessness and David Mandic outwitted the THW keeper who was rushing back from a distance – 17:14 at the break! The Kiel team, however, came out of the locker room better and took the lead before Melsungen responded with a 4-0 run and forced the opponent into a timeout in the 45th minute.
The teams dueled in their tried and tested method of 7-on-6 play. Ten minutes before the end, a goal from Kristopans even gave Melsungen the lead with plus five. The game became increasingly heated, with both sides issuing warnings to those responsible on the bench.
Victory near the end
Kiel’s Bence Imre ended up in the front row of spectators after a duel, Melsungen had to defend with twice the number. The result: Kiel came close with a 5-0 run – a tie shortly before the end. But luck at the post with a Kiel seven-meter penalty and Kastening’s strong nerves sealed the home win for Melsungen.
