The semi-final thriller against Barcelona was hard to beat in terms of excitement. Now it is up to SC Magdeburg to collect themselves again against Kielce in order to end up with the really big coup.
With heart and passion, the SC Magdeburg handball players want to triumph for the second time after 2002 in the Champions League. “We have the last 60 minutes of this season ahead of us for a damn big goal. I get goosebumps thinking about it,” said SCM coach Bennet Wiegert before the final in Cologne against Industria Kielce.
We’ll give everything we have.
Bennet Wiegert | DAZN
The 40:39 win After throwing seven meters in the semifinals against defending champions FC Barcelona, Magdeburg’s confidence in the duel with the Polish champions for German national goalkeeper Andreas Wolff has increased. “The boys shouldn’t worry and believe in their chances, because everyone here has them,” said Wiegert.
Goalkeeper Nikola Portner also spread optimism. “I said before the tournament: It just takes courage and faith,” he said. The Swiss knows how to win the premier class, having already achieved this feat in 2018 with Montpellier HB.
Kristjansson seriously injured
However, Magdeburg will have to do without backcourt ace Gisli Kristjansson, who won against Barcelona serious shoulder injury moved in. In terms of sport, the absence of the 23-year-old Icelander means a weakening, but Wiegert also sees it as an opportunity for the team to move even closer together: “We have a damned duty to win for him too.”
Lukas Mertens also relies on the loud support of the fans. “I hope that at least 15,000 of the 20,000 spectators are for us and make the final a home game,” said the international. Mertens is particularly looking forward to the duel with his DHB colleague Wolff. “He teased a little at the national team’s last training session,” said the left winger.
Wolff is also looking forward to it, especially since he and his club lost last year’s final against Barcelona in a penalty throw. However, the 32-year-old’s respect for the German runner-up is at least as great. “I like playing against Magdeburg, even if they are currently the most dangerous team in the world for me. They are very difficult to calculate and have a fantastic team structure,” said Wolff.
ten/dpa
