89 days after the sensational triumph in the Champions League, SC Magdeburg begins its mission to defend its title. We have already had good experiences with the opening opponent in the past. And yet the respect is great.
What SC Magdeburg was in the last Bundesliga season, it is now in the Champions League: the hunted, the team to beat. At the start of the group phase, the Hungarian champions Telekom Veszprem will meet on Thursday (8:45 p.m. in the audio live stream and ticker in the SpiO app) attempt the task.
“What more could you ask for as a handball fan…”
Both teams met in the group stage last season. After a goal-filled draw (35:35) In Hungary, the SCM clearly prevailed in the second leg in front of their home crowd 32:25 through. But that is a thing of the past, as is that Coup in the Final Four in June. “The triumph in Cologne was terrific and historic for us, but that was last season,” said SCM coach Bennet Wiegert. “A new opportunity starts on Thursday. And what more can a handball fan ask for than a home game against a top team like Veszprem at the start?”
Veszprem: New start with new top stars
With the Hungarian record champions (27 titles), an absolute heavyweight is indeed waiting for Magdeburg. Veszprem has already been to the Final Four in Cologne seven times, reaching the final three times. But the trophy never came out. Not even in 2002, when they lost to the SCM in the final, which was then played as a two-legged tie. Now coach Momir Ilic’s team, which was eliminated in the quarter-finals against Magdeburg’s eventual final opponent Kielce in the last Champions League season, is making a new attempt.
Although some big names such as goalkeeper Vladimir Cupara, Rasmus Lauge and Manuel Strlek left the club in the summer, the list of seven newcomers is impressive with names such as the two French Olympic champions Ludovic Fabregas and Hugo Descat. Goalkeeper Rodrigo Corrales is sure: “We will have our chances because our squad is also good. Champions League games are always close, so we need a solid defense.” And up front you have to consistently use your chances, as Nikola Portner “is in top form.”
SCM goalkeeper Nikola Portner has been in strong form since the start of the season.
Portner in outstanding form
Magdeburg’s goalkeeper only provided proof of his outstanding form last Sunday when he scored a huge win against HSV Hamburg (34:24) stood out with 16 saves. His rate of 40 percent of balls saved and the fewest goals conceded after four match days (80) is the top value in the league. Portner played his part in his team’s good start to the season, but he also knows that a completely different caliber awaits with Veszprem on Thursday.
Starting straight away at home against Veszprem is fantastic.
Christian O’Sullivan | SC Magdeburg
“They want a revenge and have an even tougher star ensemble than last year,” said Portner. “It will be a real test for both teams.” Teammate Christian O’Sullivan echoed the excited sounds. “Starting right at the start against Veszprem at home is fantastic. We had two absolutely exciting games against them last season and are looking forward to another top game in the Champions League in front of our fans.”
Gislason believes Magdeburg can do anything
Ideally, the SCM journey should not end until April 2024 at the Final Four in Cologne. National coach Alfred Gislason, 2002 Champions League winner with Magdeburg, is counting on his former club again. “It will of course be extremely difficult for Magdeburg to successfully defend the title, but I have confidence in them,” said the 64-year-old. The team has “even strengthened its squad. And if so Gisli (Kristjansson, editor’s note) If they rejoin the team in the second half of the season, they will most likely make it back to Cologne.”
