The handball players of THW Kiel are not gaining momentum in the Champions League. The next point was lost against Aalborg Handbold: In the home game on Wednesday evening it was only enough for a 36:36 (17:16).
The Danes thus maintain their two-point lead over the German record champions in the table, whose prospects of direct qualification for the quarter-finals are only slim. Almost a week after the bitter 30:38 bankruptcy in Nantes, the Kielers showed themselves to be significantly improved, but still revealed many weaknesses in the defensive. Goalkeeper Niklas Landin in particular could hardly get a hand on the ball against his future club. Tomas Mrkva did a much better job.
Already on Saturday (8.30 p.m.) the Kiel team will continue in the Bundesliga with the home game against TBV Lemgo Lippe, in the Champions League the “Zebras” will next host FC Barcelona. The Catalans, who are still without a loss, will be visiting the fjord on November 24 (6:45 p.m.).
Mrkva brings THW back into play
Less than 30 seconds were played when the THW seemed to have got off to a good start. Aalborg’s Henrik Mollgard Jensen conceded a two-minute penalty and Niclas Ekberg took a penalty. But the Swede, who is otherwise so confident, first failed at guest keeper Simon Gade and then threw wide of the goal on the second try.
THW Kiel – Aalborg Handbold 36:36 (17:16)
Goals Kiel: Johansson 9/2, Bilyk 7, Voigt 5, Reinkind 5, Weinhold 2, Wiencek 2, Ekberg 2/2, Fraatz 2, Duvnjak 1, Överby 1
Goals Aalborg: Hansen 7/6, Palmarsson 6, Nielsen 5, Hoxer 5, Barthold 4, Claar 3, Flodman 3, Sandell 2, Björnsen 1
Punish: 1/3
Viewers: 6,727
And so the “Zebras” then constantly ran after a deficit, which even grew to three goals after a goal by ex-Kieler Aron Palmarsson (10./5:8). While almost every attempt by the Danes ended up in the net, Aalborgs Gade parried numerous free throws from the hosts. Only with Mrkva in goal did THW gain confidence (20./12:12). Shortly before the break, the hosts took the lead for the first time through Nikola Bilyk (28’/16:15).
Kiel with two goals against in the majority
In the second round it was the “close game” that THW coach Filip Jicha had announced in advance. It went back and forth on the plate, only after another penalty from Ekberg and a 3-0 run despite being outnumbered at one point did Aalborg suddenly lead by three goals again (38’/23:20).
Gripping final phase
It took the hosts a long time to close their gaps in defence, but little by little they fought back and took a 30-29 lead with ten minutes from time when Eric Johansson converted a penalty.
Shortly thereafter there were even two goals that put Kiel ahead, but Aalborg used two defensive mistakes again and equalized again (57./32:32). Seconds before the end, Bilyk missed the opportunity to score the winning goal.
This topic in the program:
NDR 2 Sports | 02.11.2022 | 11:03 p.m
