The SG Flensburg-Handewitt suffered the next setback in the title fight of the Handball Bundesliga with the emotional farewell to the career of old goalkeeper Johannes Bitter.
Flensburg-Handewitt only scored 32:32 (17:15) at HSV Hamburg on Sunday (December 22, 2024) and now has ten minus points.
Fans celebrate Bitter’s farewell
In Hamburg, HSV goalkeeper Bitter said goodbye to the big handball stage with a partial success. In his 657th Bundesliga game, the 42-year-old was allowed one last time between the posts for a seven-meter penalty in the second minute and was celebrated with chants by the 11,650 spectators after the final whistle.
“It was a big journey. What remains forever are the titles you won. But above all is the friendship with the boys and what you achieved together.”said the 2007 world champion, who was fighting back tears and will remain with Hamburg as sports director.
HSG Wetzlar achieved an important victory in the relegation battle. In the home game against VfL Gummersbach, the Hessians won 32:29.
Connection to the top duo
With mandatory victories, Füchse Berlin and THW Kiel (both 24:8 points) kept up with the top duo MT Melsungen (26:4) and TSV Hannover (24:6), who face each other in a direct duel on Monday.
Berlin defeated Frisch Auf Göppingen with 35:23 (16:12), Kiel prevailed against SG BBM Bietigheim with 38:29 (19:18).
Pekeler and Duvnjak extend in Kiel
Former national handball player Hendrik Pekeler and captain Domagoj Duvnjak remain loyal to THW Kiel. As the Kiel team announced, the contract of the pivot Pekeler, which expires at the end of the season, has been extended by one year with an option until June 30, 2027.
Duvnjak signed until June 30, 2026. The Croatian Duvnjak (36) has been playing for THW since 2014, the 33-year-old Pekeler since 2018. Together they became champions, cup winners and Champions League winners.