The THW Kiel handball players remain on course for a direct entry into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The German record champions drew 36:36 (17:15) with Polish title holders Industria Kielce. With his seventh goal, Niclas Ekberg secured the draw seconds before the end.
The North Germans, for whom Eric Johansson also scored seven goals, continue to lead Group A with 16:6 points. Alex Dujshebaev and Nicolas Tournat were also successful seven times for Kielce.
THW coach Filip Jicha’s team started with concentration. The Kiel team had an accurate backcourt shooter in Harald Reinkind and led by three goals on several occasions. Shortly before the break, captain Domagoj Duvnjak increased the lead to 17:14, but Kielce scored the last goal of the first half.
In the second period, the Poles, with German national goalkeeper Andreas Wolff showing a good performance, equalized again at 21:21 (36th). The THW initially remained stable on defense and repeatedly found the right solutions on offense. Even a 32:34 (57th) and 35:36 in the final minute didn’t upset the Kiel team. Although the North Germans have been waiting for a win in Kielce since March 2011, the draw on Wednesday was still duly celebrated.