The two first-placed clubs move directly into the quarter-finals and the remaining program of the “Zebras” falls under the category doable. On March 3rd the North Germans will play at HC Zagreb in Croatia, on March 10th they are expecting HC Brest from Belarus in Kiel.
“We still have three finals in the group stage. In this close fight every point counts,” said Kiel’s Croatian captain Domagoj Duvnjak before the game against Montpellier.
Landin in the THW gate strong as an ox
It ran in front of 3,400 fans in the THW Arena from the start with the people from Kiel. The defense was against the French and up front Sander Sagosen led the way with many fine allusions to the circle. Since Harald Reinkind and Steffen Weinhold also scored from behind, the hosts deservedly led 14:9 after a good 20 minutes. The 14-time French champions did not find their way into the game. Also because Niklas Landin was in a good mood in the THW goal.
Kiel’s cover for Montpellier unbreakable
Second half, same picture: Kiel dominated the game, played on a different level than the guests, especially on the defensive. Landin almost always got his hands on the throws of the French and the Schleswig-Holsteiners also consistently used their opportunities in attack. After 42 minutes, the German record champions led with ten goals (27:17) against a helpless Montpellier.
The Kiel team couldn’t take that away in the first home game of 2022. In the end, the 35:26 success was perfectly fine, even at altitude. Weinhold was the most successful thrower with five goals. Reinkind, Patrick Wiencek, Niclas Ekberg and Hendrik Pekeler each scored four goals.