Magdeburg (dpa) – SC Magdeburg has the final four of the European League on 28./29. May reached.
In the second leg of the quarterfinals against HBC Nantes from France, the Bundesliga handball team secured progress with a score of 30:28 (16:12). Michael Damgaard was the outstanding Magdeburger with twelve goals, Pedro Portela scored the most often for Nantes with five goals. The SCM had already won the first leg 28:25.
The Bundesliga league leaders started concentrated, took away several shots from the guests and was efficient in front of the opposing goal. The early five-goal lead (9:4/12.) forced Nantes to take their first time-out. Now with Mickael Robin in goal, the French prevented the SCM from advancing further (15:10/24.).
Nantes reduced the lead after the restart, but were often left behind defensively – especially against Damgaard. The guests were noticeably missing Aymeric Minne, who had injured himself in a duel in the first half. In addition, coach Alberto Entrerrios was missing after a corona disease. At 24:17 (42 nd ) the encounter seemed practically decided, but Nantes fought back to within a goal, but could no longer avoid elimination.